On December 28, 2015, Japan and South Korea concluded an agreement to resolve the dispute about “comfort women”—Korean women forced into sexual servitude for Japanese soldiers during World War II. According to a news report, the agreement includes an official apology by Japan and the payment of $8.3 million, coming directly from the Japanese government, to a foundation set up by the South Korean government to provide medical, nursing, and other services to the victims.  In a press statement, the UN Secretary-General welcomed the agreement, expressing hope “that the agreement will contribute to improving the bilateral relationship between the two countries” and stressing the “importance of the countries in Northeast Asia to build the future oriented relationship, based on the recognition of history.”