The Democratic Party of Korea expressed its "deep condolences" on October 17 regarding the passing of Tomiichi Murayama, former Prime Minister of Japan.
Chief Spokesperson Park Suhyeon stated in a written briefing on the same day, "As Prime Minister of Japan, the late Mr. Murayama was a courageous leader who, for the first time, explicitly acknowledged Japan's past as 'aggression' and expressed a sincere apology and historical awareness."
Chief Spokesperson Park also commented on the 'Murayama Statement,' which included reflection on Japan's colonial rule and aggression against neighboring countries, saying, "It became the spiritual foundation that enabled Korea and Japan to move beyond their unfortunate past toward mutual understanding, reconciliation, and future-oriented cooperation." He added, "It was more than a simple political declaration; it served as a historic milestone that pointed the way toward peace and reconciliation in Northeast Asia."
Chief Spokesperson Park further stated, "It is regrettable that some of today's Japanese leaders have failed to inherit former Prime Minister Murayama's spirit of genuine reflection and apology, instead displaying a regressive attitude toward historical issues." He urged, "The Japanese political community should reflect on the late Prime Minister's intentions, stand humbly before history, and make sincere efforts to improve Korea-Japan relations based on the spirit of Murayama."
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