Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary: If 'Abe Apology Award' Is True, "It Will Have a Decisive Impact on Korea-Japan Relations"

Domestic Media Reports 'Unveiling Ceremony at Private Botanical Garden Next Month'... Japanese Media Also Interested
Foreign Ministry, "International Protocol for Foreign Leaders Must Be Considered"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 28th, the Japanese government expressed dissatisfaction over the so-called 'Abe Apology Statue' installed at a private botanical garden in South Korea, stating that it is not permitted under international protocol.

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, said at a regular press conference that morning in response to related questions, "First, we have not confirmed the facts, but we believe such a thing is not allowed under international protocol," adding, "If the report is true, it will have a decisive impact on Korea-Japan relations."

Earlier, a Korean media outlet reported that a sculpture symbolizing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, kneeling and apologizing in front of a statue of a comfort woman girl, was installed at the Korea Native Plant Garden in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, with an unveiling ceremony scheduled for next month. The previous day, Kyodo News reported on the matter, stating, "While criticism is coming from Japan on the internet, there is also a controversy in Korea with divided opinions."

In response, Kim In-cheol, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that confirmation is needed first, explaining, "There is something called international comity in the international community, and it seems that every country believes international comity is necessary regarding foreign high-level officials." A ministry official added regarding possible government measures, "It is necessary to carefully examine legal regulations to determine whether actions can be taken concerning private property."

Meanwhile, regarding the investigation into sexual harassment of a New Zealand national staff member by a Korean diplomat who worked at the New Zealand embassy, Spokesperson Kim responded, "The New Zealand government has replied that they intend to continue communication with the Korean government," adding, "We are currently in communication with the New Zealand side."

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