1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha hosted a working luncheon for the surviving victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery and their families as well as members of their support group at her official residence on October 17 and listened to what they had to say about the “comfort women” issue.

2. At the event, the elderly ladies and their support group asked Minister Kang to properly resolve the “comfort women” issue, voicing hope that there will be further opportunities to communicate closely with the government on the issue.

° Minister Kang mentioned that the task force, formed to review the “comfort women” agreement between the Republic of Korea and Japan, is currently conducting a meticulous review of the negotiations held in the lead-up to the conclusion of the agreement and its entire content. She added that based on the final outcome of the review, the government will set its position on the “comfort women” issue, with opinions gathered from the victims and the public reflected in it.

° On a related note, the Minister stressed that it is important for the “comfort women” issue to be remembered as a lesson of history regarding women’s human rights during wartime.

3. At the working luncheon, a “victim-centered approach” was taken to listen to the voice of the victims and their support group. Going forward, the Foreign Ministry will continue such efforts.


* unofficial translation