A group made up of victims of Japanese colonial aggression and their families says Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has expressed willingness to compensate Korean victims of conscription in phases.

Members of the Association for Pacific War Victims in Korea who are visiting the U.S. told an exclusive interview with KBS that Hatoyama made the remark to a U.S. lawmaker who visited Japan in January.

According to the association, the secret meeting was held at the request of the Japanese leader.

The association says Hatoyama's remark is a step in the right direction, although the group will continue to push for immediate, full compensation.

Given the issue's sensitivity, the group did not say to which U.S. lawmaker Hatoyama made the remark.