[Exclusive] Return After 85 Years... Remains of Japanese Forced Labor Victims Repatriated to Homeland

Proof of Forced Mobilization for 30 Remains at Japanese Eisei-en
Government to Begin Repatriation After On-Site Inspection Next Month
Repatriation Efforts Accelerate Amid Korea-Japan Relations Improvement
Expectations Rise for Government-Led Repatriation After 13 Years
"Negotiations Remain... Prioritize Caution Over Haste"

Citizens are passing in front of the Forced Laborer Statue installed at Yongsan Station Plaza in Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The remains of Korean victims forcibly conscripted during the Japanese colonial period are expected to return to their homeland after 85 years. With improvements in relations between South Korea and Japan, cooperation from the Japanese side was secured in the previously stalled negotiations for repatriation of the remains.

According to a comprehensive report by Asia Economy on the 12th, the government's project to repatriate the remains of forcibly conscripted Koreans is nearing its final stages. The remains targeted for repatriation are those enshrined in the columbarium of Kokura Church in Japan. The Yeongsaengwon is a facility housing Korean remains, established in 1973 by Pastor Choi Chang-hwa, who was active in promoting the human rights of Koreans in Japan. There were 157 sets of remains, but 72 have been repatriated to their families, leaving 85 remaining.

Yeongsaengwon affiliated with Kokura Church in Fukuoka, Japan. On February 25, Yoon Deok-min, the Korean Ambassador to Japan (right), is inspecting the bone interment facility.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Foundation for the Support of Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule proved the forced mobilization of 30 out of the 85 remains through a survey started last year. This result was made by cross-referencing the foundation's own forced mobilization victim report data with the list provided by the Japanese side. Subsequently, a series of expert meetings were held to discuss key issues and procedures necessary for repatriation. The government plans to dispatch personnel to Kokura Church next month to directly inspect the condition of the remains and discuss procedures with the Japanese side.

Among the remains scheduled for repatriation, contact was established with the families of nine individuals. The government cross-checked the Yeongsaengwon remains with South Korean family resident registration data using its own database. While it was confirmed that most families exist, actual contact was often difficult due to changes in contact information and addresses over nearly a century. The government plans to proceed with repatriation regardless of family confirmation. Remains for which families cannot be found will be temporarily enshrined at Yeongnak Park in Busan, a columbarium for unclaimed remains.

Repatriation Discussions Accelerate Amid Improved Korea-Japan Relations

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is speaking at the joint press conference between South Korea and Japan held on the 7th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The acceleration of repatriation procedure discussions is attributed to the improvement in Korea-Japan relations. Although Kokura Church showed a cooperative attitude toward Korea, repatriation did not materialize during the administration of former President Moon Jae-in due to deteriorated bilateral relations. A government official explained, "Since Japanese cooperation is necessary, it was difficult to proceed when relations between Korea and Japan were poor," adding, "The improvement in Korea-Japan relations positively influenced the repatriation of remains."

This repatriation also marks the first government-led effort in 13 years. The last government-led repatriation involved 423 remains between 2008 and 2010. The starting point was former President Roh Moo-hyun's attempt in 2004 to improve relations with then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, which led to an agreement. Although there have been repatriations at the private level since then, there has been a strong call for the state to take direct and prompt action for active repatriation.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s expression of regret regarding the issue of forced mobilization victims is also expected to positively impact repatriation efforts. At a press conference during his visit to Korea on the 7th, when asked about solutions to the forced labor issue, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I myself am deeply saddened by the fact that many people suffered greatly and painfully under harsh conditions at that time." This is the first time Prime Minister Kishida has used such direct language regarding compensation for forced labor during the Japanese colonial period.

"Approach Carefully Rather Than Rush"

Japanese Coal Mine Forced Labor Victims Korean [Image Source=Yonhap News]

Considering the remains of forced mobilization victims scattered throughout Japan, there is still a long way to go. According to Japanese local media, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s survey found 2,799 Korean conscripted remains enshrined in temple columbaria across Japan. The South Korean government estimates there are 11,010 remains nationwide in Japan, with 6,812 targeted for repatriation. Notably, there have been no cases of repatriation for remains of victims forcibly mobilized by companies rather than the military.

However, the government intends to approach the matter cautiously rather than hastily. A government official hinted, "Since the remains of forced mobilization victims involve diplomatic issues, it is principle that the state repatriates them," adding, "If our government appears to rush the repatriation, it could make the process more difficult, so we have been quietly advancing the efforts."

The forced conscription of Koreans began in 1937 with the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War and the enactment of the National Mobilization Law in 1938. Many Koreans were deceived with promises of good jobs and suffered as a result. After conscription, harsh treatment such as beatings and torture was common, and many did not receive proper wages. According to the Committee for Investigation of Forced Mobilization Victims during the Japanese Occupation and Support for Overseas Forced Mobilization Victims under the Prime Minister’s Office, approximately 7.8 million Koreans were forcibly mobilized as soldiers, military workers, and laborers during the Japanese colonial period.