Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary: "Abe Apology Award Not Permissible Under International Protocol"

Controversy Over 'Apologetic Sculpture' in Front of the Comfort Women Statue at the Korea Native Plant Garden

The sculpture 'A Heartfelt Apology' installed within the Korea Native Plant Garden [Image source=Korea Native Plant Garden]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Japanese government has reportedly expressed opposition to the so-called 'Abe Apology Statue' installed at a private botanical garden in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, stating that it cannot be permitted under international protocol.

According to Japan's Sankei Shimbun on the 28th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, during a regular morning press conference, responded to questions about the so-called Abe Apology Statue installed at a private botanical garden in Korea by saying, "Although the facts have not yet been confirmed, if true, such a thing is not permissible under international protocol," and warned, "It could have a decisive impact on Korea-Japan relations."

The Abe Apology Statue refers to a sculpture installed within the Korea Native Plant Garden in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, depicting a man kneeling and apologizing in front of the Comfort Women Statue. The original title of the work is known as "A heartfelt apology." The Korea Native Plant Garden plans to hold an unveiling ceremony for the work and open it to the public on the 10th of next month.

Regarding the Japanese government's stance on the Comfort Women issue, Minister Suga emphasized, "Our position remains unchanged in strongly demanding the Korean side to faithfully implement the (2015) Korea-Japan agreement, which confirmed the final and irreversible resolution of the Comfort Women issue."

Kyodo News reported an interview with the director of the Korea Native Plant Garden. Kim Chang-ryul, director of the Korea Native Plant Garden, told Kyodo News, "It was not made specifically targeting Prime Minister Abe but symbolizes all men who are in a position to apologize," adding, "He could possibly be the girl's father." Kyodo News also reported that Kim stated, "It is a sculpture made at the botanical garden at personal expense and has no political purpose."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.