A South Korean appeals court has ordered the Japanese government to compensate a group of former “comfort women”— a euphemism used to describe sex slaves for Japanese troops during the Second World War.

On Thursday (Nov 23), the Seoul High Court overturned the lower court’s order in 2021 that had dismissed the case citing "sovereign immunity"—a concept under international law whereby the court of one country has no jurisdiction over another nation.

A total of 16 women filed a plea in 2016, seeking 200 million won (US$155,000) each in compensation.

The appellate court said that the case falls under South Korea’s jurisdiction since the victims live in the country and sought compensation over the acts that are deemed “unlawful” under its civil law.

&nbsp;“It is reasonable to consider that there is a common international law which does not recognise state immunity for an illegal act … regardless of whether the act was a sovereign act,” the court said, according to Reuters news agency.

<h2>Japan says ruling 'unacceptable'&nbsp;</h2>

Reacting to the judgement, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said the order goes against international law and agreements between the two countries, calling it “extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable”.

“Japan once again strongly urges the Republic of Korea to immediately take appropriate measures to remedy the status of its breaches of international law,” she said.

Additionally, the Japanese government declined to be involved in the case, as well as similar lawsuits filed by other groups of South Korean women who claimed to have been forced to work in the military brothels.

The ruling exposes the fraught relations between Japan and Korea, which was once under Tokyo’s occupation during the 1910-1945 colonial period.

<h2>Order exposes Japan's frosty ties with South Korea&nbsp;</h2>

Though both countries have made progressive steps to normalise the relations between them, Japan’s legacy still haunts the Korean people, who have been waiting for a formal apology.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openais-board-which-sacked-sam-atlman-replaced-except-for-one-661953">OpenAI's board which sacked Sam Altman replaced, except for one</a>

Thursday’s ruling follows South Korea’s pledge to resolve a dispute over alleged forced labour at Japanese firms during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbis-conclusion-on-car-explosion-near-canada-border-fuels-conspiracy-theories-661954">Car explosion near US-Canada border: FBI’s probe conclusion fuels conspiracy theories</a>

Tokyo has repeatedly asserted that all the issues stemming from the colonial rule were settled under a 1965 treaty that normalised diplomatic relations, and the two neighbours agreed to “irreversibly” end the dispute, including the women issue, in a 2015 accord.

(With inputs from agencies)

A South Korean appeals court has ordered the Japanese government to compensate a group of former “comfort women”— a euphemism used to describe sex slaves for Japanese troops during the Second World War.

A South Korean appeals court has ordered the Japanese government to compensate a group of former “comfort women”— a euphemism used to describe sex slaves for Japanese troops during the Second World War. On Thursday (Nov 23), the Seoul High Court overturned the lower court’s order in 2021 that had dismissed the case citing "sovereign immunity"—a concept under international law whereby the court of one country has no jurisdiction over another nation. A total of 16 women filed a plea in 2016, seeking 200 million won (US$155,000) each in compensation. The appellate court said that the case falls under South Korea’s jurisdiction since the victims live in the country and sought compensation over the acts that are deemed “unlawful” under its civil law. “It is reasonable to consider that there is a common international law which does not recognise state immunity for an illegal act … regardless of whether the act was a sovereign act,” the court said, according to Reuters news agency. Japan says ruling 'unacceptable' Reacting to the judgement, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said the order goes against international law and agreements between the two countries, calling it “extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable”. “Japan once again strongly urges the Republic of Korea to immediately take appropriate measures to remedy the status of its breaches of international law,” she said. Additionally, the Japanese government declined to be involved in the case, as well as similar lawsuits filed by other groups of South Korean women who claimed to have been forced to work in the military brothels. The ruling exposes the fraught relations between Japan and Korea, which was once under Tokyo’s occupation during the 1910-1945 colonial period. Order exposes Japan's frosty ties with South Korea Though both countries have made progressive steps to normalise the relations between them, Japan’s legacy still haunts the Korean people, who have been waiting for a formal apology. Also read | OpenAI's board which sacked Sam Altman replaced, except for one Thursday’s ruling follows South Korea’s pledge to resolve a dispute over alleged forced labour at Japanese firms during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Also read | Car explosion near US-Canada border: FBI’s probe conclusion fuels conspiracy theories Tokyo has repeatedly asserted that all the issues stemming from the colonial rule were settled under a 1965 treaty that normalised diplomatic relations, and the two neighbours agreed to “irreversibly” end the dispute, including the women issue, in a 2015 accord. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean court orders Japan to compensate women who worked as sex slaves for Japanese troops

Taiwan's last known "comfort woman" has passed away. According to a statement released by the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (TWRF) on Monday (May 22), the Taiwanese woman who was coerced into becoming a "comfort woman" for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II has passed away.

The woman, aged 92, died on the evening of May 10.&nbsp;

As per a statement published by the organisation on its website, in consideration of her desire for privacy, TWRF withheld the announcement of her passing until after her funeral had taken place.

"Since grandma didn't want to be disturbed when she was alive, we waited for the farewell ceremony before releasing this news," they wrote. The original statement was written in traditional Chinese.

The group said that its members had maintained regular contact with the woman's family and often visited her home to engage in conversation or simply provide companionship. Taiwan News reports that despite her advanced age, the members of the organisation were deeply saddened by the news of her death.

Shortly before the farewell ceremony, social workers from TWRF paid their respects at the woman's mourning hall and extended condolences to her family. On the day of the funeral, TWRF Chair Theresa D. Yeh reportedly attended the ceremony.

TWRF expressed its commitment to ensuring that the "historical truth of the 'comfort women'/military sex slaves in Taiwan" is included in the country's educational curriculum, National History Museum, and history books. By doing so, they aim to prevent this history from fading away with the passing of these women.&nbsp;

The foundation also pledged to continue its efforts towards educating the public about the harm inflicted upon women through sexual violence during World War II and to continue demanding an apology and compensation from the Japanese government for the victims and their family members.

<h2>Who were comfort women?</h2>

As per the Association for Asian Studies, "comfort women refers to the system of sexual slavery created and controlled by the Imperial Japanese government between 1932 and 1945."

"It is the largest case of government-sponsored human trafficking and sexual slavery in modern history."

However, many experts contend that the Japanese military's euphemism "comfort women" obscures the gravity of the crime and the much more accurate term would be "military sexual slaves".

<h2>Why was this practice started?</h2>

As per history.com, "On December 13, 1937, Japanese troops began a six-week-long massacre that essentially destroyed the Chinese city of Nanking. Along the way, Japanese troops raped between 20,000 and 80,000 Chinese women."

These mass rapes horrified the world and concerned about Japan's image, Emperor Hirohito established military brothels or the so-called "comfort stations".

<h2>Where did these ‘comfort women’ come from?</h2>

During the initial phase, comfort stations were initially staffed by Japanese prostitutes who volunteered for the role. However, as the Japanese military expanded its operations in the late 1930s, it resorted to coercing women from the local populations in occupied territories like Korea, Taiwan, and China into providing sexual services at these stations.

<h2>How many women were put through this ordeal?</h2>

While the true numbers remain unknown, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of women, including girls as young as 12 years old were victimised.

These women were forced into prostitution "comforting" the tens of thousands of military men during World War II.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Taiwan's last known "comfort woman" has passed away. According to a statement released by the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (TWRF) on Monday (May 22), the Taiwanese woman who was coerced into becoming a "comfort woman" for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II has passed away.

Taiwan's last known "comfort woman" has passed away. According to a statement released by the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation (TWRF) on Monday (May 22), the Taiwanese woman who was coerced into becoming a "comfort woman" for the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II has passed away. The woman, aged 92, died on the evening of May 10. As per a statement published by the organisation on its website, in consideration of her desire for privacy, TWRF withheld the announcement of her passing until after her funeral had taken place. "Since grandma didn't want to be disturbed when she was alive, we waited for the farewell ceremony before releasing this news," they wrote. The original statement was written in traditional Chinese. The group said that its members had maintained regular contact with the woman's family and often visited her home to engage in conversation or simply provide companionship. Taiwan News reports that despite her advanced age, the members of the organisation were deeply saddened by the news of her death. Shortly before the farewell ceremony, social workers from TWRF paid their respects at the woman's mourning hall and extended condolences to her family. On the day of the funeral, TWRF Chair Theresa D. Yeh reportedly attended the ceremony. TWRF expressed its commitment to ensuring that the "historical truth of the 'comfort women'/military sex slaves in Taiwan" is included in the country's educational curriculum, National History Museum, and history books. By doing so, they aim to prevent this history from fading away with the passing of these women. The foundation also pledged to continue its efforts towards educating the public about the harm inflicted upon women through sexual violence during World War II and to continue demanding an apology and compensation from the Japanese government for the victims and their family members. Who were comfort women? As per the Association for Asian Studies, "comfort women refers to the system of sexual slavery created and controlled by the Imperial Japanese government between 1932 and 1945." "It is the largest case of government-sponsored human trafficking and sexual slavery in modern history." However, many experts contend that the Japanese military's euphemism "comfort women" obscures the gravity of the crime and the much more accurate term would be "military sexual slaves". Why was this practice started? As per history.com, "On December 13, 1937, Japanese troops began a six-week-long massacre that essentially destroyed the Chinese city of Nanking. Along the way, Japanese troops raped between 20,000 and 80,000 Chinese women." These mass rapes horrified the world and concerned about Japan's image, Emperor Hirohito established military brothels or the so-called "comfort stations". Where did these ‘comfort women’ come from? During the initial phase, comfort stations were initially staffed by Japanese prostitutes who volunteered for the role. However, as the Japanese military expanded its operations in the late 1930s, it resorted to coercing women from the local populations in occupied territories like Korea, Taiwan, and China into providing sexual services at these stations. How many women were put through this ordeal? While the true numbers remain unknown, estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of women, including girls as young as 12 years old were victimised. These women were forced into prostitution "comforting" the tens of thousands of military men during World War II. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan’s last ‘comfort woman’ passes away. All you need to know about Japan’s sordid past

A South Korean court on Wednesday upheld Japan's state immunity to dismiss a lawsuit raised by a group of women, who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims. &nbsp;

Remnants of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula remain contentious for both sides, with many surviving 'comfort women', a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims, demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation.&nbsp;

Diplomatic tension flared in January when another judge at the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favour of other women in a separate case, ordering Japan to pay compensation for the first time. That verdict had drawn a rebuke from Tokyo, which says the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and a 2015 deal.&nbsp;

But on Wednesday, a judge at the same court recognised Japan's right to state immunity from overseas lawsuits, contradicting the January ruling that Japan could not assert immunity for 'a crime against humanity’. &nbsp;

"If an exception on state immunity is acknowledged, a diplomatic clash would be inevitable during the process of forcing the ruling’s implementation," judge Min Seong-cheol said, dismissing the latest case brought by the 20 ‘comfort women’ victims and their relatives. &nbsp;

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said after Wednesday's ruling that the Japanese government cannot be subject to South Korean jurisdiction and the entire lawsuit should be dropped. &nbsp;

"As the Japanese government, we will continue to strongly ask the South Korean side for an appropriate action," Kato said, during a regular briefing.&nbsp;

Lee Yong-soo, a 'comfort women' victim and one of the plaintiffs, called the ruling 'absurd, nonsense’, saying she would seek international litigation over the case. &nbsp;

Justice Min also said the issue should be resolved via diplomatic consultations, and the 2015 agreement could provide the groundwork for a solution despite some flaws in negotiations. &nbsp;

Under that deal, Tokyo issued an official apology and provided 1 billion yen ($9.3 million) to a fund to help comfort women victims, with both sides promising to 'irreversibly' end the dispute.&nbsp;

But some victims, including Lee, had rejected the settlement saying the government did not sufficiently consult them during the negotiations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A South Korean court on Wednesday upheld Japan's state immunity to dismiss a lawsuit raised by a group of women, who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims.

A South Korean court on Wednesday upheld Japan's state immunity to dismiss a lawsuit raised by a group of women, who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels, contradicting a ruling in a separate earlier case that ordered Tokyo to compensate victims. Remnants of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula remain contentious for both sides, with many surviving 'comfort women', a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims, demanding Tokyo's formal apology and compensation. Diplomatic tension flared in January when another judge at the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favour of other women in a separate case, ordering Japan to pay compensation for the first time. That verdict had drawn a rebuke from Tokyo, which says the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and a 2015 deal. But on Wednesday, a judge at the same court recognised Japan's right to state immunity from overseas lawsuits, contradicting the January ruling that Japan could not assert immunity for 'a crime against humanity’. "If an exception on state immunity is acknowledged, a diplomatic clash would be inevitable during the process of forcing the ruling’s implementation," judge Min Seong-cheol said, dismissing the latest case brought by the 20 ‘comfort women’ victims and their relatives. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said after Wednesday's ruling that the Japanese government cannot be subject to South Korean jurisdiction and the entire lawsuit should be dropped. "As the Japanese government, we will continue to strongly ask the South Korean side for an appropriate action," Kato said, during a regular briefing. Lee Yong-soo, a 'comfort women' victim and one of the plaintiffs, called the ruling 'absurd, nonsense’, saying she would seek international litigation over the case. Justice Min also said the issue should be resolved via diplomatic consultations, and the 2015 agreement could provide the groundwork for a solution despite some flaws in negotiations. Under that deal, Tokyo issued an official apology and provided 1 billion yen ($9.3 million) to a fund to help comfort women victims, with both sides promising to 'irreversibly' end the dispute. But some victims, including Lee, had rejected the settlement saying the government did not sufficiently consult them during the negotiations. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean court dismisses lawsuit by 'comfort women', contradicts earlier ruling 

A South Korean court ordered Japan on Friday to compensate 12 women who were forced to work in wartime Japanese brothels, in a ruling that could rekindle diplomatic and history feuds between the two countries.

Reminders of Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule are contentious for both sides, with many survivors of “comfort women” — a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims — demanding Tokyo’s formal apology and compensation.

Japan says the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty that normalised diplomatic ties, and the two countries agreed to “irreversibly” end the dispute in a 2015 deal. But the Seoul Central District Court ordered Japan pay each of the women 100 million won ($91,000), saying neither of the pacts can cover their right to seek compensation.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato called the verdict “unacceptable,” urging Seoul to make an “appropriate response”. Tokyo’s foreign ministry summoned South Korean Ambassador to Japan Nam Gwan-pyo to lodge a complaint.

“It was a crime against humanity that was systematically, deliberately and extensively committed by Japan in breach of international norms,” Justice Kim Jeong-gon said in the ruling.

“Even if it was a country’s sovereign act, state immunity cannot be applied as it was committed against our citizens on the Korean peninsula that was illegally occupied by Japan.”

Some historians estimate up to 200,000 Korean girls and women were forced to provide sex to Japanese troops during the colonial era, sometimes under the pretext of employment or to pay off a relative’s debt. Only 16 registered Korean survivors are still alive, and six of the 12 victims have died since they initiated the lawsuit in 2016.

The women’s lawyer, Kim Kang-won, said he was “deeply moved” as the ruling acknowledged the Japanese government was accountable for the atrocity. South Korea’s foreign ministry did not have immediate comment, but Ambassador Nam said in Tokyo that he would strive to prevent the ruling from having an “undesirable impact” on the ties.

“I emphasised that it was most important for both sides to respond in a calm, restrained manner in order to resolve the issue,” Nam told reporters after being called in.

South Korea and Japan, staunch US allies, are key trade partners and share other common interests, including fending off North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats. But relations plunged in recent years as history rows flared, especially after South Korea’s Supreme Court ordered two Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers.

South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in effectively nullified the 2015 settlement, in which Japan issued an official apology and provided 1 billion yen ($9.6 million) to a fund to help the comfort women victims.

A South Korean court ordered Japan on Friday to compensate 12 women who were forced to work in wartime Japanese brothels, in a ruling that could rekindle diplomatic and history feuds between the two countries.

A South Korean court ordered Japan on Friday to compensate 12 women who were forced to work in wartime Japanese brothels, in a ruling that could rekindle diplomatic and history feuds between the two countries. Reminders of Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule are contentious for both sides, with many survivors of “comfort women” — a Japanese euphemism for the sex abuse victims — demanding Tokyo’s formal apology and compensation. Japan says the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty that normalised diplomatic ties, and the two countries agreed to “irreversibly” end the dispute in a 2015 deal. But the Seoul Central District Court ordered Japan pay each of the women 100 million won ($91,000), saying neither of the pacts can cover their right to seek compensation. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato called the verdict “unacceptable,” urging Seoul to make an “appropriate response”. Tokyo’s foreign ministry summoned South Korean Ambassador to Japan Nam Gwan-pyo to lodge a complaint. “It was a crime against humanity that was systematically, deliberately and extensively committed by Japan in breach of international norms,” Justice Kim Jeong-gon said in the ruling. “Even if it was a country’s sovereign act, state immunity cannot be applied as it was committed against our citizens on the Korean peninsula that was illegally occupied by Japan.” Some historians estimate up to 200,000 Korean girls and women were forced to provide sex to Japanese troops during the colonial era, sometimes under the pretext of employment or to pay off a relative’s debt. Only 16 registered Korean survivors are still alive, and six of the 12 victims have died since they initiated the lawsuit in 2016. The women’s lawyer, Kim Kang-won, said he was “deeply moved” as the ruling acknowledged the Japanese government was accountable for the atrocity. South Korea’s foreign ministry did not have immediate comment, but Ambassador Nam said in Tokyo that he would strive to prevent the ruling from having an “undesirable impact” on the ties. “I emphasised that it was most important for both sides to respond in a calm, restrained manner in order to resolve the issue,” Nam told reporters after being called in. South Korea and Japan, staunch US allies, are key trade partners and share other common interests, including fending off North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats. But relations plunged in recent years as history rows flared, especially after South Korea’s Supreme Court ordered two Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in effectively nullified the 2015 settlement, in which Japan issued an official apology and provided 1 billion yen ($9.6 million) to a fund to help the comfort women victims.

South Korea court orders Japan to compensate former sex slaves

A district in central Berlin has ordered a local Korean group to remove a statue commemorating women used as sex slaves in World War II amid objections from Tokyo.

The "comfort women" suffered under Japan’s military brothel system before and during World War II.

The authorities said on Thursday that they have rescinded approval for the statue erected last month.

The mayor of the central Mitte district said permission had been given for the Korean organization to display a “peace statue” for one year, as a broad “statement against sexualized violence against women in armed conflicts.” Instead, he said, the statue unveiled in late September “exclusively addresses the behavior of the Japanese army in World War II.”&nbsp;

“This has led to irritation in Japan on a national and local level and also in Berlin,” he said in a statement.

Historians say tens of thousands of Korean women were lured or forced into sexual slavery at Japanese military-run brothels when the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule in 1910-45.

The Korean association has until October 14 to remove the statue.

The civic group that played a key role in the setting up of the statue says it will continue talks with the district, with the aim of keeping the statue on display in a public place.

The statue in question, which depicts a life-sized girl, is the third of its kind erected in Germany.

A district in central Berlin has ordered a local Korean group to remove a statue commemorating women used as sex slaves in World War II amid objections from Tokyo.

A district in central Berlin has ordered a local Korean group to remove a statue commemorating women used as sex slaves in World War II amid objections from Tokyo. The "comfort women" suffered under Japan’s military brothel system before and during World War II. The authorities said on Thursday that they have rescinded approval for the statue erected last month. The mayor of the central Mitte district said permission had been given for the Korean organization to display a “peace statue” for one year, as a broad “statement against sexualized violence against women in armed conflicts.” Instead, he said, the statue unveiled in late September “exclusively addresses the behavior of the Japanese army in World War II.” “This has led to irritation in Japan on a national and local level and also in Berlin,” he said in a statement. Historians say tens of thousands of Korean women were lured or forced into sexual slavery at Japanese military-run brothels when the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule in 1910-45. The Korean association has until October 14 to remove the statue. The civic group that played a key role in the setting up of the statue says it will continue talks with the district, with the aim of keeping the statue on display in a public place. The statue in question, which depicts a life-sized girl, is the third of its kind erected in Germany.

Berlin district says Korean group must remove 'comfort women' statue

Senior&nbsp;Japanese and&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;trade&nbsp;officials met on Monday for the first time since&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;imposed controls on exports to its neighbor of high-technology materials, plunging testy relations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-jim-mattis-exit-sparks-concern-among-us-allies-185709">US&nbsp;allies</a> into a new crisis.

Japan&nbsp;imposed the curbs on exports to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South&nbsp;Korea</a>&nbsp;of three materials used to make semiconductors in July, threatening a pillar of the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean economy and the global supply chain of chips.

Japan&nbsp;cited its concern about insufficient&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean controls on the materials, suggesting they might have been shipped to North&nbsp;Korea, although the curbs came as relations soured&nbsp;over&nbsp;a&nbsp;dispute&nbsp;over&nbsp;Japan's wartime actions.

Yoichi Iida, director-general at the&nbsp;Japanese&nbsp;trade&nbsp;ministry's&nbsp;trade&nbsp;control department, and his&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean counterpart Lee Ho-Hyeon met in Tokyo for the first senior-level bilateral talks in three and a half years.

The two made no comment to each other or to media as they shook hands at the beginning of their&nbsp;meeting.

On their agenda will be&nbsp;Japan's tighter rules on its exports and its removal of&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;from its list of countries with fast-track&nbsp;trade&nbsp;status.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;responded by dropping&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;from its favored-trade&nbsp;list and threatening to end security cooperation.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-rejects-south-korea-deal-over-wartime-forced-labour-228878"> Yoshihide Suga </a>played down expectations for any&nbsp;quick&nbsp;solution to the&nbsp;dispute&nbsp;on Monday.

"We look forward to a comprehensive assessment," Suga told a news conference, suggesting a solution would take time.

Relations between the neighbors have been plagued for years for bitterness&nbsp;over&nbsp;Japan’s colonisation of the&nbsp;Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, which saw forced use of labor by&nbsp;Japanese companies and the use of “comfort women”, a&nbsp;Japanese euphemism for girls and women, many of them&nbsp;Korean, forced to work in its wartime brothels.

Japan's July&nbsp;trade&nbsp;restrictions came as it complained of the erosion of trust with&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;after a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean court ruled last year that&nbsp;Japanese companies had to pay compensation to&nbsp;South&nbsp;Koreans forced to work in&nbsp;Japanese factories during&nbsp;Japan’s occupation.

Japan&nbsp;believes the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law.

The&nbsp;trade&nbsp;dispute&nbsp;has raised fears about security cooperation although&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last month decided to retain an intelligence-sharing pact with&nbsp;Japan, after threatening to end it.

Senior Japanese and South Korean trade officials met on Monday for the first time since Japan imposed controls on exports to its neighbor of high-technology materials, plunging testy relations between the US allies into a new crisis.

Senior Japanese and South Korean trade officials met on Monday for the first time since Japan imposed controls on exports to its neighbor of high-technology materials, plunging testy relations between the US allies into a new crisis. Japan imposed the curbs on exports to South Korea of three materials used to make semiconductors in July, threatening a pillar of the South Korean economy and the global supply chain of chips. Japan cited its concern about insufficient South Korean controls on the materials, suggesting they might have been shipped to North Korea, although the curbs came as relations soured over a dispute over Japan's wartime actions. Yoichi Iida, director-general at the Japanese trade ministry's trade control department, and his South Korean counterpart Lee Ho-Hyeon met in Tokyo for the first senior-level bilateral talks in three and a half years. The two made no comment to each other or to media as they shook hands at the beginning of their meeting. On their agenda will be Japan's tighter rules on its exports and its removal of South Korea from its list of countries with fast-track trade status. South Korea responded by dropping Japan from its favored-trade list and threatening to end security cooperation. Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga played down expectations for any quick solution to the dispute on Monday. "We look forward to a comprehensive assessment," Suga told a news conference, suggesting a solution would take time. Relations between the neighbors have been plagued for years for bitterness over Japan’s colonisation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, which saw forced use of labor by Japanese companies and the use of “comfort women”, a Japanese euphemism for girls and women, many of them Korean, forced to work in its wartime brothels. Japan's July trade restrictions came as it complained of the erosion of trust with South Korea after a South Korean court ruled last year that Japanese companies had to pay compensation to South Koreans forced to work in Japanese factories during Japan’s occupation. Japan believes the issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law. The trade dispute has raised fears about security cooperation although South Korea last month decided to retain an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, after threatening to end it.

Japan, South Korea meet over trade dispute but no quick fix seen

Dozens of activists joined a protest in front of Japan's de facto embassy in Taipei on Wednesday (August 14), demanding an official formal apology and monetary compensation for the Taiwanese 'comfort women' who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels.

Taiwan activists demand Japan apologise for forcing women to work in its wartime brothels

South Korean protesters marched alongside the coffin of a 'comfort women' campaigner to the Japanese embassy on Friday in a protest over Japan's use of forced labour in its wartime brothels.

A hearse carried the casket of Kim Bok-dong, who died this week at 93, to the embassy to highlight the plight of "comfort women," a Japanese euphemism for women who were forced into prostitution and sexually abused at Japanese military brothels before and during World War-II.

"Japan must apologise," some of the protesters chanted during the march. "Japan provide formal compensation."

Mourners carried banners thanking Kim for her devotion to the cause and called on Japan to atone for its actions. Some signs were in the shape of butterflies, a symbol of freedom for suffering women.

The "comfort women" are a contentious issue between the two Asian neighbours which share a bitter history stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula.

Japan says the claims have been settled by past agreements and apologies, and that the continued dispute may threaten relations between the two countries.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that it would be a problem if the event caused a "public disturbance" at the embassy or "infringement on its dignity."

Kim, who died in hospital after battling cancer, was one of the first victims to come forward in 1992 and became a fixture at weekly protests outside the Japanese embassy.

Kim said she was 14 when first sent to a military brothel, and forced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers also in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore for eight years.

Never married, she dedicated her life to advocacy and travelled the world to tell her story.

"I first met her during a protest in 2012 and she was sitting up straight even in the rain as she spoke about her struggle," said Kim Sam, a 27-year-old student campaigner.

"Upright, dignified - that's how she always was, first as a victim and later as a human rights activist. She's a role model I respect the most."

Lee Yong-soo, a fellow victim who paid her respects despite the cold weather, laid flowers at a bronze statue of a girl erected near the Japanese embassy to represent the women.

Many mourners quietly sobbed and wiped their eyes as organisers aired a video clip in which Kim shouted during a rally that she would raise similar girl statues around the world until Tokyo sincerely apologised.

Kim was a vocal critic of a 2015 deal in which Tokyo apologised to the victims and provided 1 billion yen ($9.2 million) to a fund in Seoul to help them.

She said the apology was not sincere because some Japanese leaders continued to deny the women were forced to work in brothels.

Moon's government has said it will not seek to renegotiate the 2015 deal. Last year it vowed to shut down the Japan-sponsored fund and pursue a more "victim-oriented" approach.

With Kim's death, only 23 registered South Korean survivors are still alive, underscoring a sense of urgency behind efforts by the women to receive a formal apology and legal compensation from Japan while their voices can still be heard.

South Korean protesters marched alongside the coffin of a 'comfort women' campaigner to the Japanese embassy on Friday in a protest over Japan's use of forced labour in its wartime brothels.

South Korean protesters marched alongside the coffin of a 'comfort women' campaigner to the Japanese embassy on Friday in a protest over Japan's use of forced labour in its wartime brothels. A hearse carried the casket of Kim Bok-dong, who died this week at 93, to the embassy to highlight the plight of "comfort women," a Japanese euphemism for women who were forced into prostitution and sexually abused at Japanese military brothels before and during World War-II. "Japan must apologise," some of the protesters chanted during the march. "Japan provide formal compensation." Mourners carried banners thanking Kim for her devotion to the cause and called on Japan to atone for its actions. Some signs were in the shape of butterflies, a symbol of freedom for suffering women. The "comfort women" are a contentious issue between the two Asian neighbours which share a bitter history stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula. Japan says the claims have been settled by past agreements and apologies, and that the continued dispute may threaten relations between the two countries. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that it would be a problem if the event caused a "public disturbance" at the embassy or "infringement on its dignity." Kim, who died in hospital after battling cancer, was one of the first victims to come forward in 1992 and became a fixture at weekly protests outside the Japanese embassy. Kim said she was 14 when first sent to a military brothel, and forced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers also in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore for eight years. Never married, she dedicated her life to advocacy and travelled the world to tell her story. "I first met her during a protest in 2012 and she was sitting up straight even in the rain as she spoke about her struggle," said Kim Sam, a 27-year-old student campaigner. "Upright, dignified - that's how she always was, first as a victim and later as a human rights activist. She's a role model I respect the most." Lee Yong-soo, a fellow victim who paid her respects despite the cold weather, laid flowers at a bronze statue of a girl erected near the Japanese embassy to represent the women. Many mourners quietly sobbed and wiped their eyes as organisers aired a video clip in which Kim shouted during a rally that she would raise similar girl statues around the world until Tokyo sincerely apologised. Kim was a vocal critic of a 2015 deal in which Tokyo apologised to the victims and provided 1 billion yen ($9.2 million) to a fund in Seoul to help them. She said the apology was not sincere because some Japanese leaders continued to deny the women were forced to work in brothels. Moon's government has said it will not seek to renegotiate the 2015 deal. Last year it vowed to shut down the Japan-sponsored fund and pursue a more "victim-oriented" approach. With Kim's death, only 23 registered South Korean survivors are still alive, underscoring a sense of urgency behind efforts by the women to receive a formal apology and legal compensation from Japan while their voices can still be heard.

Watch: South Koreans march with coffin of Kim Bok-dong in 'comfort women' protest

South Korea&#39;s 2015 deal with Japan over Tokyo&#39;s wartime sex slavery was &quot;seriously flawed&quot;, President Moon Jae-In said on Thursday, telling officials to re-examine the controversial agreement.

The issue of women forced into sexual slavery for Tokyo troops during the World War II is a hugely emotional subject that has marred ties between the South and its former colonial ruler, Japan.

Moon&#39;s comments came a day after Seoul&#39;s foreign ministry said the deal -- which was pushed and endorsed by his predecessor, Park Geun-Hye -- was faulty and had &quot;failed to reflect the victims&#39; views&quot;.

The unpopular agreement was meant to end the decades-long dispute with a Japanese apology and a total of 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) payment of money to survivors.

But it sparked anger among some survivors seeking an explicit apology from the Japanese government for the wartime abuses.&nbsp;

Following Moon&#39;s decision to order a review of the deal after being elected to office this year, a task force published a report Wednesday saying the agreement was rushed and did not do enough to seek out the opinions of the victims, often known by the euphemism &quot;comfort women&quot;.

&quot;It has been confirmed that the 2015 deal...was seriously flawed,&quot; Moon said in a statement released on Thursday.&nbsp;

&quot;Although the 2015 deal was an official agreement endorsed by the leaders of both countries, I&#39;d like to make it clear that the deal cannot solve this issue of &#39;comfort women,&#39;&quot; he said.

The latest revelation by the task force is &quot;regrettable but unavoidable,&quot; Moon said, telling officials to &quot;come up with follow-up measures at the earliest date&quot; without elaborating further.&nbsp;

It is unclear whether Seoul will call for renegotiations or walk away from the deal.&nbsp;

Tokyo has urged Seoul to stick with the 2015 agreement.&nbsp;

Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women -- mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China -- were forced to become sex slaves for Japanese soldiers during the war.&nbsp;

The Japanese government denies it is directly responsible for the abuses, insisting that &quot;comfort women&quot; were recruited by civilians and that the army brothels were commercially operated.&nbsp;

Despite the 2015 agreement, ties between the two neighbours remain tense over statues which South Korean activists positioned outside Japanese diplomatic missions in memory of victims.&nbsp;

The issue of women forced into sexual slavery for Tokyo troops during the World War II is a hugely emotional subject that has marred ties between the South and its former colonial ruler, Japan

South Korea's 2015 deal with Japan over Tokyo's wartime sex slavery was "seriously flawed", President Moon Jae-In said on Thursday, telling officials to re-examine the controversial agreement. The issue of women forced into sexual slavery for Tokyo troops during the World War II is a hugely emotional subject that has marred ties between the South and its former colonial ruler, Japan. Moon's comments came a day after Seoul's foreign ministry said the deal -- which was pushed and endorsed by his predecessor, Park Geun-Hye -- was faulty and had "failed to reflect the victims' views". The unpopular agreement was meant to end the decades-long dispute with a Japanese apology and a total of 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) payment of money to survivors. But it sparked anger among some survivors seeking an explicit apology from the Japanese government for the wartime abuses. Following Moon's decision to order a review of the deal after being elected to office this year, a task force published a report Wednesday saying the agreement was rushed and did not do enough to seek out the opinions of the victims, often known by the euphemism "comfort women". "It has been confirmed that the 2015 deal...was seriously flawed," Moon said in a statement released on Thursday. "Although the 2015 deal was an official agreement endorsed by the leaders of both countries, I'd like to make it clear that the deal cannot solve this issue of 'comfort women,'" he said. The latest revelation by the task force is "regrettable but unavoidable," Moon said, telling officials to "come up with follow-up measures at the earliest date" without elaborating further. It is unclear whether Seoul will call for renegotiations or walk away from the deal. Tokyo has urged Seoul to stick with the 2015 agreement. Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women -- mostly from Korea but also other parts of Asia including China -- were forced to become sex slaves for Japanese soldiers during the war. The Japanese government denies it is directly responsible for the abuses, insisting that "comfort women" were recruited by civilians and that the army brothels were commercially operated. Despite the 2015 agreement, ties between the two neighbours remain tense over statues which South Korean activists positioned outside Japanese diplomatic missions in memory of victims.

South Korea's Moon says 'comfort women' deal seriously flawed

South Korea&#39;s foreign minister said on Friday there was nothing wrong with erecting a statue in memory of women forced to work in Japanese brothels in World War Two, but its location outside a Japanese consulate was inappropriate.

The statue of the young &quot;comfort woman&quot; in the southern city of Busan has rekindled a feud over wartime history between South Korea and its past colonial ruler and prompted Japan to temporarily recall its ambassador.

The term &quot;comfort women&quot; is a euphemism for girls and women, from South Korea, China, the Philippines and elsewhere, forced to work in Japanese military brothels.

South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims.&nbsp;

&quot;The issue of a girl statue in Busan is unfortunate,&quot; Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se told lawmakers, referring to the southern city.

&quot;Our government is not against the instalment of a girl statue... but I think we need to pool our wisdom on the issue of location.&quot;

He did not say if the statue would be moved.&nbsp;

The statue, which depicts a barefoot girl sitting in a chair, was erected near the Japanese consulate at the end of last year.

Japan said the statue violated an agreement to resolve the issue.&nbsp;

South Korean politicians, including expected presidential contenders, have called for renegotiation of the December 2015 agreement stating the comfort women issue would be &quot;irreversibly resolved&quot; if all conditions - including a Japanese apology and a fund to help the victims - were met.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

'Comfort women' is a euphemism for girls and women, from South Korea?and elsewhere, forced to work in Japanese military brothels during WWII

South Korea's foreign minister said on Friday there was nothing wrong with erecting a statue in memory of women forced to work in Japanese brothels in World War Two, but its location outside a Japanese consulate was inappropriate. The statue of the young "comfort woman" in the southern city of Busan has rekindled a feud over wartime history between South Korea and its past colonial ruler and prompted Japan to temporarily recall its ambassador. The term "comfort women" is a euphemism for girls and women, from South Korea, China, the Philippines and elsewhere, forced to work in Japanese military brothels. South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims. "The issue of a girl statue in Busan is unfortunate," Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se told lawmakers, referring to the southern city. "Our government is not against the instalment of a girl statue... but I think we need to pool our wisdom on the issue of location." He did not say if the statue would be moved. The statue, which depicts a barefoot girl sitting in a chair, was erected near the Japanese consulate at the end of last year. Japan said the statue violated an agreement to resolve the issue. South Korean politicians, including expected presidential contenders, have called for renegotiation of the December 2015 agreement stating the comfort women issue would be "irreversibly resolved" if all conditions - including a Japanese apology and a fund to help the victims - were met. (Reuters)

'Comfort woman' statue outside Japan mission inappropriate: South Korean foreign minister

comfort-women

Comfort Women, News on Comfort Women, stories on Comfort Women, articles on Comfort Women, Comfort Women stories at Wion, Comfort Women news, Comfort Women latest news