This paper examines the comfort women issue between Japan and South Korea from both legal and ethical perspectives, focusing on the role of acknowledgment and continuous dialogue in achieving meaningful reconciliation. Drawing on international human rights law, including frameworks related to crimes against humanity, the right to truth, and the right to reparation, the analysis highlights the limitations of existing political agreements that have sought to resolve the issue without fully addressing survivors’ perspectives.
In addition to legal considerations, the paper engages with key philosophical perspectives on responsibility, recognition, and forgiveness to explore the ethical dimensions of reconciliation. It argues that while legal accountability remains essential, ethical processes such as acknowledgment, memory preservation, and constructive dialogue are equally important in fostering long-term mutual understanding. At the same time, the study recognizes the potential challenges of continuous dialogue, including the risks of politicization, moral fatigue, and contested historical narratives.
To address these complexities, the paper proposes two practical approaches: the development of joint educational initiatives and the establishment of coordinated support systems for surviving victims. These measures aim to bridge divergent narratives and promote dignity, recognition, and shared responsibility. Ultimately, the paper suggests that sustained, ethically grounded engagement with the past may contribute to more stable and cooperative international relations in East Asia.