Political Circles Criticize Japan's Suga for Yasukuni Shrine Offering: "Back to Abe, Regrettable"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The political sphere has united in condemning Japanese Prime Minister Suga's offering of tribute at the autumn festival of Yasukuni Shrine.

On the 17th, Choi In-ho, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a morning written briefing regarding Prime Minister Suga's tribute offering at Yasukuni Shrine, "This is an act that deeply wounds neighboring countries in Northeast Asia. We express our profound disappointment and regret." He added, "There is concern that Prime Minister Suga may be following the wrong path of his predecessor (former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe). Without reflection on past history, Japan cannot earn the trust of surrounding countries." He further emphasized, "We must wisely resolve the current issues between the two countries and build a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship," and "Prime Minister Suga should humbly reflect on the past and choose a new path of cooperation with neighboring countries."

Cho Hye-min, spokesperson for the Justice Party, also commented, "It is extremely disappointing to see such irresponsible behavior at a time when it is already late to express an apology for past history. We strongly express our regret." Spokesperson Cho said, "Having declared to succeed the Abe administration, is this also a declaration of returning to 'Abe again' regarding the Yasukuni Shrine issue?" She warned clearly that "such actions could ultimately lead to losing trust in the international community and urged a mature and responsible attitude."

Ahn Hye-jin, spokesperson for the People’s Party, pointed out, "The offering of tribute at Yasukuni Shrine, which is regarded as a symbol of Japan’s past military aggression, is deeply worrisome as a message of repeating the wrong past." She continued, "Without a thorough reflection and remorse on past war history, trust from neighboring countries cannot be regained, nor can true cooperative relations in Northeast Asia be established." She emphasized, "Prime Minister Suga should make a wise choice for a progressive and cooperative Korea-Japan relationship," and "If we do not learn from history, we cannot move forward into the future."

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