Ministry of Interior and Safety Investigates Alleged Seal Forgery in Forced Mobilization Victim Compensation Case

Doubts are being raised about the fairness and transparency of the compensation process for victims of forced mobilization. Police are investigating indications that the Foundation for Victims of Japanese Colonial-Era Forced Mobilization arbitrarily created and used seals belonging to victims who did not agree to the 'third-party payment plan.'

Furthermore, based on suspicions of arbitrary seal creation and stamping related to the 'third-party payment plan,' revealed during an audit by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the investigation will target Chairperson Shim Kyu-sun on charges including violations of the National Contracts Act. The foundation, led by Chairperson Shim, is suspected of having arbitrarily created and used seals belonging to victims who were difficult to contact by phone or did not consent to the 'third-party payment plan.' Allegations also include the arbitrary creation of the foundation's official seal during court escrow procedures and suspicions of Chairperson Shim's tacit approval.

Meanwhile, the 'third-party payment plan' introduced by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration in 2023 involves a foundation under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety preparing funds from private donations between South Korea and Japan, and paying compensation to victims on behalf of Japanese companies.