MOFAT Spokesperson’s Commentary on the Announcement of the Japanese PM’s Statement

1. In his August 10 statement issued on the occasion of the 100th year since Japan’s forced annexation of Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan expressed deep remorse and a heartfelt apology over Japan’s past colonial rule, as well as his resolve to build future-oriented relations in view of next 100 years. 2. The Government of the Republic of Korea, paying attention to Prime Minister Kan’s remarks that Japan’s colonization was forced upon the Korean people against their will; that unlike inflictors who easily forget the suffering they have caused, the inflicted cannot easily do so; and that Japan wants to be frank in facing its past mistakes, expects all Japanese people to share this view. Further, the Government of the Republic of Korea recognizes the Prime Minister’s statement as his and the Japanese government’s willingness to overcome the unfortunate history between Korea and Japan and pave the way for bright bilateral relations in the future. 3. The Government of the Republic of Korea appreciates the pledge the Japanese government has made in the Prime Minister’s statement to faithfully conduct humanitarian cooperation to resolve past historical issues stemming from Japanese colonial rule and to expedite the restitution of archives including Joseon Dynasty Uigwe , which is a collection of its royal protocols. 4. The Government of the Republic of Korea hopes that the present, close relations between Korea and Japan will be able to develop further into a future-oriented partnership based on correct recognition and reflection of the unfortunate past.