Lee vows to reclaim assets of pro-Japanese collaborators, hold them accountable

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has pledged to pursue and reclaim assets amassed by individuals who collaborated with Japanese colonial rule, emphasizing accountability for historical actions. Speaking on the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day, Lee invoked the "Pro-Japanese Property Confiscation Act," which was enacted in June, to underscore his commitment.

"We will investigate and reclaim the ill-gotten assets of pro-Japanese, anti-national collaborators and hold them firmly accountable to history," Lee declared in his celebratory address on August 15. The president highlighted that the recovered state assets, previously confiscated from collaborators, will be managed responsibly. The funds generated will be dedicated to honoring and supporting independence movement veterans and their families.

The act aims to address historical injustices by targeting the wealth accumulated by those who benefited from or aided Japan's colonial administration of Korea from 1910 to 1945. The move is seen as a significant step in confronting the legacy of colonialism and ensuring that those who profited from it are not allowed to retain their ill-gotten gains.

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We will investigate and reclaim the ill-gotten assets of pro-Japanese, anti-national collaborators and hold them firmly accountable to history.