Korean and Japanese governments have tentatively agreed on the inclusion of the Iwami Ginzan Mine in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, where forced mobilization of Koreans took place during the Japanese colonial period, as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Japan has promised to reflect the ‘entire history’ of the mine-related facilities, but it is not yet known whether ‘forced mobilization’ was specified.
A diplomatic official stated, “After a difficult process, Korean and Japanese agreements are expected to be reached on the inclusion of the Iwami Ginzan Mine as a World Heritage site without a vote at the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi tomorrow, unless a special event occurs within the next 24 hours.” The World Heritage Committee will review 28 new inclusion items, including the Iwami Ginzan Mine, in a meeting on the 27th. The inclusion of World Heritage sites is traditionally decided by the unanimous consent of the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee, including Korea.
The official explained that the reason Korea agreed to the inclusion of the Iwami Ginzan Mine as a World Heritage site was that “Japan promised to reflect the entire history and has already taken concrete measures for it.” He added, “This time, unlike when Japan promised compliance during the inclusion of the Gunkanjima in 2015, we reached an agreement on the specific content of compliance and led to concrete measures.”
ICOMOS, the advisory body of UNESCO, recently issued an additional recommendation to address “the entire history comprehensively on-site in terms of explanation and exhibition strategies in order to provide facilities and facilities.” This reflects Korea’s demand for ‘reflecting the whole history’.
The key issue is how the ‘coerciveness’ of forced mobilization of Koreans in the Iwami Ginzan Mine will be reflected. It is necessary to find a way to acknowledge the forced mobilization of Koreans while implementing proper exhibitions to inform the public. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Korean government to make every diplomatic effort to ensure Japan records accurately till the end.
Author: Shin Hyeong-cheol newiron@hani.co.kr Tokyo / Special correspondent Kim So-yeon dandy@hani.co.kr
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