Japan demands talks with South Korea over Nippon Steel court decision
Korean court approves a request by the plaintiffs to seize assets held by Nippon Steel in South Korea
Tokyo — Japan has demanded talks with South Korea over a Korean court compensation award against a Japanese company for using forced labourers during World War 2, saying all such claims were settled decades ago. South Korea, for its part, called for calm. Ties between the Asian neighbours have been frosty since the court ruled in October that Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp should pay 100-million won ($90,500) to each of four South Korean plaintiffs. The court on Tuesday approved a request by the plaintiffs to seize assets held by Nippon Steel in South Korea. Japan’s foreign ministry summoned South Korea’s ambassador to demand consultation, based on an article of a 1965 treaty that normalised ties between the two sides. It was the first time the article had been invoked, the ministry said. Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that the court decision was “extremely regrettable”. Call to keep calm South Korea’s foreign ministry called for Japan t...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.