Nippon Steel: "No Liability for Forced Labor Compensation under the Claims Agreement"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] In the 2018 lawsuit for damages filed by victims of forced labor under Japanese colonial rule, Nippon Steel, which ultimately lost the case, reiterated its claim that it bears no compensation responsibility in lawsuits newly filed by other victims. Their argument is that the fact of forced labor is not clear and that the statute of limitations has expired under the Korea-Japan Claims Agreement.

On the 26th, Nippon Steel’s legal representative argued in the damages lawsuit heard by Judge Park Seyoung of Civil Division 94 at the Seoul Central District Court, stating, "The plaintiffs’ right to claim compensation was extinguished under the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement."

On the same day, the victims’ attorney stated, "This is a claim for damages as forced labor victims, and the legal arguments have already been established by related Supreme Court rulings," and demanded "a total compensation of 200 million KRW."

However, Nippon Steel argued, "The former Nippon Steel, where the plaintiffs worked in the past, and the current Nippon Steel are different legal entities, and identity is not recognized, so compensation responsibility is not inherited." These claims were also made when victims such as the late Yeo Wuntaek filed lawsuits. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court’s Grand Bench confirmed the lower court ruling in October 2018, siding with the victims.

Meanwhile, the victims involved in this lawsuit were forcibly mobilized by Japan in 1941 and 1944 respectively and forced to work at steelworks operated by the former Nippon Steel before returning home after liberation. After the Supreme Court Grand Bench ruling, they filed lawsuits in April 2019 against Nippon Steel, demanding 100 million KRW per person.

The court decided to hold one more hearing considering the time needed for Nippon Steel to submit additional materials and statements. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21.

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