Sankei: "Hanil Relations Worsened Due to President Moon"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Japanese right-wing media outlet Sankei Shimbun claimed that "the deterioration of Korea-Japan relations is due to President Moon Jae-in."

On the 2nd, in an editorial titled "President Moon's reckless remarks, the worsening of relations is your fault," Sankei directed at President Moon, saying, "Even reckless remarks just before leaving office are something I do not want to hear from you," and raised their voice, stating, "The Moon administration trampled on the promises between nations regarding the (Japanese military) comfort women and forced labor issues, causing the deterioration of relations."

President Moon, in an interview with former JTBC anchor Sohn Suk-hee on the 26th of last month, said, "The Korean government maintained its position regardless of ideology, but Japan gradually shifted its attitude, becoming more right-wing," and added, "Will (Japan's attitude) change under the next administration? I cannot be optimistic."

Regarding former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, President Moon said, "It is certain that Korea-Japan relations worsened and Japan's right-wing tendencies intensified during the Abe administration," and "Abe was a polite Japanese person, but I do not want to evaluate his leadership."

In response, Sankei questioned, "The right-wing shift is probably because Japan demanded that Korea keep promises between nations according to international law without flattering Korea. What is wrong with that?" They also emphasized, "President Moon claimed to develop Korea-Japan relations after taking office, but in reality, he took the opposite actions."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the 2015 Korea-Japan comfort women agreement, Sankei criticized, "Both governments confirmed that the issue was finally and irreversibly resolved and promised to refrain from mutual accusations or criticism, but the Moon administration did not keep any of these promises and unilaterally dissolved the foundation established with the 1 billion yen (approximately 9.7 billion KRW) fund contributed by Japan."

Regarding the Korean court rulings on compensation for forced labor victims during the Japanese colonial period, Sankei stated, "Regarding the forced labor lawsuits that ordered unfair compensation to Japanese companies, the Moon administration used judicial independence as a shield and neglected the issue, causing complications," and added, "Under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, actions are required to remove factors worsening Korea-Japan relations, including the removal of the statue of the girl in front of the Japanese embassy."

However, Sankei only unilaterally criticized the Korean government in the editorial and did not criticize the Japanese government for its right-wing shift and denial of historical responsibility.

Regarding President Moon's statement that he "resolved the war crisis with North Korea through efforts and shifted to a phase of dialogue and diplomacy," Sankei pointed out, "President Moon boasted about this, but we think differently," and criticized, "Rather, he leaned toward a policy of reconciliation with North Korea, allowing the Kim Jong-un regime's missile tests and other outrages."