Forced labor victims' families win second trial against former Mitsubishi Mining

Families of victims forced into labor by the former Mitsubishi Mining have secured a victory in the appellate court, six years after filing their lawsuit. The Gwangju High Court's Civil Division 2 ordered Mitsubishi Materials to pay compensation, awarding 100 million won to three families and between 11.76 million and 16.66 million won to three others, based on their inheritance.

The legal battle began in January 2020, but Mitsubishi's lack of active participation led to a delayed first trial verdict in August 2024. The appellate court's decision now involves six of the original nine plaintiffs, as three were dismissed in the first trial due to statutes of limitations.

“

Thinking of my late father, I hope we can unite until the end and resolve this pain.

The victims were forced to work in Mitsubishi Mining's mines during the Japanese occupation without pay. One victim, Lee Sang-up, was taken to the Kamiya-da coal mine in Fukuoka Prefecture at age 15 in 1943 and endured grueling labor for 15 hours a day in a mine 1,500 meters underground until August 1945. He escaped and returned to Korea after liberation, later publishing his experiences in a book.

Another victim, Yoon Jae-chan, was also forced to work at a Mitsubishi Mining facility in Fukuoka at age 15 in 1942. Despite being promised monthly deposits, he never received any wages and suffered lifelong pain from his work before returning to Korea. His son expressed hope that they have helped resolve his father's lingering pain, while Lee's son wished for continued unity among the families to address their suffering.

“

I feel like I have resolved my father's lingering pain.