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S Korean court orders Mitsubishi Heavy Industries asset seizure over WWII forced labor

103 Comments
By Jung Yeon-je

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Wow, South Korea just plain steals from a JP company. I can't see this going down well long term. All was sorted in prior reparations agreements.

31 ( +44 / -13 )

If the Korean government allows this to go through then the two countries will essentially be allies in name only.

30 ( +37 / -7 )

This is not a smart move by the SK courts.

30 ( +41 / -11 )

could get messy!

28 ( +31 / -3 )

Korea, doing the bidding of its new master again...

Do you really want the Chinese and the North closer than Japan and the US?

Dont come crying later...

25 ( +34 / -9 )

$132,000 * 5 = $660,000.

That's literally peanuts. Mitsubishi CEO probably makes more than 130K in an hour. Just pay the bill and be done with it. It's strange for an image-obsessed country like Japan to not realize that they can score big time on the international scene if they take the moral high ground, rather than throwing tantrum.

-25 ( +16 / -41 )

IloveCoffee, I think that the case will be resolved with some kind of payment, hopefully sufficient enough to avoid future argues.

-29 ( +9 / -38 )

Given that this involves MHI, this is going to get very ugly very fast.

There is no chance that the Japanese government will allow this to proceed without severe retaliation.

MHI is not some second tier Japanese company. It is as close to a pillar of Japan Inc. as it comes and I guarantee you that Japan will take retaliatory actions if these seizures actually take place.

22 ( +26 / -4 )

Ilovecoffee

Really? I think it’s strange that the Koreans keep ripping up peace agreements as soon as they get angry again. Isn’t that the definition of immaturity?

Japan as a nation has apologized and signed peace accords after the war, and almost every nation on earth has engaged in horrific war at one point.

Nearly 80 years since this was finished and you wanna pick at the scab?

32 ( +41 / -9 )

As a result, Japanese firms are going to be very nervous about investing in Korea. In the long-run, this will be negative for Korea.

36 ( +39 / -3 )

Both Koreans and Japanese are wise enough to get some kind of agreements. This isn't really about money, both SK and Japan are rich countries. Abe should stop acting like a fool, constantly annoying neighbors with his uneducated historical views.

-37 ( +8 / -45 )

$132,000 * 5 = $660,000.

That's literally peanuts. Mitsubishi CEO probably makes more than 130K in an hour. Just pay the bill and be done with it.

But if you pay once, then everybody will come looking for money, and it won't be peanuts anymore will it. That is the problem.

Also, what was the money that Japan did pay years ago to the South Korean gov't? Can the Koreans explain what that was for?

38 ( +43 / -5 )

Why doesn't Shinzo just pop over to Seoul and Beijing, get on his knees and apologise, then produce an official apology through the Diet? All this nonsense would then stop immediately. Otherwise it's just going to go on for ever...

-38 ( +7 / -45 )

There has been apologies, there has been finanical reparations and while I agree sometimes Japan could do a better job of appearing a little more contrite Im not sure Abe, even though I'm not really a fan, can do much to stop this happening again by an apology.

What disturbs me more is the pro-china crew love it.. South Korea and Japan have to work together with other democratic nations to keep the region free and somewhat balanced.

18 ( +23 / -5 )

@ the person

"Korea, doing the bidding of its new master again...

Do you really want the Chinese and the North closer than Japan and the US?

Dont come crying later..."

Not having a go but just interested if I've missed something regarding SK siding with China and not the US?

-12 ( +4 / -16 )

Do you really want the Chinese and the North closer than Japan and the US?

If it brings about peace and stability, sure. If the US can ally itself with Putin's Russia and Saudi Arabia, anything goes.

-6 ( +9 / -15 )

Korean's really have no concept of the phrase 'bigger picture' do they...

As long as they get their cash, they couldn't care less what happens to the world around them. Things are about to get ugly.

26 ( +30 / -4 )

The Japanese and Germans sure do things differently:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnews.go.com/amp/International/wireStory/german-family-give-11m-hearing-extent-nazi-past-61905676

-20 ( +8 / -28 )

Wow, great post Chip Star, you really nailed it.

Germany is Europe's de facto leader while Japan remains friendless and mistrusted in its own backyard.

-18 ( +11 / -29 )

Well, this isn't going to go well.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

FWIW, Mitsubishi contributes to the Korean society in the following ways:

*Charity and voluntary services by the in-company club (Nanuri)  

*Donation for supporting academic research 

*Donation for disaster relief fund 

*"Love" donation box campaign

*Environment protection campaign

http://www.mitsubishielevator.co.kr/front/jsp/company/socialResponsibility_en.jsp

16 ( +23 / -7 )

@thepersoniamnow

First of all, the agreement is not written on stone, it's not a blood deal. They can rip the deal whenever they want. Given the circumstances under which the deal was signed, they have more than enough reasons to invalidate the deal. But also, there is a legal case to be made that the court rullings do not in fact violate the deal. But i've said it before, in my opinion, Korea should scrap the deal all together and demand a new one, that's what i would've done.

Also, no, Japan has not apologized, you have to be intellectually dishonest to think they have. That insincere wordplay you call an apology followed by a visit to Yasukuni or by denial of everything just said is not an apology, and i do not think anyone honestly believe it is. I would not take that as an apology, and honestly it would just make me even more irritated.

Nearly 80 years since this was finished and you wanna pick at the scab?

Nearly 80 years, and Japan continues to deny their war crimes, and whitewash its history.

-26 ( +7 / -33 )

Well...if Japan acted more civil to the people of the countries it invaded this might not even be an issue. Rape, forced labor, and killing for sport...you reap what you sow. I’m on SK’s side here.

-20 ( +8 / -28 )

What Chip Star posted.

-17 ( +6 / -23 )

People shouldn't compare China with South Korea. Seriously, South Korea is weird. China isn't obsessed as much as South Korea about the past. Is the US behind South Korea attitude, rather than China? Anyway, China is the future, this is why Italy joined BRI.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

Also, what was the money that Japan did pay years ago to the South Korean gov't? Can the Koreans explain what that was for?

It says it in the deal. The money Japan gave to Korea was economic aid for destroying their country, NOT compensation for the suffering of the victims. By the way, just to put things in perspective, America gave almost 1 trillion of economic aid to Japan, while Japan gave several millions to Korea.

The real issue is of course not money, but recognition. These rullings are rather a way get some sort of revenge for not recognizing their suffering and keep denying what they did. If you still don't understand that the core issue is the lack of recognition from Japan, then you are not well informed on this issue.

-23 ( +6 / -29 )

It is the company past bosses responsibility. They should be fined, extradited and imprisoned. It is a Meiji era group of companies.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

If this is how S. Korea wants to proceed, by escalating the situation when tensions are already high, than it's time for Japan to answer back with the counter measures already planned.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

@goodluck

M.H.I is the window dressing for the Japanese equivalent of the military industrial complex.

-7 ( +7 / -14 )

Outrageous desision by a crooked court. If Moon does not order this overturned, expect drastic consequence.

PM Abe and Aso-san will be furious at this, and expect penalties such as big taxes (100-200%) on imported Korean goods and a drastic cutback on the number of tourist visas issued to South Koreans. And that is just the START before any major measures are worked out.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

MHI is not Japan. This is something between a company that maligned citizens of another nation. Why should the Japanese government get involved?

-11 ( +6 / -17 )

Domestic Korean politics.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Damn it, SK. Get over it already. They just won't let it go.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

Clearly, the Koreans are bent on finding new and creative ways to infuriate Japan. It's become a sort of national hobby, and they won't stop until a statue of a seated comfort woman, flying the Taegukgi, is erected at the Nijuubashi plaza by the palace in Tokyo.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

Gees! And people complain about North Korea. All Japanese companies should just pull out of South Korea completely and let them wallow in their self-pity.

13 ( +21 / -8 )

Over the years II have heard many Japanese people saying that they hate Koreans.

I have never, ever heard a Korean person say that the hate Japanese.

-9 ( +11 / -20 )

Over the years II have heard many Japanese people saying that they hate Koreans.

To be honest, I don't ever recall hearing any Japanese people tell me that. I do know a couple of ethnic Koreans who have told me about discrimination they have and haven't faced in Japan, but not Japanese people directly expressing that they hate Koreans.

I have never, ever heard a Korean person say that the hate Japanese.

I have on the other hand had at least two Koreans tell me they hate Japanese people.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

I have never, ever heard a Korean person say that the hate Japanese.

Are you sure? I have spoken to many Koreans who may not all hate Japanese 100%, but have an intense dislike of them. It is a fallacy also to say all the Korean tourists in Japan love Japanese. Untrue. They love the nature, temples, shopping, skiing and food etc.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

This is about former slave laborers getting compensation nearly 80 years after the fact. A labor dispute has finally been settled. Get over it.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

To simply say who hate whom is not correct. This is about justice, about attitude, about future. Japan puts the toughest sanction against NK, just because NK fired a missile toward Japan's direction. What if NK colonized Japan for 50 years ?

-15 ( +4 / -19 )

Excellent photograph above. Good work, JT.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

2 trademarks and 6 pattents are cofescated in a country undergoing an IP reform. This is an interesting move, as the platifs get something, but as the law is now and legal history of foreign IP in Korea, Mitsubishi can claim an unfair legal process. Or more likely, ignore the rulling and still collect on royalties and take anyone to court who they think violates their patent. I doubt the activist who won have the same resorces to defend the patents, nor do I think a company wants to buy the patents knowing they will have go against MHI to maintain ownership at the risk of losing a busniess relationship.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

giant can of worms...

4 ( +4 / -0 )

yet a Japanese beauracract, feels it's ok to assault a simple airport staff. Abuse and vocalise his hatred of Koreans .Then compensation for slave labor is ignored, until it goes to court. Again the blame is on the victims, it's Japan's narrative Japan is the victim as always. Why can't other countries understand us....boohoo all we did was make them work on little food and beatings! And now they want money? We worked hard to print it, no way we are going to give it to you. Greedy slaves they should be proud to have been forced to work for Japan.

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

No deal

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Um, the issue is not patents but unpaid wages. This seizure would occur if Mitsubishi refused to, say, pay taxes. To underscore: The is a labor dispute that has been settled in favor of the former slave laborers.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

If the South Korean government has a smidgen of common sense, they will realize that (i) their economy is still at a stage where they need to import foreign capital, and (ii) this is a great way to stop all direct investment from their richest neighbor.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

I afraid diplomacy could well have run its course.

The Government of Japan must except that the present South Korean Government has little or no respect for International law in accordance to treaties, resolutions and declarations, that formally ends hostilities between counties.

The Treaty normalizing diplomatic ties signed on June 22, 1965, has as a detailed and clear resolution and dispute procedure. The South Korean Government has ignored this procedure, shamefully choosing instead to cynically, with deceitful disregard to honouring a committent to obey Treaty law. Belligerent and with malicious intent, escalating antagonism in a already deteriorating relationship.

The Government of Japan must use every available course of action to protect it economic and political interests.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

Good. The Japanese companies absolutely refused to follow court mandates, so they rightfully seized their assets after warning them.

Cricky: "yet a Japanese beauracract, feels it's ok to assault a simple airport staff. Abuse and vocalise his hatred of Koreans .Then compensation for slave labor is ignored, until it goes to court. Again the blame is on the victims, it's Japan's narrative Japan is the victim as always. Why can't other countries understand us....boohoo all we did was make them work on little food and beatings! And now they want money? We worked hard to print it, no way we are going to give it to you. Greedy slaves they should be proud to have been forced to work for Japan."

Exactly! In fact, Mitsubishi Heavies FINALLY apologised to European and other Western POWs for forced labor, but when SK asked for the same they spat on them, saying, "Koreans were at the time considered Japanese nationals, so they cannot technically have been POWs" (no apology, no admittance of forced labor). Now Japan will be truly scared, because the only thing they fear is losing patented technology (some of which they stole anyway, like the blue light diode), since they feel they have superior tech products. All because they would not follow the law.

-16 ( +10 / -26 )

Farmboy: "War is the problem. Peace is better. Work toward peace."

Exactly! By remembering the past -- not ignoring it -- you can work towards not repeating the mistakes of them. Japan denies it, and demands you don't address it. By apologising and offering to make amends, you work towards reconciliation and understanding. Japan denies it, calls it SK propaganda, calls itself the victim, spits on the actual SK victims -- from sex slaves to trafficked labor, can't offer a sincere and official apology, and every day you hear of new politicians tweeting racist remarks and/or physically assaulting Koreans at their place of work. So, yes, Farmboy, these people who have been waiting (and one recently died while waiting) for Japan to work toward peace definitely deserve Japan to start doing so. Well said.

-15 ( +8 / -23 )

could well be to both Governments of japan, and South Korea interests to accept a course of independent binding third party arbitration, stipulated under the 1965 treaty.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Some facts:

Compesation was paid in 1965 settling all disputes which S. Korea signed and accepted $800 million dollars or the equivalent to 6 billion in 2019.

50 apologizes given over the last 60 years not one was sincere enough for the victimhood called S. Korea.

2015 agreement sign to settle Comfort Woman as Final and Irreversible. Apology/compesation combo given, 2 years later they walked away from it.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Just seize a Korean company's assets. Go tit-for-tat.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

Outside of fringe right wing elements and their ilk who regularly put their foot in their mouths, Japanese politicians like Abe have hardly denied the past or 'spit' on the victims of forced labor and sexual slavery. That's the narrative put forth nonstop by the anti-Japan crowd, how ironic since they are the ones to accuse Japan of whitewashing history (pot calling the kettle black).

It has been mentioned many many times that Japan has formally apologized on multiple occasions to the governments of both Koreas, and twice offered formal apologies and compensations to the comfort women (last one in 2015).

And the Japanese government has every right to stand by the normalization treaty of 1965, when it in fact offered to individually compensate the victims of Japan's colonial aggression (the SK government flat out refused, and instead used that money to build South Korea's infrastructure). Why is Japan held to some weird double standard where past treaties and settlements are considered invalid.

Now, personally, I do think Mitsubishi should have done the right thing and compensated these five individuals from a moral standpoint. But it wouldn't do any good. Because people will always nitpick and complain no matter what Japan does. B-b-but, Mitsubishi was forced to compensate, so it's not sincere. Japanese politicians and officials didn't get down on their knees and beg and grovel for forgiveness with tears in their eyes, so it's meaningless. So on and so forth. Get out of here with nonsense about what Japan needs to do to make things better; no matter what Japan does, the anti-Japan crowd will always complain and forever slander the nation.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

【List of war apology statements issued by Japan】

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

It's a never ending "apology and compensation".

8 ( +12 / -4 )

Smithinjapan....ssshhhh. Pride and a sence of entitlement will trump common sence every time in this time capsule. You have to bottom out before you rise. Sadly those that be are in power are dreaming of 1930 not planning for 2030. Remember self destruction is Nobal in these circumstances.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

It's a never ending "apology and compensation".

//List of war apology statements issued by Japan.//

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Now Japan will impose tariffs on Korean goods. Good job Korea.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Samsung should pay Japan

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Why have the Germans been able to squarely face their past but the Japanese have not?

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

@IloveCoffeeToday 09:08 am JST

First of all, the agreement is not written on stone, it's not a blood deal. They can rip the deal whenever they want. Given the circumstances under which the deal was signed, they have more than enough reasons to invalidate the deal.

If you can invalidate deals that are already favorable to you, how can you be expected to keep your word?

Frankly, part of the reason this never gets resolved is very much people like you who condone and justify this kind of contempt for law. If South Korea knows that it would no one cheering for it, that everyone would have their priorities in the right place, somehow I don't think this would have happened. But of course people like you have been encouraging their brattiness and hooliganism because you are sorry for those women.

Really, looking at China and Korea, maybe we should have stuck with the system at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, where you actually have to pass standards of legality to have sovereignty.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

Frankly this is getting into the stupid end of the spectrum... it's almost as nuts as the recent Mexican demand that Spain and the Vatican make apologies for the Conquest of Mexico.

Japan in the 1940s is not the Japan of the 21st century. As far as I'm concerned it's done. Or should I demand compensation from the Germans for my great uncle being forced to work as a POW after Dunkirk?

Apologies have been made, money donated, reparations made... what more do they want from the Japanese? For them to go bankrupt and crawl to SK for help? Certainly sounds like this is what they're after. This isn't about money or compensation... this is revenge, and jealousy. They want to punish Japan, pure and simple.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

If you pay Danegeld they just keep coming back for more.

What ever the rights or wrongs, the legal government of South Korea made a binding treaty with Japan. Finding a questionable way to weasel out of it will not play well on the International stage. Who in future, government or corporate will trust that they will abide by their promises?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Over the years II have heard many Japanese people saying that they hate Koreans.

I’ve come across many don’t likes but not too many hates.

The narcissism of small differences plays a part.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Why doesn't Shinzo just pop over to Seoul and Beijing, get on his knees and apologise, then produce an official apology through the Diet?

He shouldn't have to do that.

The 1965 and 2015 agreements signed between Japan and South Korea should have already settled the matters.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

I seriously don't understand why Koreans think they can justify a winning case here.

Let us just ignore the same-old cliche (Japan never apologized, Japan should follow how German settled, Japan did horrible atrocities but pretending that never happened, we can scrap any treaties any time we want because we are the victims, blablabla) for now, and let us look at the case at hand.

Some still consistently claim that the compensation paid during 1965 agreement doesn't cover "damage" but Koreans should know this is not true. If you look up the news early this month, 1386 Korean plaintiffs sued their own government and their lawyer said that the dialogue of negotiating process for 1965 agreement is disclosed in Korea and it clearly noted Korean gov rejected Japanese gov proposal to compensate directly to individual victims because it was a domestic issue hence Korean gov would manage $3M to negotiate with victims including forced labors domestically.

So given that fact that;

1) Korea and Japan signed an agreement with sum of $8M and giving up $21M worth of assets left behind Korean peninsula to settle all issues in the past,

2) Korean gov spent away $3M for their economic development, Miracle on the Han River, instead of providing them to individual victims;

3) There is an evidence of their negotiation process to prove Japan did try to compensate and apologize directly to individual victims but Korean gov rejected,

what justification do Koreans have to keep believing that Japan still should pay money anyway if it's not coming from irrational hatred against Japan? Please tell us.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

What is this " compensation " people are talking about ? Japan paid US $ 500 million to Park government IN SECRET !! Two parties having a pow wow and exchange some cash under the table makes not for reparations. More so President Park was a former IJA officer, any conflict of interest there may be in the " old boys' club" ?

Mitsubishi ( Mitsui etc), as @ Kobe white Bar says are the face of the Military industrial complex of Japan ( Zaibatsu ) Mitsubishi is known for running the hideous coal mines at Gunkanjima ( Gunkan to-? ) and manufacturers of the Zero fighter among many other ills.

If someone murdered your father/ mother or both.. How much will you want to be paid ? The reality is that there is NO price worthy of that abomination. What Koreans, Chinese etc ( and me !! ) are asking for is a demonstration of atonement ,and in relative terms, the monetary figures are just but a tangible manifestation of that bit, NEVER the whole. It's WAY past material considerations.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Darknuts: "Now Japan will impose tariffs on Korean goods. Good job Korea."

Hey, Korea is only abiding by the law here. It's Japan that refused to obey what the courts mandated. Mitsubishi is to blame for having its assets seized, and no one else. If this results in tit-for-tat tariffs, remember that it's Japan that is only 40% or so self-sufficient. Korea has no such trouble. Japanese fans will still pay an arm and a leg to see K-pop and Korean dramas above the locally produced garbage any day. Japan will suffer far more if they can't rely on outsourcing or import much needed raw materials and food, and will complain bitterly if their exports drop. And how is this going to look going into all the international events Japan wants? with it's politicians saying what they say about Korea and Koreans, and playing the victim? You think Japan's about to stop the influx of tourism?

-12 ( +2 / -14 )

@Cogito Ergo Sum

It's hardly a justification. Whether you or I or anyone in the world dislike or disagree with the treaty signed by both gov more than 50 years ago to establish the basic diplomatic relationship, noone can't change the fact that both parties settled past issues in the exchange of money. That's how war reparation usually settles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_reparations

Your gov decided to deceive your people by choosing to spend for economic development that is the foundation of Korea infrastructure today so you should appreciate it and move on. If you don't like how Korean gov deceived your people, then demand what you legitimately deserve toward your own gov, not against Japan.

As for 2nd paragraph, every Japanese citizens were obligated to serve their duties during the war time under harsh environment especially toward the end of war. Korean/Taiwanese ethics were no exception as most of Koreans born and raised after WW2 are too busy self-portraying themselves as "helpless victims by savage Japanese" and seem to be forgotten they were Japanese back then.

As for 3rd, it simply goes back to my first point, the war reparation usually settles with money. Besides, Korea wasn't even at the state of war during WW2 so Japan wasn't even obligated to pay anything to begin with. Also, stop acting like "you killed my mother and father" victim, Koreans are so blinded by anti-Japan sentiment boosted by the fictional movie like Gunkan Island or Spirits' Homecoming and you obviously can't even tell the difference between what's real and fiction.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

When injuring a person the apologizing person has to make sure the person being apologized to is satisfied. It’s that person or people that have the final say. The South Korea government is not the party being apologized to, its the women who were violated. Government to government does not hit the mark. The women were in essence sidelined. The people directly maligned need to be taken care of. MHI, if guilty, needs to give true comfort to the women they in essence raped. Hiding behind the skirts of Big Brother and not soothing these people will only prolong this problem. Forget governments, they never did much good especially on the international arena. Let’s make peace.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

If Korea feels like this try to imagine what China and South East Asia think.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Johnkmilonas, I can't speak on behalf of South East Asia, but I can tell you that China waived the war compensation and will honor it, unless Japan violates the trust and breaks the promises to be a peaceful neighbor. That is why I said it many times that there will be no wars between Japan and China no matter what, not because some Japanese aren't crazy enough, but because they don't have the capacity to do that. Estimated cost of the war compensation is $1.5 trillions, plus 80 years interest, it could add up to $15 trillions, minimally. There is no country can protect or help Japan to pay for that, diamond or not.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Hey, Korea is only abiding by the law here. It's Japan that refused to obey what the courts mandated. Mitsubishi is to blame for having its assets seized, and no one else. If this results in tit-for-tat tariffs, remember that it's Japan that is only 40% or so self-sufficient. Korea has no such trouble. Japanese fans will still pay an arm and a leg to see K-pop and Korean dramas above the locally produced garbage any day. Japan will suffer far more if they can't rely on outsourcing or import much needed raw materials and food, and will complain bitterly if their exports drop. And how is this going to look going into all the international events Japan wants? with it's politicians saying what they say about Korea and Koreans, and playing the victim? You think Japan's about to stop the influx of tourism?

Hey , How come Japan NEEDS TO OBEY what S.K courts mandated? Huh? Also Try to spend just a bit of time to get to know trade structure between Japan and S.Korea.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

@tictac.

Governments rescinding decisions of earlier administrations is nothing new. Recently Malaysian Prime minister Dr. Mohammed rescinded a Chinese infrastructure project. Trump trashed Obama's nuke treaty with Iran etc. Unequal treaties/ agreements always end that way.

The payments to Korea by Japan was kept secret for 20 years, signed by people( Japanese) who were an authority to the recipient( President Park ) and for 29 yrs was kept secret.

The mother and father is an example, heck !!! Japan did worse ! Raped them, forced them into prostituton and enslaved them, don't tell me about " Koreans were Japanese Subjects " , a gun on my head doesn't make me a willing participant.

Whether Japan pays ¥100 or it's annual GDP to Korea is not relevant, for , in the minds and spirit of Koreans the indignities and trauma can't be materially quantified. Things aren't helped any by idiots abusing Koreans in their own country as per the recent scene. The intrinsic worth of a sincere heartfelt apology and actions are worth a lot more than any amount of monies Koreans will be asking for, for, that is but a symptom of Koreans struggle to come to terms with that past.

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Mistake : For 20 years. Not 29 yes.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

What is this " compensation " people are talking about ? Japan paid US $ 500 million to Park government IN SECRET !! Two parties having a pow wow and exchange some cash under the table makes not for reparations. More so President Park was a former IJA officer, any conflict of interest there may be in the " old boys' club" ?

What the heck do you mean by IN SECRET? by exchange some cash under the table? 1965 Treaty has been there disclosed all the time since 1965.

It's just S.K government has hid the details of dialogue/process to reach the agreement for long time, which Japan has nothing to do with nor to be blamed on . Masao Takagi who was a former IJA officer became a dictator in S.K after War ended, which Japan has nothing to do with either. It's just amazing Korean train of thought could become so messed up.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

@ Tictac.

Your 3rd point, that Korea wasn't even at war in WW2 , is misguided. Korea WAS a Japanese colony . Japan went into China FROM Korean soil. The Grand daddy of Kim Jong Un ( Kim il Sung ) set up training bases in China to train fighters to oust Japan from Korean peninsula and joined forces with Mao to free China and eventually expel Japan from Korea, culmination in the North/ South ( Intra Korean ) war.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

If I were Abe, I would be very careful in dealing with complicated problems. Being foolish doesn't cut it. SK, NK, Japan and China need to come together to resolve history problems, in a complete satisfactory manner. Compromises from all sides are required, for the future generations and prosperity. Not to defend Japan, Japan did something bad, but Japan also did something good. All factors have to be considered. Based on that view, I am optimistic about a solution. Unfortunately, in the past 5 years, Abe did nothing in unifying Northeast Asia, a strategic blunder.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

@ Showchimono.

The Japanese DO have a history of shady deals. This in Korea COULD have been just as good as the Nishihara loans of 1917. The Philippines and Indonesia too are rather quiet. Ever wonder why ?

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

The Japanese and Germans sure do things differently:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/abcnews.go.com/amp/International/wireStory/german-family-give-11m-hearing-extent-nazi-past-61905676

Except for one important detail. These are direct descendants of the people actually responsible for the acts. South Korea is suing Mitsubishi for acts that the current company was in no way responsible for.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

Obviously the deal is not favorable to South Korea.

Morality is what gives a law legitimacy. Laws that people regard as immoral have no value to people.

The deal between SK and Japan was made when South Korea was not a democratic society, but an authoritarian dictatorship. The deal was signed without the concent of the Korean society and people. Obviously Japan was eager to sign the deal and strip itself off of any further responsibility as soon as possible. The Korean dictator at the time was eager to establish diplomatic relations with Japan as soon as possible in order to receive financial support to rebuild their country, something Japan received from America without even asking for it.

Under those circumstances, in the eyes of the Korean people today, the deal has no moral weight, and therefore no legitimacy. It was never concented with them in the first place, nor was it concented with the actual victims of the war. The lack of democratic process makes the deal illegitimate.

But of course people like you have been encouraging their brattiness and hooliganism because you are sorry for those women.

Aren't you? If not, then that speaks more about you than me.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

JohnkmilonasMar. 26  10:28 pm JST

If Korea feels like this try to imagine what China and South East Asia think.

Southeast Asian nations have no problem with Japan. Not only do they recognize that post-WWII Japan is entirely different from Imperial Japan, but for some nations the Japanese invasion of their countries caused or instigated the expulsion of their European Colonial masters. China (PRC) of course maintains a two fold relationship with Japan, one as a developed nation that helped them get off their knees after failed economic policies and became their second biggest trading partner, and two, as a strategic adversary because Japan is committed to a military alliance with the United States and calls for the anti-Japan historical offensive. But even China is not so stupid as to allow WWII related claims to get out of hand, as South Korea has. They have the wisdom not to allow actions that ultimately may hurt themselves. South Korea doesn't. The hypocrisy is that the Southeast Asuian nations as well as China were actually "invaded" by Imperial Japan, whereas Korea was not. And Koreans served in the Imperial Japanese military invading those other Asian nations.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

@talaraedokkoMar. 26 10:01 pm JST

When injuring a person the apologizing person has to make sure the person being apologized to is satisfied. It’s that person or people that have the final say.

You are conflating the tatemae with the honne. The tatemae is indeed something like this, but it is in context of societal norms that puts limits on the damage a victim can inflict.

So here is the honne. Even if he is "sincere", the person apologizing does so with an eye to the souba (相場) of the realistic limit he has to pay. The victim also knows and adheres to the souba, and everyone ends up reasonably happy.

If the victim tries to take more than his societally agreed share, he becomes the one in the wrong, and third parties will apply increasing pressure for him to desist.

Which is why I say apologists are in fact part, perhaps even most of the problem. In failing to execute the point above, they in effect take away the foundations that even allow apologies to work.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

History cannot be changed. Any country that commit human damage must pay. China,& all Asian countries should follow the Korean example. But the amount is too small of money is too small. Destorying human beings and their lives is completely evil.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Any country that commit human damage must pay. 

Well then China better get their checkbook ready too. They can start by paying for the attrocities that they’ve committed on their own citizens. Or by ‘any country’ do you mean ‘only Japan’...

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I think it's time that Japan just ignored the ravings of the SK government. This will never end... it's like someone said above: it's like picking at a scab, ensuring it will never heal and become infected and poisoned... oh wait, that's already the status quo.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

I will from now on refuse to buy anything Korean.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

IloveCoffeeToday  06:53 am JST

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

Obviously the deal is not favorable to South Korea.

Morality is what gives a law legitimacy. Laws that people regard as immoral have no value to people.

The deal between SK and Japan was made when South Korea was not a democratic society, but an authoritarian dictatorship. The deal was signed without the concent of the Korean society and people. 

There you go again!!. One of typical Korean excuse. Entire world would be interested in hearing such kind of silly excuse directly from idiotic judges at SK Supreme Court when they made such silly verdict. Not from you.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

For goodness sake, go on with your life and stop asking for compensation. Shame on you, esp the Korean government

8 ( +8 / -0 )

@Cogito Ergo Sum

Governments rescinding decisions of earlier administrations is nothing new. Recently Malaysian Prime minister Dr. Mohammed rescinded a Chinese infrastructure project. Trump trashed Obama's nuke treaty with Iran etc. Unequal treaties/ agreements always end that way.

Apples and Oranges fallacy. Bring other malicious cases similar to the case at hand, like how Korea betrayed Taiwan after forcibly selling junk cars. Besides, has Korean gov rescinded 1965 treaty? I don't think so. Same goes for CW agreement in 2015.

The payments to Korea by Japan was kept secret for 20 years, signed by people( Japanese) who were an authority to the recipient( President Park ) and for 29 yrs was kept secret.

Again, not Japan's problem. Yours.

The mother and father is an example, heck !!! Japan did worse ! Raped them, forced them into prostituton and enslaved them, don't tell me about " Koreans were Japanese Subjects " , a gun on my head doesn't make me a willing participant.

Believe what you want, you have every right to do so but it doesn't mean it actually happened.

Whether Japan pays ¥100 or it's annual GDP to Korea is not relevant, for , in the minds and spirit of Koreans the indignities and trauma can't be materially quantified. Things aren't helped any by idiots abusing Koreans in their own country as per the recent scene. The intrinsic worth of a sincere heartfelt apology and actions are worth a lot more than any amount of monies Koreans will be asking for, for, that is but a symptom of Koreans struggle to come to terms with that past.

Just go read the dialogue. Japan suggested to apologize and compensate individual victims directly but your gov insisted to manage domestically. Regardless of how you feel about it, that's how the case was settled between Japan and ROK 50+ years ago. If Korean individuals don't like how it was handled, then go complain toward Korean gov.

Your 3rd point, that Korea wasn't even at war in WW2 , is misguided. Korea WAS a Japanese colony . Japan went into China FROM Korean soil. The Grand daddy of Kim Jong Un ( Kim il Sung ) set up training bases in China to train fighters to oust Japan from Korean peninsula and joined forces with Mao to free China and eventually expel Japan from Korea, culmination in the North/ South ( Intra Korean ) war.

No, using the term, "colonization" instead of "annexation" is misguiding to begin with. Koreans are pretending as if entire Korean ethics were enslaved and exploited throughout 35 years of Japanese occupation only because that's what they want to believe so. By just looking at the number of Korean applicants between 1938-1943 to become Japanese soldiers, the fact of matter is Korean ethics were enthused to participate in WW2. https://books.google.co.jp/books?id=-zvDJV3s6tAC&pg=PA115&redir_esc=y&hl=ja#v=onepage&q&f=false

I'll say this again. Korea wasn't at the state of war during WW2, so stop denying the fact.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

"Under those circumstances, in the eyes of the Korean people today, the deal has no moral weight, and therefore no legitimacy. It was never concented with them in the first place, nor was it concented with the actual victims of the war. The lack of democratic process makes the deal illegitimate."

If this opinion of what happened in 1965 is accurate, then logically the South Korean government in 2019 should abrogate the 1965 treaty altogether and break off diplomatic relations with Japan. Better to do that than to allow endless nitpicking by South Korean courts and judges ruling against Mitsubishi & Co.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

IloveCoffeeToday  06:53 am JST

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

Obviously the deal is not favorable to South Korea.

Morality is what gives a law legitimacy. Laws that people regard as immoral have no value to people.

The deal between SK and Japan was made when South Korea was not a democratic society, but an authoritarian dictatorship. The deal was signed without the concent of the Korean society and people. 

High rank political figure like Ye wanyong or the largest political group Iljinhoe pushed for annexation =" They are just 친일파 pro-Japanese traitors, hence 1910 Treaty is null and void!!"

Park Chung-hee concluded 1965 diplomacy normalization treaty and gained 3 times as much of cash as the country's GDP =" We are not democratic country and he was ex-IJA officer!!"

Roh Moo-hyun (with his right-arm man current president Moon) administration examined thoroughly 1965 Treaty and came up with the final result that all the forced labors issues should be taken care of by the ourselves in 2005 = " What? BS!! Has SK president been hiding and deceiving all of us?! No Joke! Scrap the Deal!”

Park Geun-hye administration concluded 2015 comfort women agreement which solved the issue complete, final and nonretroactive = " It's just the government and the victims were not involved, just scrap it all!! "

And I tell you this. You and your ilks are the ones intellectually dishonest.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

@Tictac

Thanks for your observations. Though I disagree with many of your points.

Japan was in Korea many years before the officially C.O.L.O.N.I.Z.I.N.G it between 1910-45.

Japan was the master so it control ALL major facets of Koreas life, including means of production and job placements. So if Japan wanted to ONLY allow conscription for Koreans that would be the ONLY job available for Koreans. But this was also practiced by many colonizers, say, the Brits in India. It put the men ( danger) in controllable regimentation and , in case of a war , who better to die first ?

Talking of WW2,many take the WESTERN FRONT from 1sept'39 to be the beginning. Big mistake. WW2 Began long before in Asia by the , hold your breath.....the Japanese!!

Many Western powers were already at ease in China and Indochina. Japan setout to " Free" Asia and being an Island, they needed a staging/ Launch pad/ Forward base, a place to start clearing Asia of those pesky foreigners. Came the Mukden and Marco polo bridge incident, Nanking ( these before the Western front)and all this time the US aided Chiang kai Shek with equipment and tech . Blew it open by pearl harbor and indochina on 7th DEC ' 41. All this time Korea was ??? I understand that many of us think of 1st sept 1939 as the beginning of WW2 , true , but on the WESTERN front , but it was long preceded in Asia.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

@Tictac...

....and I Love Asians though I'm not Asian. Thought to let you know.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

If some Japanese companies made money - and built their current power - with forced labourers during occupation and WWII I do not believe this has anything to do with public money compensation done in 1965. There were people forced to work for some companies that have not been paid. I do not see anything wrong to claim wage for that.

-11 ( +0 / -11 )

Japan was the master so it control ALL major facets of Koreas life, including means of production and job placements.

So? only 5% of total population, Yang bang owned all those and 95% were slaves anyway. Japan put all lands and other properties ownership and family register in order. BY abolishing long-lasting Korean class system, Japan even provided free lands to ex-tenant farmers. Remember, in those days, farming counts more than 70% of the country's economy.

 So if Japan wanted to ONLY allow conscription for Koreans that would be the ONLY job available for Koreans. 

Why do you want to keep lying like this? Do you genuinely believe Korean GDP and total population increased 2~3 times bigger with only jobs through Japanese conscription?

Talking of WW2,many take the WESTERN FRONT from 1sept'39 to be the beginning. Big mistake. WW2 Began long before in Asia by the , hold your breath.....the Japanese!!

Many Western powers were already at ease in China and Indochina. Japan setout to " Free" Asia and being an Island, they needed a staging/ Launch pad/ Forward base, a place to start clearing Asia of those pesky foreigners. Came the Mukden and Marco polo bridge incident, Nanking ( these before the Western front)and all this time the US aided Chiang kai Shek with equipment and tech . Blew it open by pearl harbor and indochina on 7th DEC ' 41. All this time Korea was ??? I understand that many of us think of 1st sept 1939 as the beginning of WW2 , true , but on the WESTERN front , but it was long preceded in Asia.

So What? It's not WW2 but Japan-China War that started in 1937, Not to mention Japan did not invite US nor Germany into China. Besides, How is your "Japan is all the origin of WW2" related to this topic? Huh?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Open MindedMar. 27  11:30 pm JST

If some Japanese companies made money - and built their current power - with forced labourers during occupation and WWII I do not believe this has anything to do with public money compensation done in 1965. There were people forced to work for some companies that have not been paid. I do not see anything wrong to claim wage for that.

Excuse me. I suggest you to read the top court verdict from page 1.

Unpaid wages are not the issue here.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

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