Biden Welcomes "A New Chapter of a New Epoch"
Bloomberg News in the United States reported that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's third-party compensation solution for forced labor during the Japanese occupation has faced fierce criticism from opposition parties such as the Democratic Party of Korea.
The news agency reported on the 6th (local time) that the Democratic Party, which holds an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly, expressed outrage, calling it a "shameful day for the Republic of Korea," and accused President Yoon of conducting humiliating diplomacy toward Japan.
It explained that President Yoon, who comes from a conservative party, has long made clear his intention to rectify the severely strained relations with Japan, which had worsened to the worst level in decades under the previous Moon Jae-in administration. However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as the United States and its allies have sought to strengthen a united front against Russia and China, improving relations with Japan has become even more urgent.
The outlet also pointed out, "Agreements between South Korea and Japan to soothe the anger of the Korean people over Japan's past actions have often failed to take root properly," noting that the 2015 agreement aimed at resolving disputes related to the so-called 'comfort women'?women forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army?was later nullified by the South Korean government.
AP News also assessed that external threats have influenced efforts to restore relations between South Korea and Japan. The agency noted, "As North Korea advanced its nuclear doctrine last year and test-fired a record number of about 70 missiles, anxiety over tensions in South Korea-Japan relations has increased in both countries."
However, forced labor victims who wanted direct compensation and apologies from Japanese wartime companies, along with opposition parties, have criticized the announcement as a "diplomatic surrender," adding, "Such backlash could politically damage President Yoon, who shows relatively low approval ratings amid a deeply divided South Korean society between conservatives and progressives."
AFP News, citing expert analysis, predicted that the significance of this announcement will vary depending on how Japan responds.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the South Korean government's announced third-party compensation solution for forced labor victims as a "groundbreaking new chapter" in South Korea-Japan relations.
In a statement released through the White House on the same day, President Biden said, "Today’s announcement by South Korea and Japan marks a groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership between America’s closest allies," and expressed hope that "if fully realized, this action will help maintain and advance a free and open Indo-Pacific shared vision."
He also praised, "Through the historic joint statement by the two foreign ministers, President Yoon Seok-yeol and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are taking a significant step toward creating a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for the people of South Korea and Japan." He added that "as South Korea and Japan take steps to turn this new agreement into sustained progress, the United States will continue to support the leaders of both countries."
President Biden emphasized, "As we move forward, I look forward to continuously strengthening and advancing the trilateral relationship among South Korea, Japan, and the United States," and stressed, "As today’s announcement reminds us, when we stand united, we are stronger, and the world is safer and more prosperous."
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also issued a separate statement on the day, welcoming "today’s historic announcement by South Korea and Japan concluding discussions on sensitive historical issues." Secretary Blinken said, "South Korea and Japan are America’s most important allies," and added, "We are encouraged by what they have done to improve their bilateral relationship."
He continued, "We commend President Yoon, Prime Minister Kishida, and both governments for their courage and vision," and "We call on the international community to join us in applauding this monumental achievement."
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