Forced Labor, Youth Fund Proposal Likely Instead of Japanese Compensation... Painful Negotiations Expected

Government Officially Announces Solution for Forced Labor Compensation on the 6th
Youth Support Fund Contribution Likely Instead of Foundation Compensation
Significant Gap with Victims' Demands... Difficulties Expected

As the government is reportedly set to officially announce a solution to the forced labor compensation issue on the 6th, Kim Sung-han, Director of the National Security Office, stated, "I understand that the economic sectors on both sides are discussing ways to contribute in various fields."

It is interpreted as suggesting indirect participation through the 'Future Youth Fund' (tentative name) established via Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), rather than direct contributions of compensation from Japanese wartime companies. The plan involves jointly establishing the fund with the Federation of Korean Industries, representing the business communities of both countries, to operate youth support funds.

On the 5th, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that as a compensation plan for forced labor, there is also a rising proposal within Keidanren to request financial cooperation from member companies to establish a Korea-Japan cooperation project. Separate from the forced labor compensation issue, this plan involves creating a 'fund' to provide scholarships for Korean international students as indirect support. It is also known that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan is coordinating to express succession of past statements reflecting historical reflection in his apology.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Before departing for a business trip to the United States on the same day, Director Kim told reporters at the airport regarding Korea-Japan negotiations, "If an important measure for Korea-Japan relations is established, there will be an official announcement at an appropriate time." Regarding the strong speculation about the joint fund, he explained, "I understand that the economic sectors on both sides and various fields are discussing ways to contribute concerning what roles the youth future generations can play to open a new era in bilateral relations and what potential can be accumulated."

However, this differs significantly from the victims' demands for a sincere apology from Japan and direct compensation participation by Japanese wartime companies, and considerable difficulties are expected. The 'Future Youth Fund' is not intended for compensation to victims but has a strong character of promoting exchanges between the youth of both countries, such as scholarships for international students, making it unrelated directly to the forced labor issue.

Participants attending the public debate on solutions for forced labor held at the National Assembly on the 12th are holding placards. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

With the victims' families repeatedly emphasizing the necessity of an apology from Japan during a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 28th of last month, the level of a 'heartfelt apology' is also a key issue. If Japan offers only an indirect apology by succeeding past statements, concerns are raised that this will reveal the difference in the weight of historical recognition and escalate conflicts.

The opposition party immediately reacted. The Democratic Party of Korea issued a statement urging, "Withdraw the 'third-party compensation plan without Japanese company participation,' which is marked by humiliation and incompetence, and engage in proper negotiations that can protect our people."

The Democratic Party criticized, "How can a solution to forced labor be possible when the wartime companies that committed crimes violating human rights neither pay compensation nor offer a sincere apology but instead intend to succeed past statements as an 'indirect apology'?" and added, "Instead of the perpetrator country focusing on finding a solution, the victim country has been busy seeking one, yet nothing has been gained from Japan."

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