Yoon Deok-min, the South Korean ambassador to Japan, emphasized that Japan should take appropriate measures regarding compensation for victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period.
In an interview reported by the Tokyo Shimbun on the 7th, Ambassador Yoon referred to the South Korean government's announcement of a solution for forced labor compensation and Japan's subsequent response, stating, "Japan needs to show an attitude of taking another step forward."
He also said, "What the victims want is not money but sincere healing," adding, "Japan has a culture of 'letting things flow away with water,' but Korea is different."
Furthermore, Ambassador Yoon conveyed a message expressing hope that Japanese companies would donate to a South Korean government-affiliated foundation that will pay the court-ordered compensation to the forced labor victims on behalf of the Japanese defendant companies, saying, "I hope Japan considers how the Korean people will perceive (Japan's response)."
Regarding the increasing geopolitical risks in Northeast Asia, Ambassador Yoon said, "It is not good for South Korea and Japan, who share the value of liberal democracy, to be in conflict over historical issues," and added, "In the China-Taiwan relationship as well, it is in our interest to ensure that unilateral force does not threaten peace and stability."
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