Forced Labor Victims Receive 60 Million Won from Japanese Company Deposit… First Case

A victim of forced labor during the Japanese occupation who won a final victory in the Supreme Court received the deposit money deposited by a Japanese company. This is the first time a forced labor victim has received money from a Japanese company.

On the morning of the 25th of last month, after the Supreme Court ruling on the appeal trial of the compensation lawsuit against the wartime military supplier Fujikoshi for forced labor during Japanese colonial rule, victims Kim Jeong-ju (front row, left), Kim Gye-sun, Lee Ja-sun grandmothers, and their bereaved families are cheering.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The side of Mr. Lee, a forced labor victim of Hitachi Zosen, announced on the morning of the 20th at the Seoul Central District Court that the company had paid out 60 million won deposited as collateral.

Mr. Lee's side received a confirmed Supreme Court ruling last December for 50 million won in damages for forced labor and delayed interest compensation. After subsequent procedures, they secured the money deposited by Hitachi Zosen in the domestic court.

Previously, Hitachi Zosen filed for a suspension of compulsory execution of the compensation in January 2019 and deposited 60 million won with the court as collateral. This is known as the only case where a Japanese forced labor company paid money to a Korean court.

After the Supreme Court's final ruling, Mr. Lee's side proceeded with the procedure to receive the deposit as compensation. On the 23rd of last month, they were recognized by the Seoul Central District Court for seizure collection, and also received a cancellation decision from the Seoul High Court regarding the collateral decision. Subsequently, the collateral cancellation decision document was delivered to Hitachi Zosen, and on this day, the Seoul Central District Court, where the collateral was held, approved the application for payout of the deposit.

Mr. Lee's legal representative said, "This is the first time that money voluntarily paid by a Japanese company has been delivered to a forced labor victim," adding, "It is meaningful in that de facto compensation for some is being made by a Japanese company."

He continued, "Regarding the remaining funds excluding the amount repaid from the deposit, we plan to positively review the proposal suggested by the Forced Labor Victims Support Foundation."