The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recommended that Japan adequately address the history of forced labor involving Koreans at the Sado Mine, a site registered as a World Heritage site in Niigata Prefecture.
The recommendation comes as Japan has not sufficiently disclosed the fact that Koreans were subjected to forced labor at the mine, contrary to promises made when the site was registered.
On July 15, the committee circulated a decision document to member countries, stating that while there has been "some progress" on Japan's part in implementing the committee's recommendations, it is still insufficient.
The document urged Japan to develop an interpretation and exhibition strategy that reflects the "entire history" of the mine, including the forced labor of Koreans during the Japanese colonial period, and to closely consult with relevant parties to improve the interpretation and exhibition facilities.
While acknowledging additional measures taken by Japan to comply with the recommendations, the committee requested clearer explanations on how Japan's interpretation and exhibition strategies comprehensively address the mine's entire history and called for regular updates on progress.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained that the "entire history" refers to the forced labor of Koreans at the mine during the Japanese occupation.
UNESCO has set a deadline for Japan to submit a report on the implementation of these recommendations by December 1, 2027, with plans to review the report at the 50th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2028.
The official stated, "Given the insufficient implementation of the relevant recommendations by Japan, we view this as a reflection of our consistent position," adding that South Korea will continue to work closely with UNESCO and relevant countries to ensure Japan fulfills its commitments made during the registration process.
This decision will be discussed at the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan from July 20 to 23, and it is expected to be adopted by consensus if there are no disagreements among member countries. While the adopted decision will be binding, the consequences for non-compliance with the recommendations remain unclear, leaving uncertainty about how Japan will respond.
The Sado Mine, known for its gold production during the Edo period (1603-1867), was primarily used to secure war materials during World War II. During this time, colonial Koreans were forcibly mobilized and worked under harsh conditions. It is reported that 1,519 Koreans were forced to work at the Sado Mine from 1940 to 1945.
The mine was inscribed as a World Heritage site at the 46th session of the committee held in New Delhi in July 2024.
Prior to the inscription, the South Korean government demanded that Japan reflect the "entire history," including the forced labor of Koreans at the Sado Mine. Japan, unable to ignore South Korea's demands as one of the 21 member countries of the World Heritage Committee, accepted these requests.
When the site was inscribed, the committee recommended that Japan develop an interpretation and exhibition strategy that comprehensively addresses the entire history of the heritage site throughout all periods of mine development, and Japan promised to faithfully implement these recommendations.
Japan has established a space at the Aikawa Local Museum near the Sado Mine to explain the harsh working conditions of Korean laborers and display related materials. However, there have been criticisms that the term "forced" was not used, failing to adequately express the reality of forced labor.
Amid doubts about Japan's sincerity, the South Korean government has boycotted the memorial service for Korean laborers held by Japan at the Sado Mine for two consecutive years, and attendance this year remains uncertain.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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