Government Reviews Formation of 'Public-Private Joint Committee on Forced Mobilization' to Improve Korea-Japan Relations (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The government is reportedly considering forming a 'public-private joint committee' as one of the measures to improve Korea-Japan relations, specifically to address the issue of compensation for victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period.

According to diplomatic circles on the 21st, the government is actively listening to opinions from experts and the private sector to devise a solution that the public and victims can accept.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The impending liquidation (sale) of domestic assets of Japanese war crime companies, which could significantly impact Korea-Japan relations, is also seen as a background factor.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Korean court's asset sale order issued last April, and the case is currently pending. If Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' appeal is dismissed by the Supreme Court, procedures for the sale will proceed.

The government feels an increasing need to quickly seek alternatives before the liquidation situation occurs.

Regarding this, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam did not give a direct answer to questions about forming a public-private joint committee during a regular briefing that day, but stated, "The government is making efforts to resolve this issue, including listening to the opinions of related parties and various sectors," and added, "In this process, we intend to seek a reasonable solution that aligns with the mutual interests of both Korea and Japan."

Spokesperson Choi said, "Specific measures for gathering opinions are currently under review," and "If possible in the future, we will inform you at an appropriate time."

However, some voices criticize the situation where Japan shows no change or movement regarding forced labor, while only Korea appears to be rushing to resolve the forced labor issue.

Originally, Foreign Minister Park Jin's planned visit to Japan, which was to be reviewed within this month, has been postponed until after the Japanese House of Councillors election on the 10th of next month.

Minister Park and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa are likely to meet for talks on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Bali, Indonesia, on the 7th and 8th of next month. If the meeting takes place, the forced labor issue is expected to be a key agenda item.

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