Civic groups have voiced criticism of the Korea-Japan summit, stating that "historical justice has been overshadowed."
President JaeMyung Lee, who visited Japan for a 2-day trip, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during a small-scale Korea-Japan summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo on the 23rd. Photo by Yonhap News
The Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance (Jeonguiyeon) issued a statement on the 24th, saying, "The justification of pragmatic diplomacy has overshadowed historical justice," and added, "Although the leaders of both countries agreed to restore shuttle diplomacy and launch consultative bodies, the most important historical issues were not even mentioned."
The statement continued, "The Korean government should have confidently demanded that the perpetrator acknowledge responsibility and present concrete measures, seeking a major shift in Korea-Japan relations." It further criticized, "How is a future-oriented relationship possible when the dignity and honor of the victims are ignored?"
The Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities also released a statement, saying, "This is the result of a summit that ignored historical justice. We cannot hide our disappointment." The statement added, "While courts have held Japan responsible for compensation in forced labor and 'comfort women' cases, overcoming the limitations of the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement, the Lee Jaemyung administration seems intent on repeating the '65 system.'" It further emphasized, "Declaring a future-oriented relationship while sealing off history does not absolve Japan of its responsibility."
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