By Kim Young Shin

The Korean government voiced its grave concerns over the Japanese government and parliament authorities visiting the Yasukuni Shrine and sending offerings to the shrine, on Aug. 15.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Noh Kyu-duk released a statement and said, “The government of the Republic of Korea expresses deep concern over the fact that leaders of the government and the parliament of Japan once again sent offerings to and visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s history of colonial rule and war of aggression.”

Noh said, “The government urges Japanese political leaders to show an attitude of sincere introspection and remorse toward past history, and points out that when such an attitude is demonstrated, Korea-Japan relations can advance in a future-oriented manner, and Japan can earn the trust of its neighboring countries.”

According to the Japanese daily Mainichi Shimbun, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made an offering to the shrine through ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Masahiko Shibayama. Some 50 Japanese lawmakers paid their respects at the shrine.

The Yasukuni Shrine, located in Tokyo, is where the war dead, including World War Ⅱ Class A war criminals, are enshrined. The Korean government continues to make complaints each time the Japanese politicians visit the shrine.

ysk1111@korea.kr