Photo : YONHAP News
South Korea has offered condolences to Japan regarding the death of Yohei Kono, the former chief government spokesperson who apologized in 1993 for his country having forced women into military sexual slavery during World War II.
Seoul’s foreign ministry issued the condolence message Thursday, expressing deep sorrow over Kono’s death on Monday and saying the apology from the former speaker of Japan’s Lower House was the country’s first official document to acknowledge the historical facts about the “comfort women” issue and convey genuine remorse.
In his 1993 statement, Kono said the imperial Japanese military had taken part in the establishment and management of “comfort stations” and in recruiting women through coercion, admitting that its actions “severely injured the honor and dignity of many women.”
The ministry said Seoul highly regards the late politician’s spirit and accomplishment of facing history squarely, fulfilling his courage and conviction to self-reflect and making efforts to develop his country’s ties with South Korea and other neighboring countries.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, under the Cabinet of Sanae Takaichi, affirmed on Thursday Tokyo’s existing position to uphold the Kono statement.