Controversy Surrounding South Korean Government’s Solution to Forced Labor Issue During Japanese Occupation Period

▲ In January of this year, the “Emergency Declaration” was announced in front of the Korean National Assembly in opposition to the Korean government’s solution to the issue of forced labor during the Japanese occupation period. / News 1

South Korean foreign ministry officials last week visited the homes of forced labor victims Yang Geum-deok and Lee Chun-sik, who have refused to accept reparations in opposition to the South Korean government’s third-party reimbursement solution. rice field. Since I was not able to meet him, I left a note saying, “If you approve, I would like to meet and explain,” and a gift to the security office. Citizens’ groups supporting the victims were outraged. “It’s rude to refuse an interview in advance,” he said. Lee Guk-won of the ‘Japanese Forced Mobilization Citizen’s Association’..

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▲ In January of this year, the “Emergency Declaration” was announced in front of the Korean National Assembly in opposition to the Korean government’s solution to the issue of forced labor during the Japanese occupation period. / News 1

South Korean foreign ministry officials last week visited the homes of forced labor victims Yang Geum-deok and Lee Chun-sik, who have refused to accept reparations in opposition to the South Korean government’s third-party reimbursement solution. rice field. Since I was not able to meet him, I left a note saying, “If you approve, I would like to meet and explain,” and a gift to the security office. Citizens’ groups supporting the victims were outraged. “It’s rude to refuse an interview in advance,” he said. Lee Guk-won, director of the Citizens’ Association for Forced Mobilization under the Japanese Empire, criticized, “Suddenly visiting the home of an elderly victim in broad daylight and knocking on the door is outrageous. It’s insane.”

Chairman Lee, who said at the time, “Don’t be so immature,” recently called and visited the homes of victims of forced labor who received more than 200 million won (approximately 21 million yen) in compensation. It turned out that he asked for 50 million won. He demanded 20% of the compensation as per the agreement he made with the victim 11 years ago. When the bereaved family, who were unaware of the existence of the agreement, objected, he reportedly sent a content-certified mail with the amount down to the 1-won unit. The bereaved family reportedly protested to the civic group, saying, “You were against the government’s solution and insisted that you not accept the money.”

Regarding MOFA’s attempt to meet with victims, Lee said, “It’s common knowledge that representatives, support groups, and family members must be present in matters that require important decision-making.” It means don’t ignore yourself. However, bereaved families are asking why civic groups did not inform their families when they exchanged agreements with victims 11 years ago. A bereaved family said, “It was a complete surprise when we received the original of the agreement. We called an elderly person over the age of 90 and asked him to give us his thumbprint, but the children were completely unaware of it.” .

This organization was involved from the early days of the trial and may have supported the victims in part. However, as they express themselves, how should we understand the fact that the victim is demanding an unwanted visit and demanding “payment” in a “childish and insane” way? There is a reason for the criticism that it is a business that makes use of historical issues. When public opinion deteriorated, the organization took a step back, saying, “It is up to the bereaved family to decide whether or not to follow the wishes of the deceased.

Reporter Kim Eun-Jung

Chosun Ilbo / Chosun Ilbo Japanese version

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