Japanese Foreign Minister Reiterates "No Cashing Out of Japanese Corporate Assets Regardless of South Korean General Election Results"

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 14th, a day before the 21st National Assembly election, the Japanese government expressed its opposition to the cashing in of seized Japanese corporate assets regardless of South Korea's political situation. This reiterated their previous stance amid the seizure of domestic assets of wartime companies following South Korea's judiciary ruling on compensation for forced labor by Japan.

Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Foreign Minister, at a press conference held that day, was asked about the possibility of cashing in Japanese corporate assets after the South Korean general election. He reportedly said, "Regardless of the election results, if the cashing in of these seized assets (meaning the forced sale of Japanese companies' assets in South Korea) proceeds, the problem will become more serious."

He added, "We are strongly urging the South Korean government and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha to ensure that such a thing does not happen."

Foreign Minister Motegi also reiterated Japan's existing claim that the seizure, auction, and other compulsory execution measures based on South Korea's Supreme Court ruling violate international law.

Meanwhile, Japan's public broadcaster NHK forecasted that this South Korean general election would affect Korea-Japan relations, conveying the view of Professor Nishino Junya of Keio University, who said, "If the ruling party wins, the number of lawmakers with strict opinions toward Japan will increase, making Japan policy likely to become more stringent."

Professor Nishino was also reported to have mentioned, "If the ruling party loses, the conservative opposition party demanding improvement in Japan policy will gain strength, softening the strict public opinion toward Japan and potentially creating dynamics for improving Korea-Japan relations."

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