Asahi Shimbun “ Korean government asks Japanese companies to donate the same amount as compensation ” | Joongang Ilbo |

Asahi Shimbun said the South Korean government asked defendants Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to deposit the same amount of compensation as a “donation” to the foundation as a solution to the issue of forced labor compensation during Japanese colonial rule. on 26.

The newspaper quoted several South Korean government officials as saying: “Initially, we considered the idea of ​​the South Korean government taking over the reparations, but we felt there was a high possibility of strong public opposition. “. ‘it is collecting donations and consolidating itself in the direction of assuming the compensation “.

The South Korean side has expressed its opinion to the Japanese side that, if the method of “compensation through foundations” is adopted, Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which currently refuse to compensate, will have to bear a certain burden in order to obtain consent. of the victims, I told you. The newspaper reported that the South Korean government “behind the scenes raised the idea that the two companies would contribute the same amount of compensation in the form of a ‘donation'”.

After several months of discussions, the diplomatic authorities of South Korea and Japan would have agreed that a realistic solution would be for the reparations to be taken over by a separate organization, such as the Foundation for the Victims of Forced Mobilization under the Japanese Empire. In a situation where the Japanese government and companies refuse to implement the ruling, defending their position that the issue of forced labor had already been resolved in the Japan-Korea Complaints Agreement of 1965, third party compensation is l only way to go. decision.

However, they have yet to find a consensus on who and how to contribute to the repair payment fund. The South Korean government considers it necessary for the Japanese companies that have participated in the cause to participate in the fund and apologize for persuading the victims. On the other hand, the Japanese government is reacting negatively, arguing that if Japanese companies participated in the fund, they would de facto fulfill the ruling.

These issues are assumed to have been discussed during the meeting between First Deputy Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong and Deputy Foreign Minister Takeryo Mori the previous day. However, a Foreign Ministry official present at the talks refrained from saying: “The discussions were not limited to a plan.” However, he added: “We have faithfully conveyed to Japan what was discussed in the public-private council and the views of the victims”, and added: “We have emphasized the need for a sincere response from Japan.”

The newspaper said: “The Yoon administration is showing a willingness to improve Japan-South Korea relations despite its low approval rating.” I have high hopes for the first summit of a series of international conferences, including summit meetings. “

President Yoon and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida could hold formal talks at multilateral meetings such as the ASEAN Summit, the Group of 20 (G20) Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held next month . he is rushing to find a structure for a solution.

But the situation is not easy. The Kishida administration, whose approval ratings are falling, could be criticized by conservatives within the LDP if it decides to allow Japanese companies to participate in the fund at the request of South Korea. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose foundations within the party are not solid, will be forced to make a difficult decision. “