Korea and Japan Meet Face-to-Face After 3 Months Over Forced Labor and Export Controls, Reaffirming Principles Only

Since November Last Year, Director-Level Talks on Quantum Issues Held Without Progress
Korean Side "Reiterates Our Position on Forced Labor, Urges Swift Withdrawal of Export Controls"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The diplomatic authorities of South Korea and Japan held director-general level talks on bilateral issues such as the forced labor compensation ruling and Japan's export control measures but concluded without significant progress.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 6th, Kim Jeong-han, Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a Korea-Japan director-general level consultation in Seoul from 3 p.m. for two and a half hours with Takizaki Shigeki, Director-General of the Asia and Oceania Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, exchanging views on mutual interests. This diplomatic director-general level consultation was the first in three months since November 15 last year, one week before the termination of the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). They also met once in December, but the main agenda was preparation for the foreign ministers' meeting.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Director-General Kim Jeong-han reiterated South Korea's position regarding forced labor and urged the prompt withdrawal of Japan's export control measures," adding, "Director-General Takizaki mentioned Japan's position on these issues."

There were expectations that both sides would proceed with consultations on a progressive plan regarding compensation for victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period through this consultation, but it appears to have ended with only a reaffirmation of principles. The South Korean government has insisted on complying with the Supreme Court's forced labor compensation ruling from October 2018 and has demanded the withdrawal of unilateral export control measures. Japan has maintained its stance that the Supreme Court's ruling violates international law based on the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said at a press conference in the morning, "There was dialogue between export authorities, but it is not a return to before July 1 last year as we hoped," and added, "We will continue consultations while reaffirming basic principles." Furthermore, it is known that the so-called '1+1+α Moon Hee-sang Plan,' which involves establishing a foundation funded voluntarily by Korean and Japanese companies and citizens to pay consolation money to victims, was not discussed at the director-general level talks.

Meanwhile, both sides agreed to closely cooperate to ensure smooth sharing of information related to the response to the novel coronavirus. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Director-General Kim requested the Japanese government to pay special attention to protecting Koreans in Japan and preventing damage," and added, "Both directors-general agreed on the importance of continuing communication and consultations between diplomatic authorities to resolve issues between the two countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.