A Joint Proposal to comprehensively Resolve the Problems caused by the Past between Korea and Japan

The Center for Reconciliation and Cooperation in East and the International Reconciliation Institute of Waseda University signed an MOU on July 3, 2019 to conduct joint research to realize ‘harmony’ between the peoples of East Asia, including Korea and Japan. Based on the common understanding that the current situation of escalating conflict between Korea and Japan is not desirable, the two agencies announced a joint proposal on how to comprehensively address the historical issues between Korea and Japan.

If you agree with these suggestions and want to join them, please let us know by email at peacestudies@korea.ac.kr

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The Center for Reconciliation and Cooperation in East of Korea University  • International Reconciliation Institute of Waseda University

A Joint Proposal to comprehensively Resolve the Problems caused by the Past between Korea and Japan

1. The Need for a joint Proposal

As the Center for Reconciliation and Cooperation in East of Korea University  and the International Reconciliation Institute of Waseda University faced the seriousness of the current situation in which the public sentiment between the two countries is worsening due to the increased conflict between Korea and Japan over historical issues, the two Institute shared a common understanding that the continuation of this condition is never desirable for the future of the two countries. The historical issue between Korea and Japan emerged as the victims spoke out during the Korean democratization process after several colonial-era incidents were handled ambiguously when the treaty was signed in 1965. We have written a joint proposal based on three principles to overcome the current situation and realize the common prosperity and reconciliation of the two countries. Through this, the Center for Reconciliation and Cooperation in East of Korea University  and the International Reconciliation Institute of Waseda University will work together to carry out the social responsibility of the academy under the current circumstances.

2. Three Principles for Problem Solving 

① the Principle of Common Prosperity of the Peoples of the Two Countries

② the Principles of Joint Relief for Human Rights Victims

③ the Principles of mutual understanding and control toward the future

3. Content of a Joint Proposal

① Under the principle of respect for human rights of the victims of forced labor, a “joint committee” will be set up directly under the direct control of the president and the Cabinet to seek necessary solutions. (※For more information, 4)

② Under the establishment of the Korea-Japan Joint Committee, the two sides will suspend the process of selling assets of Japanese companies in Korea and Japan’s economic restrictions on Korea. It also strives to curb excessive nationalism by resuming the current stalled exchanges of economy, culture and civil society as soon as possible.

③ To expedite the relief of human rights victims, the two sides will first create a joint fund raised from Korean and Japanese businesses and citizens in a tentative measure and implement “compensation” for victims of forced labor who were ruled by the Supreme Court. (※For more information, 5)

4. About ‘joint committee’ 

① The two governments will establish a joint Korea-Japan committee as an independent body directly under the president and Cabinet, as the issue of forced labor victims is a matter linked to both domestic affairs and diplomacy. The committee carries out the function of coordinating and organizing the joint proposals of the peoples of the two countries to address the issue.

② It is desirable for the committee to consist of government officials, legal experts and scholars as well as representatives from civic activists, human rights victims and businesses.

③ The committee receives wide-ranging proposals from citizens of the two countries who engage in exchanges in various fields and expands civil agreements by conducting open democratic deliberations. It also examines data around experts to discover facts that form the basis of discussion and to summarize the issues.

④ The committee will not only seriously deliberate on the basis of the three aforementioned principles to present solutions to individual historical issues, such as the issue of forced labor victims, but comprehensively discuss institutional mechanisms to achieve reconciliation when historical issues between Korea and Japan emerge in the future.

⑤ The Committee shall review and operate on the basis of the following basic spirit and perceptions: First, modulate the emotional response while fully understanding the other country’s internal affairs or public sentiment. Second, it is deliberated for the public nature of the region, the common prosperity of the peoples of the two countries and the joint relief of human rights victims. Third, be aware of the civil public nature of promoting future-oriented cross-border civic activities. These committee activities will contribute to establishing common norms and models of a new era set in the history of East Asia.

⑥ The duration of the Committee’s activities shall be three years, and the Committee shall carry out promotional and persuasive activities for the people of each country so that the final conclusions drawn up by the Committee can be supported by the majority of the peoples of both countries. The final conclusion is desirable to be ratified by the National Assembly.

5. About ‘tentative compensation’

① The active participation of Japanese companies that were engaged by forced labor victims or Korean companies that benefited from the Korea-Japan Treaty should be made to form a compensation fund for the victims of forced labor. It also receives civic funds from both Korea and Japan

② The measure is a temporary measure until an agreement is reached through the parliamentary ratification of the two countries after the joint committee concluded.

③ In the case of “harmony” between the forced labor victims and Japanese companies, two countries welcome it. It is desirable for the provisional fund to be resolved progressively as a fund for reconciliation between Korea and Japan.

[부기]

The Center for Reconciliation and Cooperation in East of Korea University  and the International Reconciliation Institute of Waseda University announce the joint proposal, while at the same time trying to get the signatures of individuals, organizations and institutes joining the joint proposal to be implemented.

2019.7.31.

The Center for Reconciliation and Cooperation in East of Korea University  Park Hong Gyu박홍규(朴鴻圭)

The International Reconciliation Institute of Waseda University Asano Toyomi(浅野豊美)