Korea, Japan to discuss extradition agreement

Korea and Japan will hold discussions on a criminal extradition agreement in Tokyo from Sept. 28 to 29.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that President Kim had agreed to push for an extradition treaty between the two nations in 1998, but as Japan delayed the negotiations, this will be the first round.

He further added that because the negotiation process and the actual details are complicating a current extradition treaty with the U.S., considerable time will be needed to consummate a agreement with Japan.

According to a report made by the Ministry of Justice, around 13.9% (88) of the total 631 Korean criminals who have escaped overseas are residing in Japan. At this time, Korea has criminal extradition treaties with 12 nations, including the U.S., Canada and Australia.