Aftermath of 'Third-Party Payment'... Opposition Party Faces Crossfire from 'Withdrawal' to 'National Referendum'

Democratic Party's Committee Against Pro-Japan Humiliating Diplomacy "Withdraw Immediately"
Justice Party "President Yoon, Stake Your Position and Hold a National Referendum"

The government's compensation plan based on a 'third-party reimbursement' method for victims forcibly mobilized during the Japanese colonial period is facing strong opposition, mainly from opposition parties. Following the official rejection by the forcibly mobilized victims, the Justice Party pressured President Yoon Seok-yeol to "stake his position and hold a national referendum," while the Democratic Party also urged the immediate withdrawal of the third-party reimbursement plan.

Members of the Democratic Party's Countermeasure Committee on Japan's Humiliating Diplomacy held a press conference at the National Assembly on the morning of the 14th, criticizing, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration's 'third-party reimbursement' solution for forced mobilization is opposed by both victims and the public," calling it "humiliating."

Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

In their statement, they said, "It is unacceptable and intolerable to exempt war crime companies from responsibility while burdening our private companies," and warned, "If the Yoon administration pushes forward with the 'third-party reimbursement' solution that causes victims to shed tears of blood, it will surely face the judgment of history."

The party's Countermeasure Committee on Japan's Humiliating Diplomacy has designated this week, ahead of the Korea-Japan summit scheduled for the 16th, as an 'Intensive Action Week' and plans to focus on blocking the government's humiliating diplomatic policy toward Japan.

First, following the condemnation rally held at Seoul City Hall Plaza on the 11th, they will hold another condemnation rally with civil society this coming weekend. They plan to organize Countermeasure Committees on Japan's Humiliating Diplomacy by city and provincial party branches to conduct nationwide condemnation rallies, including weekend rallies with full mobilization of party members and picket protests.

Alongside this, they will carry out picket protests and signature campaigns during commuting hours at major locations nationwide, hold a condemnation press conference in front of the Yongsan Presidential Office just before the president's visit to Japan, and plan protests in Gwanghwamun during the visit. Online, they will also conduct signature campaigns and various campaigns.

They demanded, "Withdraw the 'third-party reimbursement' forced mobilization solution that denies the Constitution of the Republic of Korea even now," and warned, "If it is forcibly implemented, we will respond using all means and methods guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Korea."

Park Hong-geun, the floor leader, also criticized at the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the same day, saying, "We strongly demand that the government withdraw the humiliating forced mobilization solution without the consent of the victims immediately." He added, "Just three days after the government announced the third-party reimbursement method, the Japanese Foreign Minister officially denied that forced mobilization ever occurred," calling it "a betrayal of President Yoon Seok-yeol, who spoke of a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship."

The Justice Party also called for the immediate abolition of the government's third-party reimbursement solution on the same day, pressuring President Yoon to "stake his presidency and hold a national referendum."

Kang Eun-mi, a Justice Party lawmaker, emphasized in her opening remarks at the Justice Party's general meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "This solution and measure, which could grant impunity for Japan's forced mobilization and colonial rule, must not be unilaterally pushed forward by the president," and stressed, "It is a matter that must be finally decided through a national referendum as stipulated by the Constitution."

She further stated, "If the president's solution is an unavoidable decision for normalizing relations with Japan and he is prepared to take full responsibility, President Yoon should stake his position and hold a national referendum."

Kang pointed out, "This measure not only denies the constitutional spirit of inheriting the March 1st Movement but also undermines the judicial sovereignty of the Republic of Korea, making it a serious issue that could be recorded in history as the 'Second Eulsa Treaty' or the 'Second Korea-Japan Agreement.'" She added, "Victims who directly experienced Japan's forced mobilization and tyranny are still alive, and in a reality where the victims and their families do not consent, it is beyond the president's authority to grant impunity for Japan's war crimes against the will of the majority of the people."

She reiterated, "This is not a matter for the president to decide," and said, "If President Yoon has no intention of staking his position or confidence in holding a national referendum, this humiliating forced mobilization solution opposed by the people must be immediately abolished."