South Korea's Supreme Court confirmed on Thursday a landmark ruling requiring Japan's Nippon Steel to pay 100 million won ($67,900) in compensation to the family of Jeong Hyeong-pal, a victim of forced labor during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule. The decision upholds a 2024 appellate court judgment and reinforces the precedent set by the court's 2018 ruling holding Japanese firms liable for wartime injustices.
Jeong was forcibly relocated to Japan in 1940 and subjected to harsh labor at an Iwate Prefecture steel mill until 1942. His children filed the lawsuit in 2019, overcoming Nippon Steel's statute of limitations defense through a legal exception for cases involving systemic incapacity to seek redress.
This ruling marks the first Supreme Court endorsement of compensation orders since 2018, when South Korean courts began recognizing individual claims despite past diplomatic agreements. Over 20 similar cases have been decided in favor of victims this year alone, reflecting growing judicial support for wartime redress.
Analysts note the verdict could impact ongoing efforts to normalize Japan-South Korea relations, with historical disputes remaining a persistent challenge. Both governments have yet to issue official responses to Thursday's decision.
