Japan and Korea should quickly settle their dispute over reparations for Second World War Japanese harm to Koreans forced into slave labor, prostitution and so forth. The United States learned to forgive war reparations damages because it exacerbates bad attitudes and feelings in the defeated party left over from the war. It is better to move forward when possible. The U.S.A. did not seek monetary compensation of post-war Germany or Japan for their terrible acts and perhaps in part because of that they are regarded today as good enough allies. Korea is in the same position today and could choose not to be won-wise and yen foolish.
It might be better for Korea to forgive Japan's war debts once and for all, through law. Korea probably can benefit far more financially from working with the Japanese better than in pursuing seventy year old litigation against war-time enemies.
North korea may be watching the lessons about South Korea and japan too. The Dictator may be concerned that if peace breaks out and relations are normalized the South and others may seek reparations and legal damages that would cost North Korea a bundle. Hence it might be that nuclear weapons development are the sole way out.
To labor the point a little; a forgiving South Korea and a cordial Japan might be better partners ahead for North Korea than belligerents fighting over every scrap bitterly. A better Korean social safety net might obviate the need for Japanese payments to the poor and long-suffering of South Korea.
It might be better for Korea to forgive Japan's war debts once and for all, through law. Korea probably can benefit far more financially from working with the Japanese better than in pursuing seventy year old litigation against war-time enemies.
North korea may be watching the lessons about South Korea and japan too. The Dictator may be concerned that if peace breaks out and relations are normalized the South and others may seek reparations and legal damages that would cost North Korea a bundle. Hence it might be that nuclear weapons development are the sole way out.
To labor the point a little; a forgiving South Korea and a cordial Japan might be better partners ahead for North Korea than belligerents fighting over every scrap bitterly. A better Korean social safety net might obviate the need for Japanese payments to the poor and long-suffering of South Korea.
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