[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eun-byeol] On the 17th, the government expressed regret over Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga sending offerings to Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japanese imperialism.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a spokesperson's comment on the same day, "The government deeply regrets that Japan's government and parliamentary leaders have once again sent offerings to Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's past invasion wars and enshrines war criminals."
It added, "With the inauguration of the new cabinet, the government strongly urges Japan's responsible leaders to face history, demonstrate humble reflection and sincere remorse for the past through their actions, and respond to the demand for future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."
Prime Minister Suga sent offerings to the autumn grand festival (Chukae Yedaeje) at Yasukuni Shrine for the first time since his inauguration. During his 7 years and 8 months as Chief Cabinet Secretary under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he neither visited nor sent offerings to the shrine.
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