Two years after the "recruitment" judgment South Korea Japan side will show an acceptable solution?

Two years after the "recruitment" judgment South Korea Japan side Show an acceptable solution? October 30, 4:10

It has been two years since the Supreme Court of South Korea handed down a ruling ordering Japanese companies to compensate for the issue of "recruitment" during the Pacific War.

As the procedure for "monetizing" the assets of Japanese companies in South Korea progresses, the focus is on showing a solution that the Japanese side can accept under the Moon Jae-in administration.

Two years ago, the Supreme Court of South Korea sought damages from Nippon Steel on October 30, claiming that four Koreans were "forced to work in Japan as recruiters during the Pacific War." , Sentenced a ruling ordering payment of 100 million won (more than 9 million yen) per person.

Regarding this, the Japanese government has called for the correction of the state of violation of international law, saying that the issue of "recruitment" has been resolved by the Japan-Korea Claims Agreement of 1965, but the Moon Jae-in administration respects the judicial decision. I haven't lost my posture.

Under these circumstances, President Mun emphasized in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Suga last month that "we will work together to find the best solution that both governments and all parties can accept."

In addition, this month, the ruling party's representative Lee Na-gyung said, "If you have the sincere intentions of both countries, you can solve the problem without waiting for the Olympics next summer." There are voices expecting a breakthrough in the situation.

Cheong Wa Dae says it will make efforts to hold a summit meeting of the three countries of Japan, China and South Korea by the end of the year, and will announce the departure of the Kan administration through a visit to Japan by executives of the Japan-Korea Parliamentary Union scheduled for mid-next month. It seems to be an idea that you want to identify.

As the plaintiffs proceed with the procedure to "cash" the assets of Japanese companies in South Korea, the future focus will be to show a solution that the Japanese side can accept as the Mun administration.

"Cashing" procedure Currently

In a South Korean trial over "recruitment" during the Pacific War, the plaintiffs are in the process of seizing and "monetizing" the defendant's assets in South Korea.

According to the plaintiffs, the seized assets are shares of a joint venture between Nippon Steel and a major Korean steel company.

In June, the Korean court took the procedure of "public notice delivery" to publish the documents on the homepage, and in August, two months later, it considered that the decision ordering the foreclosure had arrived at Nippon Steel.

In addition, the procedure for "public notice delivery" was taken this month, and at midnight on December 9, it was considered that a hearing requesting opinions from Nippon Steel regarding the sale of assets had arrived at Nippon Steel, and "cash". The procedure for "Cashing" will proceed.

However, the Korean media has reported that it will take time for the plaintiffs to "cash" because there are still necessary procedures after December.

On the other hand, in August, Nippon Steel filed an "immediate appeal" to a Korean court regarding the plaintiff's seizure of assets, requesting an injunction.

In a trial over "recruitment," the Supreme Court of South Korea has sentenced Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensation in November.

The plaintiffs in this case are also proceeding with the procedure to seize and "cash" the assets of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in South Korea, and it is considered that the hearing form etc. arrived at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries by "public notice delivery" on the 10th of next month. ..

South Korean expert "It is realistic to seek a plan to suspend cashing"

Regarding the issue of "recruitment" during the Pacific War, Professor Lee Won-duk (Kookmin University) of South Korea's Kookmin University, which specializes in Japan-South Korea relations, said, "This issue is a diplomatic concern that leads to a fundamental conflict between the two countries. The Korean government lacks the recognition. "

He added, "'Monetization' of Japanese companies' assets means that Japan-South Korea relations will cross the line. It is realistic to seek a plan to put this on hold," said President Moon Jae-in. I appealed that it should be done.

He also said that in order for President Mun to make a decision, an atmosphere that is easy for public opinion in South Korea to accept is necessary, and that the Japanese government's stricter export control measures that led to the deterioration of public opinion toward Japan should be withdrawn. I did.

He said that President Mun's term of office will be one year left in May next year, and that the so-called lame duck may progress and the centripetal force may decline. "Now is the time to improve bilateral relations," said the South Korean government. He expressed his hope for the Japan-Korea summit meeting, which coincides with the summit meeting of the three countries of Japan, China and South Korea, which is aiming to be held within the year.