Korea relaunches hunt for assets accumulated by pro-Japanese collaborators

Sixteen years after concluding its operations, Korea's Investigative Commission on Pro-Japanese Collaborators' Property will resume its work in December to investigate and confiscate assets unlawfully acquired during Japan's occupation of Korea. The commission's reinstatement coincides with the scheduled implementation of the Special Act on Asset Confiscation for Pro-Japanese and Anti-national Collaborators, effective December 3.

This legislation aims to target wealth and property amassed through collaboration with Japanese imperial forces during the colonial period from 1910 to 1945. The renewed pursuit of assets reflects a deep socio-economic disparity in Korea. Research indicates that nearly three-quarters of the descendants of independence activists reside in low-income households, often relying on state welfare benefits.

This stark contrast highlights the adage that while three generations suffered due to fighting for independence, another three generations have prospered through collaboration. The Special Act was enacted to fill a legal gap following the dissolution of the first investigative commission in 2010, just four years after its establishment.