Supreme Court Rejects Nippon Steel Appeal on Wartime Labor Compensation; Japan Urged to Show Change

South Korea's Supreme Court has rejected Nippon Steel's appeal, confirming a ruling that the Japanese company must pay 80 million won (approximately $60,000) in damages to the family of a wartime forced labor victim. This decision solidifies the court's stance on individual victims' right to compensation, a stance that clashes with Japan's assertion that all claims were settled by a 1965 treaty.

The ruling is the latest in a series of legal victories for victims of forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of Korea. It follows a landmark 2018 Supreme Court decision that recognized individuals' right to seek reparations. The ongoing lawsuits against Japanese companies mean disputes over the liquidation of their assets in South Korea are likely to continue.

Japan has consistently refused to comply with such rulings, arguing they violate the 1965 treaty. This persistent refusal creates a diplomatic challenge, particularly as the South Korean government under President Yoon Suk-yeol has sought to improve relations with Japan. In March 2023, Seoul proposed a plan where a South Korean foundation, rather than the Japanese companies themselves, would compensate the victims, aiming to normalize ties.

Despite diplomatic efforts to move past historical grievances, the unresolved issue of wartime compensation remains a potential flashpoint. While bilateral relations have warmed, public sentiment in both countries can be easily stirred by these historical disputes. The Dong-A Ilbo argues that for true reconciliation, Japan must adopt a more forward-looking approach. With Liberation Day approaching, the newspaper expresses hope for a tangible shift in Japan's stance.