Ministry of Foreign Affairs Criticizes Japan's Request to Remove 'Berlin Statue of Girl' as "Self-Contradictory to Spirit of Apology and Reflection"

"Voluntary Civil Movements, Government Involvement Not Desirable"
South Korean Government "Monitoring Situation and Considering Appropriate Response"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Japanese government for requesting the removal of the 'Statue of Peace' in Germany, calling it an act contrary to Japan's past apology to the victims of sexual slavery.

On the 8th, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kim In-cheol stated at a regular briefing, "The installation of the Statue of Peace is a voluntary movement by civilians, and it is not desirable for the government to diplomatically intervene in a voluntary civilian movement."

Spokesperson Kim pointed out, "The Statue of Peace is a sculpture voluntarily installed by civilians for memorial education related to undeniable historical facts," adding, "Government involvement in forcibly removing it does not help resolve the issue and goes against the spirit of responsibility, remorse, and apology that Japan itself has acknowledged."

He further added, "The government will continue to monitor the situation and consider appropriate responses."

Meanwhile, on the 1st, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu reportedly requested the removal of the Statue of Peace during a phone call with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, according to Japanese media. Minister Motegi acknowledged this request during a press conference on the 6th. The statue installed in Berlin, Germany, was erected on the 25th of last month, led by the civilian organization Korea Council.

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