Government "Compensation for Forced Labor through Third Party"... Victims' Side 'Opposition'

Mention of 'Ilje Gangje Dongwon Pihaeja Jiwon Jaedan' as the Paying Entity
Victims' Side States Additional Opinion Gathering Is Necessary

[Asia Economy reporters Kum Boryeong and Kim Youngwon] A concrete plan to compensate victims of forced labor during Japanese colonial rule through a 'third party paying the victims' has been presented. The 'Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Colonial Rule' has emerged as the likely payment entity.

On the 12th, Seo Minjung, Director of the Asia-Pacific Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a public forum jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jeong Jinseok, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, "After repeated reviews, the core issue seems to be not which legal principle to adopt, but that victims can receive the judgment money through a third party first." This forum was effectively the last public opinion gathering before the government’s announcement of a solution. Seo’s remarks are expected to be included in the government proposal.

On the 12th, a public forum to discuss solutions for forced labor was held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

"Government will visit victims and bereaved families to ask for their intention to receive and obtain consent"

Seo explained, "From a purely legal perspective, viewing this as a civil case involving the fulfillment of claims and debts, we examined that this judgment money is a legal claim that can be paid by a third party instead of the defendant Japanese companies," adding, "In other words, there is no problem with victims receiving the judgment money from a third party."

She continued, "Given that more than four years have passed without progress since the Supreme Court ruling, the intention is to find a practical solution from a legal standpoint," emphasizing, "The government will definitely visit the plaintiffs, the victims and their bereaved families, directly to ask their intention to receive and to obtain their consent."

The Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Colonial Rule was mentioned as the payment scope and entity. Seo said, "If the plaintiffs receive the judgment money from a third party, regarding the payment entity, the existing Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Colonial Rule is aimed at supporting forced labor victims, and opinions have converged that it is a desirable entity as it saves costs, procedures, and time that would be required to establish a new foundation or fund."

Seo also stated, "The government believes that resolving this confirmed judgment issue cannot be the solution to the entire forced labor problem. Even if victims receive the judgment money through the foundation, it is disrespectful to say that someone other than the actual parties has monetarily substituted the cause," adding, "However, no solution will likely fully satisfy the victims. Therefore, strengthening areas such as remembrance and memorial, research, and education for future generations, which have been important goals in our efforts so far, is expected to help and provide some answers."

Shim Gyuseon, Chairman of the Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Colonial Rule, raised his voice demanding "the enactment of a special law." This is because payment of judgment money through the foundation can only be prioritized for the 15 victims with confirmed judgments. Chairman Shim said, "The only comprehensive way to resolve the victims’ issues is the enactment of a special law."

Victims’ side: "A frame that distorts the essence"

Victim representatives attending the forum clearly opposed the government plan. Lawyer Lim Jaesung of the law firm Haemaru said, "This is a distorted frame that misleads the essence," and criticized, "Please check how Japan has responded sincerely so far when Japan bears no burden."

Lim added, "I came to point out the problems of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ plan in a public setting and to emphasize that more procedures need to be carried out," and said, "The minister said this is the final procedure, but there should be at least one or two more such occasions."

Participants attending the public debate on solutions for forced labor held at the National Assembly on the 12th are holding placards. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Jeong, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman who hosted the forum, also serves as the chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League. Jeong said, "Today’s forum is a place to resolve the deep sorrow in the hearts of the victim grandmothers and grandfathers. We do not want a solution that glosses over past history with a 'let’s just get along' attitude," adding, "Our government has been maintaining close consultations between Korean and Japanese diplomatic authorities to resolve this issue."

Jeong further stated, "We must face the past and move forward for the Korea-Japan future," and added, "Our diplomatic goal is to revive the spirit of the 'Korea-Japan Partnership' declared in 1998 when Kim Daejung and Obuchi shook hands, restoring bilateral relations to their best period, which we believe aligns with our national interest."

Some groups, including the Citizens’ Association for Forced Mobilization under Japanese Colonial Rule and the legal representatives for the Mitsubishi Forced Labor Women’s Lawsuit, boycotted the forum, leading to criticism that it was a 'half-hearted' event. They protested that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide the forum’s presentation materials in advance, citing security reasons. When Chairman Jeong left the forum, a civic group shouted, "How can you hold such a disastrous forum?" and "Apologize to the victims." They held placards reading "Withdraw the humiliating forced labor solution" and "Condemn the pro-Japanese bureaucrats and pro-Japanese forced labor solution."

Meanwhile, the forced labor solution is expected to be discussed during a three-day visit to Japan by members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League starting that day. Ten ruling and opposition lawmakers, including Chairman Jeong, departed that afternoon to meet Japanese political and governmental leaders such as Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu and former Prime Minister Aso Taro. Jeong said, "I will meet responsible leaders in the Japanese government and political circles to clearly convey our intentions," and added, "I believe today’s forum will be a meaningful step toward finding a solution to the forced labor issue."