Ⓒ JoongAng Ilbo / JoongAng Ilbo Japanese version2022.06.28 08:33
The South Korean government focuses on subrogation repayment as a solution to the problem of forced recruitment during the Japanese Empire’s occupation, because it can secure its name and profits and can negotiate with Japan.
First of all, despite the decision of the Daiho-in Temple (Supreme Court) in 2018, there is a symbolic name that Japanese companies do not compensate and realize the delayed justice of the judiciary under the initiative of the government. In response to this, if the monetization procedure for domestic assets of Japanese companies is suspended, diplomatic benefits of improving Korea-Japan relations can be obtained.
However, the premise here is the consent of the victims of forced recruitment and the bereaved families. In the future, even if a device for claiming reimbursement rights is prepared, it may raise the question of why the Korean government will settle the compensation that Japanese companies should pay from the victim’s point of view.
As a result of actually asking the victim’s opinion, the opinion was divided from the side that it is meaningless unless it is the compensation of the Japanese company based on the judgment of the court, to the side that wants to receive compensation as soon as possible regardless of the method. .. Communicate the voice of the victim who filed a lawsuit for damages against a Japanese war criminal company.
“I want to get compensation before I die”
Shin Young-hyun (96) suffered forced labor at a coal mine and airfield construction site in Japan for about three years from 1943. Seventy years later, in 2016, he filed a lawsuit for damages against forced labor with another victim of forced recruitment and 99 of his bereaved families. Mr. Shin said, “I am disappointed that I worked without being treated as a human being regardless of my intention, and I must receive compensation.”
However, he is in a position to accept the subrogation payment if the Korean government takes the initiative. Shin said, “I’m tired and I’m old enough to die at any time. I don’t know if this proceeding will end before I die.” But if I can finish it in any form, I want to end this battle. “
In addition, Mr. Shin said, “If the Korean government makes efforts, whether it is subrogation payment or support money, the pain and regret of many victims will be alleviated a little.” Sometimes I hope the problem will be solved. “
At the same time, Mr. Shin emphasized that in addition to compensation, the South Korean government should make efforts so that Japan can reflect on the compulsory recruitment. “Japan, which does not pay compensation, will not apologize to us now, but at the end, if the Korean government persuades Japan to comfort the victims, there will be no regrets.” ..
“The substitute payment will become a’way of reconciliation'”
Park Nam-soon, the father of Park Sang-bok (77), was exposed to the atomic bomb dropped by the United States in 1945 while he was forced to work at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries munitions factory in Hiroshima. He returned to his hometown after several years of forced labor, but suffered aftereffects throughout his life. Park said, “I’m angry when I think of Japan, which doesn’t even say apologize for the issue of forced recruitment, which is a historically obvious war crime, but the situation is that the Korean government is turning its back on the victims. It’s frustrating. “
In July 2013, Park filed a proceeding against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for damages, won the first and second trials, and is waiting for the final decision of the Daiho-in Temple. A total of 14 people, including Mr. Park, participated in the proceedings, but the legal dispute was prolonged and all the victims who initially participated in the proceedings died. Park said, “While the victim and the bereaved family gathered various documents and filed a proceeding, the Korean government turned its back on responsibility and did not take any action.”
“If the government prepares a solution by subrogation, it would be welcome,” Park said. However, he said, “If the Korean government takes the initiative in receiving the money, there may be requirements such as not demanding an apology from Japan or withdrawing the proceedings.” If so, I can’t accept it. “
“It is not the end but the beginning of the Korean government’s willingness to indemnify the victims and their bereaved families. It depends on the specific content of the compensation and the attitude of Japan. “
“Pay money and finish? Become a sinner of history”
Lee Chul-gwon, the bereaved family of the victims of forced recruitment, said, “In reality, many victims of forced recruitment and their bereaved families are calling out with the greatest goal of receiving compensation.” It is a scratch that cannot be wiped off, and it is not a problem that can be simply converted into money. “
He continued, “I understand the government’s idea to improve Korea-Japan relations, but I don’t understand why South Korea, which was the victim of forced recruitment, should be concerned about the reaction of Japan, the war criminal country.” If we are going to make compensation instead and give a Japanese company an indulgence, we will stop it until the end. “
Mr. Lee said, “The pain of forced recruitment and Japan’s shameful response to this should be recorded historically.” I don’t want to receive the money. ” He continued, “First, we need an emotional approach to cure the pain of the victim and the bereaved family, and historically record the facts of forced recruitment damage and the solutions to it, which our children and grandchildren can remember. I have to do it. “
Mr. Lee said, “If you want to pay compensation to the victims with a plan prepared by the Korean government instead of a Japanese company, you need to install a device that can later claim the right to reimburse the Japanese war criminal company.” If you do not claim the right to reimburse a Japanese company while saying that you will pay compensation instead, this does not mean that you are trying to solve the compulsory recruitment problem, but that you just end up lying down. ”
