"Japan's Complete Victory," "Strong Backlash from Korean Public"... Reactions from Japanese Media

Focused Coverage on Compensation Solutions for Forced Labor Victims
"Japan Must Clearly Express Apology," Calls for Action
President Yoon Expresses Determination: "All Responsibility Lies with Me"

Japan also saw intense coverage regarding the solution to the compensation issue for victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period announced by the South Korean government. Some articles highlighted the intense negotiation process between the two countries' leaders in detail, while others claimed it as a victory for Japan. There were also opinions that since the South Korean government took a step forward to resolve historical conflicts, the Japanese government should also provide support, such as normalizing trade relations.

"Regulations must be restored," "Japan's complete victory"... Reactions vary

On the 7th (local time), the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that President Yoon Suk-yeol's willingness to improve Korea-Japan relations was the background of this agreement. According to the media, President Yoon told Taro Aso, Deputy President of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, who visited Korea in November last year, "Even if my approval rating drops to 10%, I will improve Korea-Japan relations." He added, "I believe that early resolution of the issue will also help Korea's future in the mid to long term."

The media emphasized that this solution announcement should lead to a comprehensive improvement in Korea-Japan relations, stating, "It is natural that Japan's export controls (regulations) against Korea should be restored according to the improvement measures shown by Korea."

Foreign Minister Park Jin announced on the 6th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, a plan for the Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Imperialism (hereinafter the Foundation), under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to pay the compensation awarded by the 2018 Supreme Court ruling on behalf of domestic victims of forced labor during Japanese occupation using funds raised by the Foundation. / Photo by Yonhap News

There were also claims that the Korean side made unusually more concessions. According to an Asahi Shimbun report, after the South Korean government's negotiation announcement, a senior member of the Liberal Democratic Party in the House of Councillors evaluated, "It is a complete victory for Japan. We did not concede anything." Jiji Press also reported that the conservative faction within the Liberal Democratic Party, which shows a tough stance toward Korea, positively evaluated this solution, quoting a senior conservative member saying, "Japan's demands were almost met."

Voices also emerged that Japan's cooperation is essential for this negotiation to lead to long-term improvement in bilateral relations. The Tokyo Shimbun editorial on the 7th pointed out, "(There is) strong opposition from plaintiffs and Korean public opinion regarding the compensation lawsuits," and "Without Japan's contribution, it will be difficult to realize (the agreement)."

It continued, "For the improvement of Korea-Japan relations, active cooperation from the Japanese government and defendant companies is essential," emphasizing, "The Japanese government should not forget a humble attitude facing the past and must express its remorse and apology more clearly." Asahi also called for the Japanese government to promptly lift export regulations.

President Yoon states, "All responsibility lies with me"

Meanwhile, domestically, social controversy is growing as victims of forced labor and related organizations oppose the government's announcement. In this regard, President Yoon reportedly stated, "All responsibility lies with me."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held on the 7th at the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

According to a Yonhap News report on the 7th, President Yoon emphasized this during a meeting with aides the previous day, saying, "As president, I bear responsibility for all policies including diplomacy, security, and defense." It appears he expressed his willingness to endure short-term political damage caused by the Korea-Japan agreement and to push forward the normalization of bilateral relations.

In particular, President Yoon is reportedly expecting that domestic companies will also benefit once trade relations with Japan are restored, including the lifting of export regulations and re-inclusion in the whitelist.

When President Yoon attended a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the United Nations General Assembly held in New York in September last year, he reportedly mentioned, "If Korea-Japan relations normalize, exchanges among businesspeople will become active," adding, "It will be a great help to the economies of both countries."

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