Yoon’s office said on Tuesday that the president had meant “he can’t accept the claim that improving relations with Japan is impossible unless they kneel down in a time of great need for security alliance”, a presidential aide told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“It is foolish to render the entire history of exchange and cooperating – dating 1,500 years – meaningless because of an unfortunate history spanning less than 50 years,” the aide said.
Seoul unveiled a plan in February to compensate victims of Japan’s wartime forced labour without Tokyo’s direct involvement, which has enraged some victims.
The victims and their lawyers say the Yoon government’s proposal falls far short of their demand for a full apology and direct compensation from the Japanese companies involved.
“His comment is problematic itself. What we are asking is a sincere apology,” said one YouTube commentator.
Europe was able to cooperate together “only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?” another wrote.
Source: CNA
