Japan Steel, which is obligated to pay alimony to victims of Japanese colonial rule in accordance with the ruling of the Korean Supreme Court, has repeatedly stated that it has no choice but to continue refusing to comply with the ruling unless the Japanese government approves it.
According to a report by NHK Broadcasting, Nippon Steel said, "We will respond appropriately based on the diplomatic negotiations between the two governments, etc."
Nippon Steel added, "I understand that the issue of compensation for labor victims has been completely and finally resolved in accordance with the Korea-Japan Claims and Economic Cooperation Agreement, which is a formal agreement between countries."
This is interpreted as reaffirming the position that the Japanese government cannot continue to comply with the South Korean Supreme Court's order for compensation if it is not allowed.
Previously, in October 2018, the Korean Supreme Court finalized a judgment of compensation of 100 million won each in a lawsuit filed against Japan Steel by four victims of conscription during the Japanese occupation period.
However, the Japanese government said that the Korean Supreme Court's ruling was contrary to the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement, which included the phrase 'the problem of claims was completely and finally resolved'. I have requested to do it.
Nippon Steel, like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which lost a lawsuit for the same purpose, is ignoring the decision of the Korean Supreme Court in line with the Japanese government's position.
(Photo = Yonhap News)