Yoon Holds Chuseok Luncheon with Japanese Atomic Bomb Victims... "Korea-Japan Relations, Future-Oriented Development"

President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Korean residents in Japan who were victims of the atomic bomb on Chuseok day, the 29th, and said, "We will do our best to develop Korea-Japan relations in a more future-oriented way and to take good care of our compatriots."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a welcome speech at a luncheon meeting for Korean victims of the atomic bomb held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 29th, Chuseok. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, President Yoon hosted a luncheon at the Blue House State Guest House, inviting atomic bomb victims. President Yoon said, "I am well aware that the long-standing uncomfortable Korea-Japan relations have made your lives difficult," and added, "The government will no longer overlook the pain of our compatriots. I hope this visit will bring some comfort to the sorrow you have endured." He continued, "It took 78 years for the government to host you. I apologize for being so late."

President Yoon had previously met with atomic bomb victims residing in Hiroshima, Japan, during the G7 summit held there on May 19, becoming the first Korean president to do so. At that time, he told the victims, "I hope you will visit your homeland soon to see how much it has changed and developed," and said, "I will invite you." He fulfilled this promise four months after making it.

President Yoon comforted them by saying, "Tens of thousands of Koreans lost their lives and homes due to atomic bomb damage," and added, "Since this suffering occurred during the colonial period while living in a foreign land, the sorrow and pain must have been even greater." He emphasized, "Our government will cooperate with Japan, our closest neighbor sharing universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, to promote peace and prosperity in the region and the world."

Furthermore, he said, "The consolation for your pain and sacrifice will not end with today's meeting," and added, "Through the vision of becoming a global pivotal state that fulfills its role and responsibility in the international community, the government will ensure that you and your descendants can have pride and dignity." The luncheon, attended by First Lady Kim Keon-hee, included 42 atomic bomb victims and their families residing in Japan and 43 victims and their families residing in Korea.