South Korean comfort women victims and their families demand the disclosure of Japanese government assets in South Korea

On September 6 local time, South Korean “comfort women” victims and their families said they will submit an application for property disclosure to the Seoul Central District Court, demanding the disclosure of a list of Japanese government assets in South Korea.

On November 23, 2023, the Seoul High Court heard a compensation lawsuit filed by 16 people, including “comfort women” victim Lee Yong-soo and the families of the late Kwak Ye-nam and Kim Bok-dong, against the Japanese government. The court ruled that the Japanese government should pay 200 million won to each plaintiff. However, the Japanese government has not fulfilled this judgment so far.

South Korean civic groups pointed out on the 6th that the property disclosure application is the previous stage of compulsory execution. The plaintiffs will exercise their rights and demand compensation from the Japanese government. For a long time, the “comfort women” issue has been a sensitive topic in South Korea-Japan relations. Many South Korean “comfort women” victims suffered huge physical and mental traumas during World War II. They and their families have been continuously striving for due compensation and justice for many years.

This time, South Korean “comfort women” victims and their families’ demand to disclose Japanese government assets in South Korea has once again attracted the attention of the international community. This action is not only to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the victims but also to adhere to historical truth. The international community generally hopes that the Japanese government can face up to history, assume its due responsibilities, and properly handle historical issues left over from history such as the “comfort women” issue, and give a fair account to the victims and their families. Relevant South Korean parties also said they will continue to pay attention to the progress of this matter and ensure that the rights and interests of the victims are effectively guaranteed. The subsequent development of this incident and the response of the Japanese government will become the focus of attention of all parties.