South Korea’s top court orders Japanese company to compensate workers for forced labor

Jiwon Song, The Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's top court on Thursday ordered a third Japanese company to compensate some of its former wartime Korean employees for forced labor, the second such ruling in a week. The South Korean verdict drew quick rebukes from Japan, but observers say it's unlikely the ruling will cause any major negative impacts on bilateral relations, as both governments are serious about improving their cooperation in the face of shared challenges like North Korea’s nuclear program and China’s assertiveness. The Supreme Court ruled that shipbuilder Hitachi Zosen Corp. and heavy equipment…