Compensation Deposit Received by Forced Labor Victims... Japanese Government and Companies "Deeply Regret"

Regarding the lawsuit for forced mobilization damages during the Japanese colonial period, when the money deposited in the Korean court in 2019 was paid out to the victims, the Japanese government and companies expressed their "extreme regret."

Citizens are passing by the statue of forced laborers installed in Yongsan Station Plaza, Seoul, on the 6th, as the government is about to officially announce a solution for compensation for forced labor victims during the Japanese colonial period. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

On the 20th, Hayashi Yoshimasa, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at a press conference that the payment of the deposit by Hitachi Chosen (Hitachi Chosen) was "based on a ruling that clearly violates Article 2 of the Korea-Japan Claims Agreement" and said, "It is extremely regrettable as it causes unfair disadvantages to Japanese companies."

Regarding whether they protested to Korea through the embassy, he said, "We intend to appropriately convey a stern protest to the Korean government," and added, "It is the government's natural duty to continuously manage various issues between Korea and Japan appropriately and seek close communication with the other party. We will respond appropriately based on our country's (Japan's) consistent position."

Earlier, the victim Mr. Lee from Hitachi Chosen announced that the company requested a suspension of compulsory execution at the Seoul Central District Court this morning and paid out the 60 million won deposit. Last December, the Supreme Court confirmed a ruling for 50 million won in damages and delayed interest compensation for forced mobilization damages, and subsequently, through related procedures, secured the money deposited by Hitachi Chosen in the domestic court. This is the first case of a forced mobilization victim receiving funds from a Japanese company.

However, it is reported that aside from the money deposited by Hitachi Chosen, no other Japanese companies have paid money to Korean courts related to forced mobilization damage lawsuits. The Korean government announced in March last year a 'third-party payment' solution through the Foundation for Forced Mobilization Victims Support, which collects funds from the private sector to pay compensation and other amounts to victims who have received confirmed compensation rulings instead of Japanese companies.