We need to talk more about wars and their consequences

For the first time in 55 years a court ruled that the Korean government was responsible for war crimes against civilians during the Vietnam War and had to compensate Nguyen Thi Thanh, 63, a victim who filed a suit in 2020.

Immediately after the decision news editorials began to be written, and a great deal of public interest has been generated in the topic.

Though some denounced the court decision claiming special circumstances are "inevitable" during wartime, public opinion in Korea seems to welcome the decision.

I fully welcome the decision and acknowledge the years of hard work done by the team of lawyers, activists, supporters, and the Korean Vietnam Peace Foundation – and above all, Ms. Nguyen's determination – that led to this landmark decision.

The decision is loaded with political and symbolic significance. At the most fundamental level, it is a solemn reminder that it is the voice of people that counts and distinguishes an event in history as real and not allows it to be forgotten or not have meaning due to passage of time.

In an interview after the court victory, Nguyen told the jury, "Thank you for believing in my side of story."

This seemingly plain statement says a lot about wartime justice. It is the voice of the victims that carries real currency since the truth can offer wisdom for actual reconciliation far beyond political imagination.

The mobilization of public opinion by the Korean media played a crucial role in this victory.

It informed the public for years and years about the hitherto concealed history in Nguyen's own voice. The case exactly mirrors the logical stance of the Korean government against the Japanese government over the issue of "comfort women," a euphemism for sex slaves during the war.

It also reflects Korea's increased interest in Vietnam as a strategic partner, not just at the government level but also the people's level, fostered by trade, marriage, travel, and football.

Nguyen Thi Thanh (C), 63, a witness who lost family members to the massacre in Phong Nhi Village in Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, smiles as she sits with other witnesses at the death anniversary of the victims held on February 14, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong

Many Koreans are now raising concerns that similar lawsuits will follow from other Vietnamese victims. There are around 80 similar cases in Phong Nhi, Nguyen's hometown, and many more across Vietnam.

That too is good news for both parties in the long run since, regardless of the number of potential cases, the compensation costs are a fraction of the enormous benefits the partnership between the two countries will bring in the coming years.

When I visited Vietnam for the first time, I was very curious about how the Vietnamese feel about Koreans based on their war experience, and I was somewhat anxious.

When I first met a war victim whose wounds and subsequent disability were inflicted by the Korean army, I felt like I had to apologize as a Korean. But when I said I was sorry for what happened to her, she gave me a big wholesome smile and said: "Oh, it is okay. It happened a long time ago." And she thanked me for the meeting.

In essence, this might be what will happen in case anyone is worried about potential political complications. We only need to figure out together how to make the lives of victims easier, which is certainly within reach.

I hope the Vietnamese see this as an opportunity. Vietnam now urgently needs a representative body or structure that can honestly channel the voice of the victims, coordinate the collective response and liaise with Korean authorities on the matter.

Of course, this is a renewed opportunity for Agent Orange issues to move forward as well. Now everyone has the important role of paying attention to the forgotten past in the very future-oriented country of Vietnam.

*Se Gun Song, PhD, is an Agent Orange researcher and director of Asian Youth and Culture Council, an Australian NGO.