South Korea says controversial foundation doesn’t function properly because of opposition from public and victims.
South Korea on Wednesday said it would close a controversial Japanese-funded foundation set up to help former war-time sex slaves, a decision Japan said risked souring ties between the two countries.
The foundation was established as part of a 2015 agreement under which Tokyo transferred about $8.8m as compensation for the victims and Seoul agreed not to raise the issue again.
The controversial deal brokered by conservative former president Park Geun-hye angered some victims who said it fell short of holding Japan responsible for abuses during its colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula.
Her successor Moon jae-in was among the harsh critics of the agreement and earlier this year his administration vowed to return the money to Japan.
Gender Equality Minister Jin Sun Mee said in a statement her ministry, which is responsible for the foundation, had decided to dissolve it. The ministry would continue to pursue policies to « restore the honour and dignity » of the sexual slavery victims, it added. Alternative approach
« We have… decided to end the project based on the result of our reviews and current circumstances around the foundation, » the statement said, saying it would seek to find a « reasonable way to handle » the remaining money sent by Japan.
