Slave victim thanks star who said no to Japan

Song Hye-kyo

By Bahk Eun-ji

Yang Geum-deok / Yonhap

Actress Song Hye-kyo received a thank-you letter from Yang Geum-deok, a victim of forced labor during Japan’s occupation in World War II, for the actress’ rejection of a modeling offer from Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors, her agency UAA said Monday.

Song’s agency said she rejected the offer last month because the Mitsubishi Group is involved in a lawsuit over the alleged use of Korean forced labor.

In the letter, Yang said, “I felt like I could fly when I heard about your decision that even the president of the country hasn’t been able to do."

“Receiving compensation is clearly not the main thing. We want sincere an apology from Japanese Minister Shinzo Abe and Mitsubishi Group.”

Yang was forced to work in Mitsubishi Group’s aviation manufacturing plant in 1944, when she was 12 years old. She did not get paid anything for her labor for 18 months.

Yang sued the Japanese government and the group in 1999, but lost.

Yang's letter to Song / Yonhap