Major Trade Unions on March 1st Movement Day: "Crimes During Ilbon Colonial Rule Must Be Apologized"

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] On March 1st, the two major labor unions jointly called for an apology and reflection on Japan's anti-human rights crimes during its colonial rule.

Kim Dongmyeong, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), and Yang Kyungsoo, Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), held a joint press conference in front of Yongsan Station in Seoul, stating, "Our workers cannot help but lament the reality that even on the 102nd anniversary of the March 1st Movement, Japan's apology, reflection, and compensation for its colonial rule have still not been made." They added, "The Moon Jae-in administration began to mention a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship starting in 2019, but this requires careful consideration."

They continued, "The government should no longer distort Korea-Japan relations and must strive to resolve historical issues while the victims of forced labor are still alive."

Lee Nayoung, Director of the Justice and Memory Foundation, said in a solidarity speech, "Japan committed organized and collective crimes but neither apologizes nor compensates the victims, nor even acknowledges them. We hope that both Korea and Japan will become countries that repent past wrongs and take responsibility, and that protect the values of human rights and peace as mutually beneficial partners rather than rulers and subjects."

After the press conference, the chairmen of the two major labor unions paid their respects at the Statue of Forced Laborers located in Yongsan Station Plaza.

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