Did a South Korean Court Just Compel Mitsubishi to Compensate a 107-Year-Old?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking ruling, a South Korean court has favored a 107-year-old victim of wartime forced labor against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This landmark decision could reshape the narrative surrounding historical reparations and the legacy of forced labor.
Key Takeaways
- 107-year-old victim Kim Han-soo wins significant legal battle.
- South Korean court orders Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to compensate.
- Ruling overturns earlier court decision from 2022.
- Potential implications for future forced labor claims.
- Continued tension between South Korea and Japan over historical grievances.
Seoul, June 7 (NationPress) - A South Korean appeals court has made a landmark decision in favor of a 107-year-old victim of Japan's wartime forced labor, ruling against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. in a damages lawsuit, sources reported on Saturday.
The civil appeals division of the Seoul Central District Court overturned a previous ruling from 2022 that dismissed Kim Han-soo's claim for compensation, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations.
In May, the appeals court mandated Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay 100 million won (approximately $73,400) to Kim, a ruling that comes nearly 80 years after he was conscripted into forced labor by the Japanese firm.
Notably, despite the court's order, it is anticipated that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries may not comply with the compensation ruling.
Kim recounted being compelled to work in a shipyard operated by the Japanese company in 1944 during Japan's occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945.
In prior cases concerning forced labor, courts often ruled that the statute of limitations had expired as of May 2015, which was three years after the Supreme Court first recognized the legal right of Korean victims to seek damages, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
According to South Korean civil law, victims have three years to claim damages after identifying both the harm and the perpetrator.
However, the appeals court sided with Kim, determining that the statute of limitations for forced labor claims should be calculated based on a separate ruling from the Supreme Court in 2018, which effectively extended the deadline. Kim filed his claim against Mitsubishi in 2019.
In a pivotal 2018 ruling, the Supreme Court ordered Japanese companies to compensate Korean victims of forced labor. Nevertheless, Japan contends that such reparation matters were resolved under a treaty in 1965 designed to normalize relations between the two countries.
Point of View
I believe that this ruling exemplifies the ongoing struggle for justice faced by victims of historical injustices. The court's decision reaffirms the importance of addressing past wrongs and holds corporations accountable, regardless of time elapsed. This case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of history on present-day relations.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the basis of the court's ruling?
The court ruled that the statute of limitations for Kim Han-soo's forced labor claim should be based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that extended the deadline for such claims.
How much compensation was ordered?
The court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay 100 million won, equivalent to approximately $73,400, to Kim Han-soo.
What was Kim Han-soo's experience?
Kim Han-soo was forced to work in a shipyard operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1944 during Japan's colonial rule over Korea.
How has Japan responded to such rulings?
Japan claims that all reparation issues were settled under a 1965 treaty aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries.
What does this ruling mean for other victims?
This ruling may set a precedent for other victims of wartime forced labor in seeking justice and compensation from Japanese companies.
