South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin (Park Jin) met with the plaintiffs of the lawsuit on the issue of "recruitment" during the Pacific War, explained the proposal that the South Korean government is considering as a solution, and asked for their understanding. rice field.
After the meeting, Foreign Minister Park emphasized his intention to compile a solution to this problem as soon as possible.
The meeting was held privately in the city of Seoul, and in the trial over "recruitment", the plaintiff ordered compensation by the Supreme Court of South Korea, his family, and the plaintiff who is still in the trial. About 40 people attended.
During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, Foreign Minister Park Jin said that instead of the Japanese company ordered by the Supreme Court to pay compensation, an existing foundation under the South Korean government would pay the plaintiff. After explaining the current situation of continuing discussions with the Japanese side and asking for their understanding, we heard the opinions of the plaintiffs.
Afterwards, Foreign Minister Park told reporters, "I humbly listened to their opinions and it pained me to hear about their hardships. I also deeply sympathize with your words that you want to put an end to this issue."
In addition, he emphasized that the Korean government intends to compile a solution to this problem as soon as possible.
On the other hand, a lawyer representing the plaintiff said, ``The positions of the attendees varied, with some positively evaluating the government's proposal and others criticizing it.'' .
Opposition and acceptance of the South Korean government proposal
Regarding the issue of "recruitment," some plaintiffs in the lawsuit oppose the proposal that the South Korean government is considering as a solution, while others want to accept the government's proposal and try to solve the problem as soon as possible. It has come out.
As a solution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea is continuing discussions with the Japanese side, centering on the idea that an existing foundation under the government of South Korea will pay the plaintiffs on behalf of the Japanese company ordered by the court to pay compensation. increase.
Regarding this, some of the plaintiffs and their attorneys are strengthening their opposition, saying that it is necessary for Japanese companies to apologize and compensate.
Yang Geumdeok, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said at a press conference held on February 16, "I want to receive an apology from Japan before I die," and said that the foundation's payment would not be accepted. showed an idea.
On the other hand, there are those who are sympathetic to the government's plan.
Lee Gyu-mae, who lives in Suwon, near Seoul, has been involved in the case since the death of his father, who was one of 14 successful plaintiffs in the Supreme Court, more than a decade ago.
In an interview with NHK, Mr. Lee said, "From the beginning, Japanese companies have said that they will not pay compensation, so it can't be helped. It doesn't matter who pays."
After that, he confided his feelings, "I hope that the problem will be resolved as soon as possible in any form, and that Japan-Korea relations will improve. And I want to live peacefully without being involved in such a thing." rice field.
In addition, Park Jae-hoon, who lives in Pyeongtaek in central South Korea, who lost his father, who was another plaintiff, and has been participating in the trial since then, said, "I want to receive an apology from the Japanese side, but it doesn't go as planned. The trial in Japan I've been involved in the trial for 20 years, including , and I'm getting old and exhausted.