South Korea forced labor court ruling

The decision seemed to contradict 2018 Supreme Courts rulings against Japanese firms, which had enraged Tokyo.

The Biden administration must avoid the fundamental flaw of previous reparations arrangements: prioritizing state interests over victims’ concerns.

A spate of recent exchanges could be seen as an accomplishment in and of itself, but there has been little concrete progress toward a solution on the forced labor issue.

In fact, the agreement makes the path to resolution quite clear.

The talks were an attempt to unravel Japan’s export restrictions on South Korea, one facet of a larger chill in bilateral relations.

Japan and South Korea’s relationship hangs on a thread until talks resume at a high-level policy meeting later this month.

If the forced labor rulings are the hidden motivation, Tokyo’s actions are wildly disproportionate.

Tensions between Tokyo and Seoul show no signs of easing, with a political trade war escalating over historic grievances.

Japanese restrictions on high-tech exports to Korea are the latest manifestation of tensions linked to historical issues.

What will be the impact of the new wave of forced labor lawsuits in South Korea?

The move is short-sighted, given the importance of the Japan-South Korea relationship.