Korea and Japan clash over sensitive political issues
- 6 years ago
President Moon Jae-in's speech marking the 99th anniversary of the country's independence movement,... is sparking conflict with Japan.
His strong remarks were very different from those of recent previous administrations, and come at a time when close diplomatic ties are needed in the region.
Park Hee-jun reports. 'Comfort women' and 'Dokdo' Island --
the key words in South Korean President Moon Jae-in's Independence Movement Day speech -- and both sensitive political issues for Japan.
The President in his speech on Thursday lashed out at Japan for its sexual enslavement of Korean women during World War II.
"The issue of crimes against humanity committed in time of war cannot be closed with just words.
Japan must be able to squarely face the truth of history and justice with the universal conscience of humankind.
He also addressed the Dokdo Island dispute,... an issue which President Moon himself ordered to be included in the speech.
It was the first mention of the island in an independence movement day speech in 11 years since former President Roh Moo-hyun brought up the issue in 2006. Its inclusion shows the Moon administration's distinctive stance, different from that of previous administrations.
The President said that Japan refusing to acknowledge that the island is part of Korean territory... is the same as rejecting its history of invasion.
"Dokdo Island is our land that was appropriated first in the process of Japan's occupation of the Korean Peninsula.
It is our indigenous territory.
Japan's current denial of this fact is no different from rejecting self-reflection of the imperialistic invasion.
Japan immediately protested against the speech.
At a regular briefing the same day,... Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga called President Moon's comments "extremely regrettable".
"What President Moon said is against the Japan-South Korea agreement; it is totally not acceptable and extremely regrettable. We immediately lodged a complaint with the South Korean government through diplomatic channels."
The South Korean President's strong remarks come at a time when a strong alliance with Japan is vital.
Japan is a key ally in containing North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Although President Moon said Japan is one of Korea's closest neighbors and that he hopes for the two countries to move forward together,... his comments are likely to dent bilateral relations.
Park Hee-jun, Arirang News.
His strong remarks were very different from those of recent previous administrations, and come at a time when close diplomatic ties are needed in the region.
Park Hee-jun reports. 'Comfort women' and 'Dokdo' Island --
the key words in South Korean President Moon Jae-in's Independence Movement Day speech -- and both sensitive political issues for Japan.
The President in his speech on Thursday lashed out at Japan for its sexual enslavement of Korean women during World War II.
"The issue of crimes against humanity committed in time of war cannot be closed with just words.
Japan must be able to squarely face the truth of history and justice with the universal conscience of humankind.
He also addressed the Dokdo Island dispute,... an issue which President Moon himself ordered to be included in the speech.
It was the first mention of the island in an independence movement day speech in 11 years since former President Roh Moo-hyun brought up the issue in 2006. Its inclusion shows the Moon administration's distinctive stance, different from that of previous administrations.
The President said that Japan refusing to acknowledge that the island is part of Korean territory... is the same as rejecting its history of invasion.
"Dokdo Island is our land that was appropriated first in the process of Japan's occupation of the Korean Peninsula.
It is our indigenous territory.
Japan's current denial of this fact is no different from rejecting self-reflection of the imperialistic invasion.
Japan immediately protested against the speech.
At a regular briefing the same day,... Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga called President Moon's comments "extremely regrettable".
"What President Moon said is against the Japan-South Korea agreement; it is totally not acceptable and extremely regrettable. We immediately lodged a complaint with the South Korean government through diplomatic channels."
The South Korean President's strong remarks come at a time when a strong alliance with Japan is vital.
Japan is a key ally in containing North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Although President Moon said Japan is one of Korea's closest neighbors and that he hopes for the two countries to move forward together,... his comments are likely to dent bilateral relations.
Park Hee-jun, Arirang News.