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South Korea Proposes Jointly Managed Fund with Japan to Compensate Forced Labor Victims and Settle Long-standing Conflict

WorldSouth Korea Proposes Jointly Managed Fund with Japan to Compensate Forced Labor Victims and Settle Long-standing Conflict

In a recent development in the ongoing labor conflict between South Korea and Japan, the South Korean government has made an offer to Japan in an effort to settle the long-standing dispute.

The conflict stems from Japan’s use of forced labor during its colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. South Korea has been demanding compensation for the victims of forced labor, which Japan has refused to pay, citing a 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic relations between the two countries and included a lump sum payment in lieu of individual compensation.

The offer made by South Korea involves establishing a fund that will be jointly managed by both countries, and will be used to compensate the victims of forced labor. The fund will be financed by both governments and private companies, and will be overseen by an independent committee comprised of experts from both countries.

“This offer is a significant step towards resolving this issue that has been a thorn in the relationship between our two countries for far too long,” said South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong in a statement.

Japan has yet to respond to the offer, but many experts believe that it could be a breakthrough in the long-standing dispute between the two countries. “This offer is a significant gesture of goodwill by South Korea, and it shows a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve this issue,” said Takashi Terada, a professor of international relations at Doshisha University in Japan.

The labor dispute has had a significant impact on the relationship between South Korea and Japan, and has led to a series of trade restrictions and diplomatic tensions. Both countries have expressed a desire to improve their relations, and the offer made by South Korea could be a positive step towards that goal.

Many victims of forced labor and their families have been waiting for justice for decades, and this offer could be a significant step towards providing them with the compensation they deserve. “We welcome this offer by the South Korean government, and we hope that Japan will respond positively to it,” said Kim Kwan-jin, a representative of a South Korean victims’ group.

The offer made by South Korea is a positive development in the long-standing labor dispute between the two countries, and it remains to be seen how Japan will respond to it. However, many experts believe that this could be a significant step towards resolving the conflict and improving the relationship between the two countries.

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