South Korea has taken a step toward improving ties with Japan by announcing a plan to raise local civilian funds to compensate Koreans who won damages from Japanese companies that enslaved them during Tokyo’s 35-year colonial rule. The plan reflects conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol’s determination to mend frayed ties with Japan and solidify security cooperation among Seoul, Tokyo and Washington to better cope with North Korea’s nuclear threats. President Joe Biden hailed the plan as marking a new chapter of cooperation between two of the United States’ closest allies. But the announcement drew strong backlash from former forced laborers and their supporters. They have demanded direct compensation and described the plan as diplomatic surrender.
