Only Japan's Decision Left in Forced Labor Negotiations... Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Will Conduct Follow-up Talks"

Follow-up Coordination Planned After Munich Ministerial Meeting
Additional Discussions Expected at G20

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 18th, South Korea and Japan held a ministerial-level meeting in Munich regarding the issue of forced labor compensation, and both countries are expected to focus on follow-up coordination between diplomatic authorities.

The key issues are ▲ Japan's sincere apology and reflection, and ▲ participation of wartime companies in the compensation fund. Since the South Korean government has repeatedly urged a 'political decision,' the key question is whether Japan will respond positively.

Im Soo-seok, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 21st, "We are urging Japan to respond sincerely with genuine intentions," and added, "There is also a possibility that the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan will naturally meet during their attendance at the G20." When asked if there might be a surprise announcement related to forced labor before the March 1st Movement Day, he replied, "There were already two diplomatic ministerial meetings last week, so it is difficult to predict the future situation."

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Foreign Minister Park Jin (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Earlier, Foreign Minister Park Jin stated after a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Munich, "Negotiations are in the final stage. Only a political decision is needed."

Currently, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formalized a so-called third-party payment plan as a solution for forced labor compensation, which involves paying compensation through the 'Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Rule,' with funding provided by companies from both South Korea and Japan. However, some victims have expressed rejection of this plan, arguing that it does not guarantee Japan's responsible apology and the participation of Japanese wartime companies in compensation, which are their demands.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues communication with the victims and repeatedly urges the Japanese government for a "sincere response."

The core issue is the level of apology the Japanese government will express and whether wartime companies will participate in compensation. It is highly likely that Japan will reaffirm its previous positions related to the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration and the Murayama Statement, but the victims insist on a "genuine apology" and participation of wartime companies.

However, since the Japanese government has maintained the position that compensation for forced labor was "settled comprehensively" under the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement, if Japan were to formalize an explicit apology and participation of wartime companies in compensation, it could be seen as recognizing individual claims, making it difficult to expect a progressive decision.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to hold a group meeting on the 28th with some of the 15 plaintiffs (14 victims) who will first apply the currently prepared "forced labor solution." Among these 14 victims, 3 are currently alive, and 11 have already passed away. The opinions of both surviving victims and bereaved families will be finally collected during the process of creating a compensation solution.

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