1. On July 31, a taskforce was launched under the direct control of the Foreign Minister to review the Republic of Korea-Japan agreement on the “comfort women” issue.

° The taskforce on the “comfort women” issue is comprised of nine people, including its chair Oh Tai-kyu and civilian experts in the ROK-Japan relations; international politics; international law; and human rights, as well as officials of the Foreign Ministry.

° Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha presented letters of appointment to the chair and the members of the taskforce, asking them to thoroughly review the ROK-Japan agreement in a way that puts victims first and foremost.

2. After the presentation of the letters of appointment, the first meeting of the taskforce was held, where its chairman Oh presided over the discussions on ways to run the taskforce.

° The taskforce on the “comfort women” issue decided to review and assess the facts regarding the consultations in the lead-up to the agreement and the entire content of the agreement. In the course of such work, it will gather opinions from victims and relevant parties through interviews based on victim-centered approach.

° In addition, the taskforce aims to see the final results of its work within the year 2017, which it will disclose to the public.

3. The Foreign Ministry will run an assistance team to render full support to the taskforce with its work.

* unofficial translation

※ List of the members of the taskforce
° Chairman
Oh Tai-kyu, Former President, Kwanhun Journalists Club

° Vice Chairmen (2)
Sun Mi-ra, Chairperson, Korea Human Rights Foundation
Cho Sei-young, Director, Japan center, Dongseo university

° Experts from the private sector (3)
Kim Eun-mee, Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Ewha
Womans University
Yang Ki-ho, Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, Sungkonghoe
University
Sohn Yul, Professor, Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei
University

° Members from the Foreign Ministry (3)
Hwang Seung-hyun, Professor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy
Paik Ji-ah, President, Institutes of Foreign Affairs and National Security,
Korea National Diplomatic Academy
You Ki-jun, Deputy Director-General, International Legal Affairs Bureau,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs