President Moon Jae-in said the Japanese government's promotion of the Sado Mine, the site of the recruitment of Koreans during the Japanese occupation, to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is "a regrettable thing".
In a joint written interview with the world's seven largest telecommunication companies, President Moon said in a joint written interview with the world's seven largest telecommunication companies with three months left of his term in office, saying, "It's a concern at a time when we need to find solutions to problems in the past and develop future-oriented relations."
This is a criticism of Japan's ignoring the history of forced labor for Koreans in a situation where there is no progress in dialogue with Japan over the comfort women issue or compensation for victims of forced labor. This is the first time.
Earlier, the Blue House announced that it would "take a systematic and omnidirectional response" in relation to the Sado mine issue.
In an interview, President Moon pointed out, "Efforts have been made to resolve issues that need to be resolved diplomatically between Korea and Japan, but it is regrettable that we have not yet reached a point of contact."
He continued, "The essence of the problems of the past is that of human rights, which is a universal value for mankind, and in order to solve the problem, there must be a solution that the victims can accept," he emphasized. "This is an established principle in the international community."
He added, "The most important thing is to have a sincere attitude and heart in front of history above all else in order to find a solution that the victims can convince and to achieve true reconciliation."
However, President Moon said, "Our government is open to any proposals, and we look forward to resolving issues through dialogue," implying that there is no change in the will to resolve pending issues between Korea and Japan.
President Moon said, “There is always light and shade in all history, and dark areas leave scars. "He said.
He also emphasized that "there is no change in the position that South Korea and Japan are always open to communication with the Japanese Prime Minister," he said.
(Photo = Asia Pacific News Agency Joint Investigation Foundation, Yonhap News)