South Korea voiced concern Tuesday over a ritual offering sent by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to a controversial war-linked shrine, urging Tokyo to show its repentance for its past wrongdoings through sincere actions.
"The Korean government expresses concern over responsible Japanese politicians sending offerings again to the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies its history of wars of aggression," Noh Kyu-duk, foreign ministry spokesman, told a regular press briefing.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, second from right, follows a Shinto priest to pay respect for the war dead at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. Abe visited Yasukuni war shrine in a move sure to infuriate China and South Korea. The visit to the shrine, which honors 2.5 million war dead including convicted class A war criminals, appears to be a departure from Abe`s pragmatic approach to foreign policy, in which he tried to avoid alienating neighboring countries. It was the first visit by a sitting prime minister since Junichiro Koizumi went to mark the end of World War II in 2006. (AP)
"Japan should demonstrate humble soul-searching and repentance through sincere behavior based on the appropriate recognition of history," he added.
According to local media reports, Abe, along with other senior politicians, sent ritual offerings to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo to mark its annual autumn festival.
The shrine honors around 2.4 million of Japan's war dead, including 14 Class-A war criminals. Visits or offerings usually spark strong criticism from neighboring countries, including South Korea, as it is regarded as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. (Yonhap)
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