Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi paid a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine on the 15th. In response, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed that it deeply regrets and is pained by the repeated acts, by leaders in Japan, that forget history and are out of step with the times.
The ministry stated the South Korean government feels deep regret and sorrow that responsible Japanese leaders once again, by sending offerings or paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine—which glorifies Japan’s past war of aggression and enshrines war criminals—are repeating such acts that forget history and are disconnected from the times.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the South Korean government strongly urges Japan’s responsible leaders to face history squarely and to demonstrate with actions their humble reflection and sincere remorse over past history. The ministry stressed this is an important cornerstone for building mutual trust and developing future-oriented Korea-Japan relations.
Meanwhile, during a speech at the ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said that although there have been conflicts in the history of Korea-Japan relations, both sides should strive to create a future together based on the courage to face the past and on sincerity.
He said: “At this moment, when Korea-Japan cooperation is more important than ever, we will jointly create a new light for Korea-Japan relations and bring warmth to those who are still suffering from the pains of history’s shadow.”