Japanese Newspaper: "Resolving Korea-Japan Historical Issues Urgent... No Time to Wait for Yoon's Response"

by Kim HyeongMin

Published 10 Apr.2022 10:30(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] With President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's inauguration just a month away, a leading Japanese newspaper has urged efforts to resolve the conflict between Korea and Japan over historical issues.

On the 10th, the Asahi Shimbun published an editorial titled "Avoiding the Monetization (Forced Sale) of Japan-Korea Relations is Urgent," positively evaluating President-elect Yoon's expressed intention to comprehensively address historical and other Korea-Japan issues, while asserting that "neither country currently has the luxury to calmly observe the next administration's response."

The newspaper mentioned that rulings on lawsuits filed by forced labor victims in Korea have been finalized, and procedures for the forced sale of Japanese company assets are underway. It added, "It goes without saying that proposing a fundamental solution is desirable. However, if that is difficult, simply showing a clear intention both domestically and internationally to seek resolution of historical issues through diplomatic negotiations could be effective."

It continued, "If monetization is executed, irreparable conflicts will arise," and "responsible statements from political leaders could grant a temporal reprieve for negotiations." To avoid the greatest crisis facing both Korea and Japan, it also urged that "the Japanese government must amend its obstinate stance."

The newspaper analyzed that the growing backlash against Japan in Korea is mainly due to the long-standing Abe Shinz? administration turning its back on uncomfortable historical issues from Japan's perspective and losing a humble attitude. It further stated, "To realize the Yoon administration's ambition to rebuild Korea-Japan relations, the Kishida administration also needs to demonstrate a willingness to establish a sound relationship."