Opposition Criticizes Prime Minister Suga's 'Yasukuni Shrine Offering'... "No Different from Abe's Actions"

People Power Party: "Actions That Do Not Help Korea-Japan Relations"
People Party: "Concerns Over Repeating Wrongful Past"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Opposition parties including the People Power Party and the People Party jointly criticized Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on the 17th for offering tribute to Yasukuni Shrine, where Pacific War war criminals are enshrined.

Yoon Hee-seok, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in an oral statement that day, "We had hoped for an improvement in Korea-Japan relations after Prime Minister Suga took office, but we cannot help but be disappointed by his actions, which are no different from those of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe."

Spokesperson Yoon stated, "This act does not help the development of Korea-Japan relations at all," and added, "Japan should deeply consider what it must do for genuine peace in Northeast Asia."

Ahn Hye-jin, spokesperson for the People Party, said in a statement that day, "It is deeply concerning whether this is a message of repeating the wrong past," and pointed out, "Without a thorough reflection and remorse on past war history, it is impossible to regain the trust of neighboring countries and establish true cooperative relations in Northeast Asia."

Spokesperson Ahn said, "Prime Minister Suga should make a wise choice for advancing and cooperating Korea-Japan relations," and added, "If we do not learn from history, we cannot move forward into the future."