South Korea pro-Japanese collaborator asset investigation

South Korea is preparing to relaunch an investigation into assets acquired by pro-Japanese collaborators during the colonial period (1910–1945). Following the passage of a special law on June 2, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung announced plans to track, investigate, and confiscate illegally acquired assets, including those held by descendants of collaborators.

A new investigative commission is scheduled to begin operations on December 3, 2026. This marks the return of a dedicated body after a 16-year hiatus following the dissolution of a previous committee in 2010. The new legislation expands government authority by allowing the seizure of proceeds from assets that have already been sold or transferred.

Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho projected that the committee could recover at least 32.5 billion won. The recovered funds are designated to provide support and honors for distinguished independence activists and their descendants.

Discussions regarding restitution have resurfaced in the National Assembly following controversy involving the ancestry of actress Ha-young. Representative Park Eun-jung of the Rebuilding Korea Party raised concerns during a Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting, noting that Ha-young’s great-grandfather, An Sang-ho, was reportedly a large landowner during the colonial period. While An was not officially listed as a collaborator by previous commissions, records indicate he held approximately 2,700 pyeong of land and was involved with organizations supporting Japanese rule.

Legal experts have noted significant challenges regarding the tracing of assets sold decades ago, as well as potential conflicts concerning property rights and the legal stability of retroactive laws.