"Anti-Japan Sentiment Treated as Easy Political Topic... Rushed to Stir Emotions"
"NewJeans Hani's 'Blue Coral' Sparks Social Phenomenon-Level Reaction in Japan"
"Will We Be Satisfied with Mental Victory Chanting 'Jukchangga'?"
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon shared his thoughts on Korea-Japan relations on the occasion of the 79th Liberation Day.
On the 16th, Mayor Oh posted an article titled "True Overcoming of Japan" on Facebook, stating, "Even as we approach the 80th year of liberation, the unresolved issues of historical grievances are overwhelmingly the responsibility of Japan, the perpetrator." He added, "There has been no decisive apology like that of West German Chancellor Willy Brandt. Despite the current government's generous concessions, Japan's insufficient response is hard to understand. We must diplomatically address what needs to be addressed and correct what must be corrected."
Mayor Oh continued, "It is also time to reflect on our own position as the victim. Some in the political sphere still treat anti-Japan sentiment as an easy political tool, hastily stirring public emotions," pointing out, "As a result, this Liberation Day was marked by an unprecedented half-hearted observance, but the world is changing rapidly." He further stated, "Korea has already surpassed Japan in purchasing power parity-based wages and per capita GDP, and it is projected to overtake Japan in nominal per capita GDP next year. We must now view Japan from an equal or superior standpoint."
Mayor Oh also noted, "The song 'Blue Coral' sung by NewJeans' Hanni caused a social phenomenon-level reaction in Japan. Japanese animation continues to enjoy steady popularity in Korean theaters," adding, "Recent polls show that about 60% of Koreans in their twenties and thirties have a favorable view of Japan. There is also a social phenomenon where a significant number of young Japanese in their teens and twenties admire Korea."
Mayor Oh said, "At this point, we must consider what true overcoming of Japan means. Should we be satisfied with spiritual victory by chanting 'Dukchangga' (a traditional Korean resistance song), or should we establish ourselves as a true cultural powerhouse and a leader in economy and diplomacy, using soft power to earn their genuine respect?" He concluded, "This is a choice we must make. I hope that next year's 80th Liberation Day will become a festival that reflects on true overcoming of Japan."
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