Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se expressed hope Wednesday for a "wise" verdict by the Constitutional Court, just hours before its ruling on a 1965 deal between South Korea and Japan.

The court is scheduled to deliver a verdict later in the day on whether or not the bilateral Claims Settlement Agreement is constitutional.

Japan claims that the deal, signed to normalize their diplomatic relations, settled all issues of compensation to victims of forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910-1945.

If the court rules that the agreement is unconstitutional, the South Korean government may have to re-negotiate with Japan on reparations for the victims.

"What's important is that the Constitutional Court will make a ruling independently. (I) expect a wise decision," Yun said at a forum hosted by a group of broadcast journalists.

He pointed out that the ruling is not just a domestic issue any more, as the international community is paying keen attention to it. (Yonhap)