Your Tuesday Briefing: South Korea's Olive Branch in Japan

In addition, Ukraine says it wants to strengthen its presence in Bakhmut.
ImageProtesters denounced the proposal in Seoul yesterday.Credit...Lee Jin-Man/Associated Press
South Korea and Japan settle dispute
La Co South Korea has announced that it has established a fund to pay victims of Japanese forced labor during World War II. It's a sign of strengthening ties between America's staunchest Asian allies as the threat from China and North Korea grows.
The fund is the most notable action taken by either country to try and resolve a festering historic dispute, one of many dating back to Japan's colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945. South Korea will now stop demanding that Japanese companies compensate victims, which some see as a concession.
The promise of more cooperation is a boon for the United States, which is trying to cement regional alliances as China grows stronger. President Biden celebrated the deal as "a groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership."
And the fund is part of a larger bondage. As regional threats increase, President Yoon Suk Yeol has made improving relations with Tokyo a major diplomatic goal. He expanded joint military exercises with Japan and the United States and asked his people to see Japan as a "cooperative partner" rather than a "militaristic aggressor".
Korean reaction: Opposition leaders called it a "surrender". Of the 15 victims paid by South Korea's Supreme Court, only four expressed support. "I will not accept money even if I have to starve," said a 94-year-old man.
Backgrou...

World Mar 7, 2023 0 97 Add to Reading List

Your Tuesday Briefing: South Korea's Olive Branch in Japan

In addition, Ukraine says it wants to strengthen its presence in Bakhmut.

Protesters in Seoul at night holding lights and signs denouncing the South Korean government's plan.

South Korea and Japan settle dispute

La Co South Korea has announced that it has established a fund to pay victims of Japanese forced labor during World War II. It's a sign of strengthening ties between America's staunchest Asian allies as the threat from China and North Korea grows.

The fund is the most notable action taken by either country to try and resolve a festering historic dispute, one of many dating back to Japan's colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945. South Korea will now stop demanding that Japanese companies compensate victims, which some see as a concession.

The promise of more cooperation is a boon for the United States, which is trying to cement regional alliances as China grows stronger. President Biden celebrated the deal as "a groundbreaking new chapter of cooperation and partnership."

And the fund is part of a larger bondage. As regional threats increase, President Yoon Suk Yeol has made improving relations with Tokyo a major diplomatic goal. He expanded joint military exercises with Japan and the United States and asked his people to see Japan as a "cooperative partner" rather than a "militaristic aggressor".

Korean reaction: Opposition leaders called it a "surrender". Of the 15 victims paid by South Korea's Supreme Court, only four expressed support. "I will not accept money even if I have to starve," said a 94-year-old man.

Backgrou...