◀ Anchor ▶
There is growing opposition to the government’s proposal, which made it official that compensation for victims of forced labor under Japanese colonial rule would first be settled with money from Korean companies.
Groups supporting victims of forced labor have recently held rallies and are voicing strong opposition to the government’s solution.
Contact the meeting site.
Reporter Seo Hye-yeon, it’s not good weather to collect, but what kind of talk is coming out of the rally today?
◀ Reporter ▶
Yes, dozens of citizens gathered to raise their voice against the government’s compensation plan, even though it was still raining lightly.
Citizens held a rally with placards and candles saying, “Repeal the forced labor solution for Japan” and “Condemn the disgraceful diplomacy disaster of the Yoon Seok-yeol government.”
Watching a video about public forum content yesterday, I was all angry.
After attending yesterday’s debate, I will first listen to the demands of the victim civic groups that came out at today’s rally.
[김영환/민족문제연구소 대외협력실장]
“(The victim) asks the South Korean government to stand up proudly to the Japanese government and make diplomatic efforts so that we can apologize, compensate, and implement this judgment.”
Citizens demanded the withdrawal of the government’s plan, saying it was shameful to compensate Korean companies and not an apology from Japanese companies for war crimes.
In addition, the government’s plan is a way to neutralize the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, and it is said that it will fight with the victims until Japan receives an apology and real compensation.
The victim’s side also offered a position that they can sue, saying that the government’s compensation scheme is legally flawed.
In order for Korean companies to receive compensation from Japanese companies, legally, Japanese companies need to first acknowledge that they are responsible for compensation, but the Japanese side does not acknowledge it.
◀ Anchor ▶
I heard that the foreign ministers of Korea and Japan had a phone call today, but yesterday they had an open debate, and today they had a phone call with the Japanese foreign minister.
Do you think the timing is too fast?
◀ Reporter ▶
Yes, the phone call was made the day after the forum,
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said foreign ministers from Korea and Japan are exchanging views on pending issues between Korea and Japan, including the forced labor issue.
It didn’t take long because the Japanese Foreign Minister, Hayashi, was on a business trip.
Although there were no detailed discussions on the government plan released yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they had decided to communicate closely in the future.
We are currently preparing for a Korea-Japan director level meeting, but it seems that it could be held before the Lunar New Year holiday at the earliest.
Diplomatic negotiations are proceeding extremely quickly, in line with what President Seok-Yeol Yoon has revealed that he will improve Korea-Japan relations as soon as possible.
Japanese media also reported that once the forced labor issue is resolved, Japan will invite President Yoon to the G7 meeting to be held in Hiroshima in May.
Victims are urging that we should have a discussion again, saying that we have urgently found a solution to improve Korea-Japan relations.
This is MBC News Seo Hye-yeon from Gwanghwamun.
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