"Compensation for Forced Labor Victims Should Be Resolved Through Korea-Japan Joint Fund"

Statues of the Peaceful Girl and Forced Laborers located in Bupyeong Park, Incheon. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam

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[Asia Economy Reporter Han Yeju] "The issue of forced labor compensation should be resolved through funds voluntarily donated by the people and companies of both Korea and Japan, with Korea taking the lead. To secure momentum for this, a Korea-Japan summit or intergovernmental agreement is necessary." (June 6, Former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang)

The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) announced on the 6th that it held a seminar titled 'Cooperation Measures for a New Korea-Japan Relationship under the New Government' at the FKI Conference Center.

At the event, former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang mentioned the forced labor issue as stated above and proposed five principles as solutions: ▲victim-centered ▲premised on Japan's reflection and apology ▲victim support led by Korea ▲respect for the Supreme Court ruling ▲voluntary fundraising by the people·and companies of both Korea and Japan.

In particular, regarding the fundraising, he suggested that the fund's resources should come from donations by companies of both countries, including not only those responsible but also other companies voluntarily contributing, and that private donations from the citizens of both countries should be added. Furthermore, he stated that the Korean government should establish a legal basis to contribute to the foundation managing the fund, and that if an intergovernmental agreement is made through a Korea-Japan summit, it would provide the driving force for the enactment of the relevant legislation.

In this regard, a survey conducted by the FKI last August on the impact of pursuing victim compensation through a private-sector fund led by both countries showed that 45.2% of Koreans responded that it would have a positive effect, while 32.5% responded negatively.

FKI Chairman Huh Chang-soo said, "The people of Korea and Japan appear to value the future more than the past," adding, "If the two countries build a future-oriented relationship by inheriting the Korea-Japan Declaration of Kim Dae-jung and Obuchi, which is the bible of Korea-Japan relations, the relationship will recover faster than ever."

Fukushiro Nukaga, member of the Japanese House of Representatives and chairman of the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League, delivered a video congratulatory message, saying, "Korea-Japan relations have been in a difficult situation in recent years," and "Fortunately, with the launch of the new Yoon Suk-yeol administration, it is very welcome that dialogue and exchanges among the governments, parliaments, and economic circles of both countries are becoming active for a future-oriented relationship."

Jin Chang-soo, director of the Japan Research Center at the Sejong Institute, proposed a step-by-step approach to improving relations, stating, "Measures such as lifting Japan's export restrictions on Korea and extending Korea's GSOMIA could be considered to postpone the cash compensation measures for forced labor," and "Ultimately, the issue can be resolved through a special law enacted by consensus between Korea's ruling and opposition parties, institutionalizing judicial measures domestically."

He also pointed out, "Restoring trust between Korea and Japan is a priority, and the conflicts between the two countries should be approached comprehensively from a national perspective without rushing to reach an agreement." He added that for improving bilateral relations, a mid- to long-term and comprehensive approach is necessary, and "for substantial improvement, the Korean presidential office and the Japanese prime minister's office should engage in direct and candid dialogue."

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