By Min Yea-Ji and Yoon Sojung

On Jan. 9, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha expressed the principle stance of the Korean government in regard to past negotiations concerning the Korean women forced into sexual enslavement by Japan during colonial times and World War II.

The deal was reached by the two sides in 2015.

Minister Kang made the announcement about the five directions being sought by the Korean government at the Government Complex Seoul.

The five directions are based on the results of a task force that was announced on Dec. 27 last year. It reviewed the deal between Seoul and Tokyo concerning the victims of sexual slavery from colonial times and World War II.

Emphasizing the need to recover the victims' honor, dignity and to heal the wounds in the victims’ minds, the foreign minister said that the government will widely reflect the opinions of the victims, related civic groups and the Korean people, so that it can seek victim-centered measures.

She also said that the government will set aside money to replace the JPY 1 billion that the Japanese government offered under the prior deal, and consult with Japan to discuss how to handle funds in the future.

Minister Kang again underlined that the 2015 deal cannot be a true solution to resolve the issue of wartime sexual slavery as it didn't properly reflect their opinions. She said that Korea will not ask for a renegotiation, as the deal was official reached between the two governments.

The foreign minister said, “I expect Tokyo to fully admit the truth, as it is known according to universal, international standards, and to make efforts to help the victims regain their honor and dignity, and to heal the wounds in their minds.”

She added that, “Our government will continue to work hard on solving the issues about history in a wise manner, and work toward future cooperation in the future between Seoul and Tokyo.”

jesimin@korea.kr