South Korea to confiscate assets of Japanese colonial collaborators

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has announced plans to confiscate assets accumulated by Japanese collaborators and individuals who acted against the interests of the Korean nation during the colonial period (1910–1945).

Following the announcement of a special law on June 2, 2026, a new investigative commission is scheduled to begin operations on December 3, 2026. This commission will be tasked with tracking, investigating, and recovering illegally acquired assets, including those held by descendants of collaborators.

The recovered real estate and assets are intended to fund support and honors for distinguished independence activists and their families.