Japan Shows Attitude of "Even if the Dog Barks, the Carriage Moves On"

O Taegyu, Former Osaka Consul General, MBC Interview
"Japan's Right-Wing Shift Will Accelerate"

Former Osaka Consul General Oh Taegyu pointed out that the issue of historical distortion in Japanese elementary school textbooks arose amid the improvement phase of Korea-Japan relations, including the Korea-Japan summit, saying, "We gave a lot to Japan regarding past history, but in the end, it gives the perception of 'what have we gotten in return?'"

In an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 29th, former Consul General Oh said, "There is a proverb, 'The carriage moves on even if the dog barks,' meaning 'No matter what anyone says, we will go our own way.' I think this textbook screening result firmly shows (Japan's) such an attitude."

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who visited Japan for a 2-day, 1-night trip, is leaving after having dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a sukiyaki and shabu-shabu specialty restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, on the 16th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Consul General Oh evaluated the government's forced labor compensation solution by saying, "If you look at the root of the conflict, it is a clash of perspectives between Korea, which says 'Japan's colonial rule was illegal,' and Japan, which says 'it was legal.' However, the solution our government proposed ultimately fully accepted Japan's claim."

He continued, "From Japan's perspective, it was a sufficient signal to think, 'They accepted our claim,' and 'They will no longer make a big issue of past history.' Therefore, I expect that the right-wingization efforts, including textbooks, will proceed more strongly and quickly in the future."

Former Consul General Oh said, "We sent a signal that we will no longer apply the brakes (on Korea-Japan relations), and no matter what we protest, Japan will probably keep moving forward. In fact, the role the government can play, especially this government, has become quite limited and weakened."

However, he advised, "It is very important what kind of voice Korea raises because we are the direct victims. Our government strongly raising issues about Japan's incorrect historical views and such can somewhat help suppress the trend."