Korean Prime Minister: "Reflecting the recognition that Korea-Japan relations cannot continue as they are, but nothing cannot be done"

Prime Minister Han Deok-su Holds Dinner Meeting on the 21st

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo described the March 16 Korea-Japan summit as “reflecting the recognition that Korea-Japan relations cannot continue as they are, but nothing cannot be done either,” adding, “Now that the ‘sandbags’ have been removed, time is needed to normalize the relationship between the two countries.”

At a dinner meeting with reporters held in Busan on the 21st, when asked how he evaluated the March 16 summit, Prime Minister Han said, “What is clear is that there was consensus that ‘Korea-Japan relations cannot continue like this,’ and the most important thing at this point is to proceed with maximum consultation in the process of normalizing bilateral relations.”

He stated, “Of course, in reviewing this (Korea-Japan relations including solutions to forced labor issues), there is a connected history involving the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement and the 1974 and 2007 special laws that resulted in compensation of 600 billion won,” while emphasizing, “The important thing is the recognition that things cannot continue as they are, but nothing cannot be done, and going forward, the key is removing the ‘sandbags’ blocking Korea-Japan relations and normalizing the process.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The special laws mentioned by Prime Minister Han refer to the ‘Act on Compensation for Private Claims against Japan (1974)’ and the ‘Act on Support for Victims of Forced Mobilization Abroad during and after the Pacific War (2007).’ Earlier, President Yoon mentioned at the Cabinet meeting on the 7th that forced labor victims received 9.2 billion won in compensation under the 1974 special law and 650 billion won in government compensation in 2007.

Regarding criticism that President Yoon Seok-yeol’s statement on labor hour flexibility?“more than 60 hours per week is excessive (Cabinet meeting on the 21st)”?caused policy confusion, it was explained that “the president is gathering various opinions and is considering expanding options.”

He prefaced by saying, “Currently, due to the comprehensive wage system, there are situations where workers do not properly receive benefits under the 52-hour workweek despite working,” and reiterated the purpose of the labor hour flexibility system. He added, “If I were to summarize the labor hour flexibility system in one phrase, it would be ‘work half the time and play half the time,’ or to have sufficient rest and work more when the company is busy.”

Prime Minister Han said, “However, how far this should go is something that emerges as a result of the system, not something decided from the start as a fixed number of hours. In short, it is about how to expand the options regarding the 52-hour workweek.”

Meanwhile, at the government Seoul office’s national affairs ministers’ inspection meeting held on the 23rd, Prime Minister Han urged thorough follow-up measures after the Korea-Japan summit. He said, “The two countries have shown achievements in resuming shuttle diplomacy and lifting export regulations, restarting measures that had been cut off in the security and economic sectors due to past issues,” and added, “I ask all ministries to do their best in follow-up actions through close cooperation systems so that this hard-won restoration of Korea-Japan relations can yield results.”

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