President Lee Meets Korean Residents in Japan: "Apologies to Victims and Bereaved Families of Unfortunate History"

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Kansai Korean Residents Meeting held at a hotel in Nara Prefecture, Japan, on the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Lee Jae-myung, who is currently visiting Japan, met with local Korean residents on the 14th and offered an apology, saying, "I once again express my apologies and condolences to the victims and bereaved families who suffered during the unfortunate chapters of Korea's history."

President Lee made these remarks at a meeting with Korean residents from the Kansai region held in Nara Prefecture, Japan, on this day. Attendees at the gathering included bereaved families of the Jeju 4·3 Incident, residents of Utoro Village-where Koreans were mobilized for the construction of the Kyoto Airfield during the Japanese colonial period-and members of the Association of Korean Conscience Prisoners in Japan. President Lee also added, "We must not forget the incidents during the era of dictatorship when the state falsely accused Korean residents in Japan of being spies and fabricated cases against them."

Additionally, regarding historical issues between Korea and Japan, President Lee said, "I have heard that in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, there is a tomb with envoy murals, and many traces of our ancestors, known as 'Toraein,' remain." He expressed regret, stating, "Because of the unfortunate past between Korea and Japan, the beautiful history of exchanges spanning thousands of years is not being properly remembered."

President Lee also addressed the issue of discrimination against Korean residents in Japan. He said, "I know well how fiercely you have strived to protect your human dignity and national community," and added, "In Osaka, you enacted an ordinance to curb hate speech, and you have persistently fought to preserve and pass down our villages and culture by establishing ethnic schools and classes."

He went on to express his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to your sacrifices, Korea has achieved both industrialization and democratization, and although there have been ups and downs in Korea-Japan relations, progress is being made little by little."

Furthermore, President Lee promised, "When you visit your homeland, I will work to improve any problematic systems so that you do not face unreasonable discrimination based on nationality or origin," and added, "The government, established by the hands of the people, will continue this year to build a better Korea for all of you through practical diplomacy."