Focused Discussion on Forced Labor Solution Issues
Fifth Meeting of Korea-Japan Ministerial Level
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the evening of the 18th (local time), Foreign Minister Park Jin met with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa to discuss the forced labor issue.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers met at the Munich Security Conference that day and exchanged views on major issues between Korea and Japan, including the forced labor issue. Minister Park and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi held talks for about 35 minutes from 7:10 p.m. (3:10 a.m. Korean time) that day. This was the fifth ministerial-level meeting between Korea and Japan since May last year.
On the 18th, the Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Munich (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The two ministers evaluated that consultations at various levels between diplomatic authorities have been ongoing to promptly resolve issues and improve relations in accordance with agreements between the leaders. They agreed to continue close communication at all levels of diplomatic authorities to resolve various issues between Korea and Japan based on a relationship of trust.
Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formalized the so-called third-party payment plan as a solution for compensation for forced labor victims, whereby compensation payments are made through the “Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule,” with funding provided by companies from both Korea and Japan.
However, some victims have expressed rejection of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ plan, arguing that it does not guarantee Japan’s responsible apology and the participation of Japanese wartime companies in compensation, which are their demands.
After the meeting, Minister Park told reporters, “We discussed everything we could on the major issues,” and added, “I urged the Japanese side to make a political decision for a sincere response.” He said, “Since we understand each other’s positions, now only political decisions are needed.”
The Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Munich on the 18th (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Furthermore, the two countries strongly condemned North Korea’s launch of a long-range ballistic missile the previous day. They pointed out that it was a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious provocation that escalates tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
The two ministers emphasized that North Korea’s provocation will face a strong and united response from the international community, including the strengthening of security cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and agreed to continue to strengthen close communication and cooperation between Korea and Japan, as well as among Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
They also shared the view on the necessity of continuously strengthening cooperation between Korea and Japan, which share universal values such as democracy and market economy, in responding to various regional and global issues.
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