Japan to Pay Compensation to Ex-Korean Soilers Who Served in the Japanese Army

The Japanese government will pay compensation to Koreans and their relatives remaining in Japan who served in the Japanese army during World War II. Currently, they are not eligible to receive renumeration because they kept their Korean nationality.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) agreed on March 22 to pay a lump-sum renumeration of 2.6 million yen to former soilers, ex-civilian employees and any surviving family members. Soldiers who were severely wounded will receive a payment of 4 million yen. The amount is in line with the 2 million yen compensation payment made in 1997 to Japanese soldiers and millitary personnel who remained in Taiwan after serving in the Imperial Army during World War II.

The LDP is planning to pass the bill in June. As soon as the bill is approved, the government will accept applications from Koreans who served in the Japanese Army over a three-year period before final reparations are made.

by Oh Young-hwan