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South Korean leader says Japan dishonest over wartime past

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By Kim Tong-Hyung

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South Korean President Moon Jae-in must take responsibly for his own politically vitriolic and toxic idealogical dogmatic hostility, may I suggest a form of hatred, not only directed at Japans Government but also Japans people.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in dug a diplomatic hole he can't simply climb out of, however I am prepared to lend him a ladder I have handy in the garage.

31 ( +38 / -7 )

Every time Japan agrees to give South Korea what it demands in order to mend ties, the South Koreans eventually break their promises and agreements with Japan.

What's the point of working with South Korea if the Koreans have no honor and will not abide by their agreements?

31 ( +40 / -9 )

Not really news to anyone with a brain and morals.

-17 ( +10 / -27 )

Every time Japan agrees to give South Korea what it demands in order to mend ties, the South Koreans eventually break their promises and agreements with Japan.

What's the point of working with South Korea if the Koreans have no honor and will not abide by their agreements?

Very true. While there are plenty of far-right nuts in Japan that whitewash the country's history, the 1965 Agreement resolved all outstanding historical issues, and in turn Japan made significant monetary and infrastructure grants and investments in Korea. The Koreans abided by that Agreement until they realized that stirring up historical hate for Japan worked extremely well when you have a scandal that you'd like to divert attention from. Since the first democratic government in 1988, almost each ROK President has either been jailed for a crime or committed suicide as a result of a scandal.

Japan used to just "let it slide" when the Koreans would go on the we hate Japan rants - but they've clearly had enough. The Koreans reneging on the Comfort Women Agreement and then allowing the Korean courts to confiscate Japanese company-owned property in Korea was the last straw.

Moon, just like every other ROK President, is now in a corner of his own making - he fed the Japanese hysteria and now can't turn it off without looking weak.

Now the Justice Minister scandal is engulfing his Presidency - so he can't back down.

When will they learn...

33 ( +40 / -7 )

Unfortunately, there is some truth to what Moon is stating. Many Japanese historians have downplayed and denied the events of WW2. However, this is not an across the board thing and only done by a few extremists. Moon should not be using this as a platform to insight hatred within SK. Moon is only using this to gain more fame and to appear powerful to the SK people. I think he has dreams of becoming the people's god like his counterpart in the DPRK.

Sadly, these two countries will continue to spat. They are like two kids arguing over the lunches.

-11 ( +12 / -23 )

I know everyone is criticizing Moon about his childish actions. However, I still believe it is Abe’s fault. If he just acknowledged the fact that the Japanese actually tortured Koreans and used them as sex slaves, then this whole boycotting japan action would not be happening right now

-27 ( +9 / -36 )

Moon started this whole mess by going overboard and now trying to save face especially to his administration troubles at home with one if his close gov officials. Japan has been great throughout this whole ordeal and what happened to the Japanese girl out in public by a SK man is inexcusable. I'm really shocked as to why JT did not post anything about it though like most news was shown on TV.

25 ( +29 / -4 )

Little doubt it's linked to those court matters, and the radar lock-ons, and other recent incidents between South Korean and Japan.

And, well done Japan for standing up for itself for a change. Putting up with endless crap from South Korea because of events 70+ years ago, is not something that Japan today has to suck up quietly. There comes a point where today's people have had enough. Let the South Koreans go cuddle up with their missile-wielding cousins across the DMZ instead, and see how that plays out for them.

22 ( +27 / -5 )

Seeing as the agreement from the 60s is thrust around willy nilly to justify japans crass behaviour, here's the archives to shed more light on that so-called 'agreememt'

https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKPOF/121/JFKPOF-121-004

-25 ( +3 / -28 )

Japan has yet to even state an honest reason for its economic retaliation .... No matter what excuse it provides as justification, it is clear that the Japanese government has linked historical issues to economic matters," Moon said.

So, damned if you do, damned if you dont way of thinking here Mr Moon. Your country's courts created the problem with it's rulings, you did nothing through legislation to stop it, and now you attempt to lay the blame of your failures on Japan.

Korea needs Japanese trade more than Japan needs Korea, and with NK playing missile games, and Kim not wanting to discuss any issues with you about the Korean peninsula you need to keep the focus on your favorite "enemy" because you can't win with the Korean people in any other way.

21 ( +27 / -6 )

Funny how the Koreans always harp on Japan's BS, but always fail to mention their own.

18 ( +23 / -5 )

May be Mr Moon is the man of justice. But Japanese people consider that the law and the treaty should be obligated. Mr Moon said Its the chance for SK's economy. If it will be so. Japanese people will be happy for SK people.

4 ( +11 / -7 )

It's time for the US to TELL Mr. Moon to settle the issues with Japan immediately. He must realize that the US relationship with Japan is more important than with South Korea. Since the US is virtually the only country defending and propping up South Korea, making the relationship difficult is really stupid. What will South Korea do if the US backs off its support (even a little bit)?

16 ( +21 / -5 )

South Korean leader says, Japan dishonest over wartime past

He's right!

And many friends and relatives of Japan's war criminals are still mixed up in politics here.

-18 ( +7 / -25 )

If you enjoy history to further open your thinking, read through this wiki page. Quite interesting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Military_and_prostitution_in_South_Korea

15 ( +20 / -5 )

History doesn’t explain those missing products Korea imported from Japan. Those products could be used to develop WMD.

So SK needs to find out where they ended up and how it happend, how SK should prevent it to happen in the future and report to Japan. This is only normal procedure but SK failed.

Moon uses history so that to hide the current issue on which SK is responsible, but Abe wouldn’t let him go.

Japan will keep requesting the report until SK finally clarifies. And Japan will keep treating her export to SK on the understanding that SK cannot handle sensitive products responsibility. This is again only a normal procedure too.

19 ( +22 / -3 )

Even if it were a retaliation, Japan has still the right to take any country from its white list out.

18 ( +25 / -7 )

Moon

Your political party is a right leaning one in a nation who’s national identity atm is heavily based on blaming Japan for your problems.

Of course you blame us. You identify yourselves as victims instead of strong forward looking people.

Japan has no problem taking back the ground lost to you in automobiles and computing. Just keep on whining and telling your kidz that it’s important to moan about ancient history through life, instead of making something of yourself.

17 ( +22 / -5 )

Dishonest people are dishonest, by definition.

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

A colonizer behaves like a philanthropist, as a wolf is in sheep's clothing, both are dishonest.

-19 ( +3 / -22 )

No, no President Moon, the Japanese are just forgetful..that’s all.

-18 ( +4 / -22 )

When any country gives into extortion or pays bribery there is no end and the demands will continue if not increase.

21 ( +23 / -2 )

These two countries have not yet learned. And there will never be an end to this.

There is no right or wrong. There are only consequences.

-17 ( +1 / -18 )

Really, another article on this already?

@Disillusioned

Unfortunately, there is some truth to what Moon is stating. 

Actually not.

While the general public is still regularly drowned or indulges in the heritage of war time propaganda - forgetting even the excesses of what the Chinese troll armies are up to these days - there is a lot of very serious transnation history being done by parties in all 3 primary nations.

The general conclusion is what people think is the history has been highly exaggerated.

Most people just aren't up to date in it, or have no interest in more objective truths as they don't serve present day interests, eg to weaken political support in the US for Japan.

10 ( +18 / -8 )

Dear S. Korea

You are not the only country with historical issues. Others suffered much worse than Korea and moved forward.

You are one of the very few countries in the world who got compensation for the past and apologies unlike many others who got nothing but still moved on.

Being inferior complex, conquered easily, devided in half a country without a protest, that's on you Koreans, only yourself to blame for such weakness. If Japan did not take you, China would or Russia would just like before.

16 ( +21 / -5 )

He said Japan should look "squarely at the past" and that its current actions were aggravating the pain and anger of South Koreans who suffered under Japan's brutal colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945.

South Korea needs to look "squarely at the present" and recognize how they illegally occupied the Liancourt Rocks and refused THREE times to settle the dispute at the ICJ, how they signed the "irreversible" 2015 CW Agreement then reversed it, how they let a South Korean Court rule against Japanese Corporations in violation of the 1965 Treaty then REFUSED to recognize the Arbitration Clause...and how these current actions have destroyed any semblance of "Trust" from Japan.

"Japan has yet to even state an honest reason for its economic retaliation ...."

But South Korea has already admitted to 156 security breeches, after refusing to provide information as requested by Japan for THREE YEARS, justifying the removal from the White List.

No matter what excuse it provides as justification, it is clear that the Japanese government has linked historical issues to economic matters," Moon said.

South Korea fired the first shot by linking economic matters with historical issues by allowing it's court to rule against Japanese corporations.

Moon has destroyed South Korea as a country with any credibility. The most Dishonest nation I have ever seen.

15 ( +22 / -7 )

Isn't there a way we can just turn off everything coming out of the political sphere of this country?

I like the people but can't stand their government.

I don't want to hear anything else Moon or any of these fools have to say. It's repetitive, tired, and boring.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

The US made comments about Korea making a mistake by leaving GSOMIA.

S. Korea responded that America should be quiet. Don't say anything.

If you don't agree with S. Korea point of view than keep quiet America. We don't want to hear from you unless you agree with our point of view.

The only time Koreans like others to intervene is if it benefits them and their argument otherwise stay out of it.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

"Japan has yet to even state an honest reason for its economic retaliation .... No matter what excuse it provides as justification, it is clear that the Japanese government has linked historical issues to economic matters," Moon 

He sounds like a lot like the anti-Japan crowd on this website.

His own government highlighted the export control violations, and his own government repeatedly refused to sit down with Japanese officials to discuss these violations.

So as always, bring up colonial/comfort woman past to cover up your own hypocrisies. What a joke.

Day 48 of this topic on this website, and still not one valid reason from the anti-Japan crowd on why Japan was wrong to remove South Korea from the white list.

Not one.

10 ( +15 / -5 )

It's a good thing Japan stayed the course and removed South Korea from the white list. This Moon is a snake and never to be trusted

We stand with you Japan!!!

9 ( +17 / -8 )

Each move of the so uncharismatic président Moon is wrong.

I pity the South Koreans to be represented by such a weak fellow.

The presidency of Mrs Park was a true disaster, the Moon's is worst.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

Another day, another anti-Japan outburst from Moon. I am so furious with him. Everything about - alleged - historical events from more than 80 years ago has been settled. Numerous times.

Moon is getting desperate, he knows about the rumblings of the Military Coup coming soon. Can any of the many pro-Korea posters here explain why SK should NOT have been removed from the "white list" of 27 trusted nations? Thats right you cannot!

9 ( +16 / -7 )

I think it is, in fact, South Korea that has not come to terms with the horrific war crimes committed by Koreans; Hong Sa-ik for one.

9 ( +15 / -6 )

This is the same Moon that on a whim dissolves the landmark 2015 comfort women agreement between Japan and South Korea. No one knows what happened to the millions still in the account.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

This is the direct consequence of so many years of indoctrination in South Korea's education system. Foster hatred of Japan as a country, as its inhabitants.

And Moon is taking advantage of all that indoctrinated breeding ground to use it for purely electoral purposes. For the benefit of his political party.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

Moon is headed for a fall. An Elitism scandal has engulfed would-be justice minister in South Korea,  and the rift between America and South Korea is widening:

Lecture by US Ambassador to S.Korea cancelled

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190829_48/

Well played PM Abe Well Played! South Korea is alone. Japan has a sweet victory!

4 ( +11 / -7 )

This is just reigniting the darker sides of the national psyches. Fanning the flames of hatred. What is the end game here? Is there one?.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

This is just reigniting the darker sides of the national psyches. Fanning the flames of hatred. What is the end game here? Is there one?.

Purely deflection from the current scandal which is likely to take him down.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Every time South Korea accuse Japan of being bad colonizers or the most horrible occupier in Korean history, I'd like to remind them to look in the mirror, and look beyond their borders up in north. See that fat guy with a funny haircut? That's your people too. Please tell me how he is doing with the other half.

And to think Mr. Moon want to appease that guy? It's pretty astounding. Has he not learned any lessons from his predecessors?

10 ( +13 / -3 )

So much for looking to the future.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

'Hey the world may have forgotten how much we hate Japan since last week. I better remind them!'

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Disgraceful and dishonest are dangerous mix.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

U.S. urges restraint between Japan, S Korea

Mar. 5, 2014  02:35 pm JST  75 Comments 

WASHINGTON

The United States on Tuesday urged its allies Japan and South Korea to show restraint in their tense relations as an American senator faulted Tokyo on historical disputes.

Danny Russel, the assistant secretary of state for East Asia, called on the two countries to look at the model of Japan and the United States, which have overcome the bitterness of World War II to nurture a close friendship.

"We continue to stress the need for prudence and restraint, for all parties to take steps that will promote healing," Russel said of Japan and South Korea.

Notice the date, March 2014. In 2024, will SK accuse Japan of not owning up to history?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I see this spat between Japan and South Korea much the way I see the issue of slavery and Jim Crow in the US. There are obviously differences but in general a great harm was done in the past that cannot possibly be rectified. The immediate victims are either long since dead or in the case of the comfort women not long for this world.

There have been efforts in the past at atonement and reconciliation but they can never be enough to heal the wounds compared to the crimes committed. At this point it’s simply pride and revenge against people who had nothing to do with the original atrocity.

The only rational thing to do is move on with life and make things better going forward. Accept that wrongs were done and that justice is not possible for what happened to people in the past. Trying to hold people today responsible leads to nowhere and does no good for anyone.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

@wolfpack

Well said.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

In war, truth is the first casualty.

Everyone has biases.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@Wolfpack

I see this spat between Japan and South Korea much the way I see the issue of slavery and Jim Crow in the US. There are obviously differences ...

Yes, like in Korea

Japan finally banned slavery, doubled its population and doubled its life expectancy, built 1,000s of school to educate, acceptance intermarriage between nationalities, and allowed Koreans to rise up the ranks, which many did to high office, dragged Korea into the modern age instead of held it down, how Japan saw Koreans are being of the same race, invested a huge percentage of GDP into the region instead of taking it out to build big townhouses etc etc etc.

I could carry on listing the diametrically contrary differences.

I am afraid the "Showa Japan = Jim Crow" is just a mere modification of "Japan = Nazi Germany" and highlights one of the primary problems that is, without having an education in the reality of the episode, individuals and activists project onto it their own cultural baggage, and their own nation's crimes.

Think of the baddest thing you can, then smear Japan with it.

As I've written before, in real world terms today, if you could promise to take an undeveloped nation, doubled its population, doubled its life expectancy, build that many schools, infrastructure, industralise to the point where Korea was the 2nd most industrial nation in Asia at the time ... you would be awarded the Nobel Prize.

It's that big of a thing. You would be awarded one of the greatest Nobel Prizes that had ever been given.

The problem here is people have no real sincere interest in trying to grasp the truth so I encourage you. Stop playing war games and reliving WWII, go to a UN economist and ask them the values of that kind of development.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

South Korean leader says Japan dishonest over wartime past

I would agree with that satement. (if not dishonest, definatly avasive).

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

@Wolfpack

I see this spat between Japan and South Korea much the way I see the issue of slavery and Jim Crow in the US. There are obviously differences ...

Yes, like in Korea

Japan finally banned slavery, doubled its population and doubled its life expectancy, built 1,000s of school to educate, acceptance intermarriage between nationalities, and allowed Koreans to rise up the ranks, which many did to high office, dragged Korea into the modern age instead of held it down, how Japan saw Koreans are being of the same race, invested a huge percentage of GDP into the region instead of taking it out to build big townhouses etc etc etc.

I could carry on listing the diametrically contrary differences.

I am afraid the "Showa Japan = Jim Crow" is just a mere modification of "Japan = Nazi Germany" and highlights one of the primary problems that is, without having an education in the reality of the episode, individuals and activists project onto it their own cultural baggage, and their own nation's crimes.

Think of the baddest thing you can, then smear Japan with it.

As I've written before, in real world terms today, if you could promise to take an undeveloped nation, doubled its population, doubled its life expectancy, build that many schools, infrastructure, industralise to the point where Korea was the 2nd most industrial nation in Asia at the time ... you would be awarded the Nobel Prize.

It's that big of a thing. You would be awarded one of the greatest Nobel Prizes that had ever been given.

The problem here is people have no real sincere interest in trying to grasp the truth so I encourage you. Stop playing war games and reliving WWII, go to a UN economist and ask them the values of that kind of development.

Yes, Japan did good things for Korea. But if you want to argue that the good they did completely overshadows anything bad, then you could similarly argue that blacks brought to America ended up with better opportunities after the end of slavery than they would have had they been left in Africa. But that still doesn't negate the fact that they were slaves, just like the good that Japan did for Korea doesn't negate the bad.

Either way, Korea needs to stop being bitter about the distant past. Remember it, teach it, but MOVE ON. Nothing good will come of it as we are seeing now.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

"It's easier to blame someone than to fix your own mistakes and do better". Thank you Korea for reminding us this lesson every so many years.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

this moon is a trouble maker.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@extanker

if you want to argue that the good they did completely overshadows anything bad, then you could similarly argue that blacks brought to America ended up with better opportunities after the end of slavery than they would have had they been left in Africa.

That's probably true too, there's never really been a time African-Americans rushed back to the motherland. What's the price for leapfrogging 1,000s of slow and uncertain evolution?

But you're still making a comparison where there is not one.

Bottomline is, 100, 200, 300 years ago, everyone's life was one flavor of hell or another.

Something not discussed in the Korea situation is that they did not just ammalgamate with Japan, but leapfrogged from a closed, backward medieval existence straight into the early rise of the global markets, and the Despression.

Korea is being deeply dishonest about its wartime experience and involvement,

3 ( +7 / -4 )

@Pacificwest

And Japan had to withdraw from Korea due to WW2, having previously used Koreans as a throwaway resource to engage in murder and death.

Let us not forget the colonial history eh....

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

pacificwestToday  02:37 am JST

As I've written before, in real world terms today, if you could promise to take an undeveloped nation, doubled its population, doubled its life expectancy, build that many schools, infrastructure, industralise to the point where Korea was the 2nd most industrial nation in Asia at the time ... you would be awarded the Nobel Prize.

I think you would actually have to keep the promise to get the prize.

It's that big of a thing. You would be awarded one of the greatest Nobel Prizes that had ever been given.

With that kind of attitude you must think the western powers' colonial exploits in the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries were absolutely wonderful. Or are you one of those people that turns round and complains about what those wicked British were doing in India whenever anyone criticises Japan's colonial past?

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

kurisupisuToday  07:33 am JST

And Japan had to withdraw from Korea due to WW2, having previously used Koreans as a throwaway resource to engage in murder and death.

 

 

Better be more exact. Koreans started taken up in 1944 (1st conscription) but by the time they finished training, war was over and hence none conscripted were thrown away to the battlefield. Before then, all the Korean soldiers were volunteers. IJA started enlistment of volunteer service in 1938, IJN started it in 1944. It was very competitive for Koreans to become Japanese soldiers before then unless graduated with top scores from IJA military academy and the likes.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Funny. Several hours later after posting archival files refuting the validity of the so called agreement in the 60s and there's no peep to call out the regime for its historical whitewashing. Nope. Just more blubbering in support of the very said dishonest regime.

Facts truly care not for your feelings.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

What's funny Fred is how S. Korea refuses a 3rd country to be involved in solving this issue. S. Korea has refused time and again any other country to look at the 1965 aggrement and make a decision if Japan is right or if Korea is right.

Call Moon and tell him how S. Korea is correct on this issue and they should allow America or WTO to make a decision on this matter.

Let's find out who's correct.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

What's funny Fred is how S. Korea refuses a 3rd country to be involved in solving this issue. 

Newsflash alex.

SoKo is a sovereign nation with big boy pants. They can sort out their own issues without any other third party. And I'm thinking you didn't even read the archive files I posted earlier.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Wallace FredToday  08:49 am JST

What's funny Fred is how S. Korea refuses a 3rd country to be involved in solving this issue. 

Newsflash alex.

SoKo is a sovereign nation with big boy pants. They can sort out their own issues without any other third party. And I'm thinking you didn't even read the archive files I posted earlier

I don't think many would bother with downloading more than 250 images to confirm the craps.

You wanna say 1965 treaty invalid or what? if so, just tell us what makes it invalid.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

If that's the case, then it's best for the ignorant to remain ignorant and refrain from opining seeing as they'd only be spreading fake news.

I take it as you can't tell what makes the agreement invalid, or at least it is not worth downloading 253 images

one by one. What do you lose for just pointing out the essence? Huh? or you yourself don't really know what it means that SoKo is a sovereign nation with big boy pants, which signed the treaty

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Japan is NO Germany! Japan has vowed she wont follow the way like Germany's sincerely apology and condemning her wartime conducts! That was clear and very honest!  Even the Japanese emperors cannot have tolerate the Japanese government's rogue behaviour!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Following an angry reaction from Washington, Seoul said this week it could reconsider its decision to end the military agreement, which remains in effect until November...

Can you believe this? Seoul under President "Moon Jae-In" is defiance ! Perhaps Trump should regret  of walking across the 38th parallel into North Korea! This is the gratitues in return!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Talking about dishonesty? Well perhaps Mr Moon should raise the role of Abe's great uncle " Nobosuke Kishi" of what he has done in 1920s/1930s until 1945! You will find out how despicable the dishonesty of Shinzo Abe!

Yes, time to dig out the "Dirts" from grave !

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

It's hysterical.

They're still doing it.

Elephant200, all 3 primary memes in two posts ... the "Good German, Bad Japan", "Bad Abe" and "apologies not sincere enough" memes.

Straight out the Chinese Communist Party script.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

And let’s not forget that while Japan’s mainland was aerial bombed to ashes and even Okinawa as result of ‘Typhoon of Steel’, the Korean Peninsula was pretty much untouched.

Post war, with everything in tact, the Korean people couldn’t get it together and the pristine land was destroyed as a result of them fighting among themselves (Korean War).

With the armistice agreement in place, guess who funded the reconstruction of Southern part of the peninsula? You guessed it. It was the country that was in ruins just 20 years ago.

They don’t teach this in Korea.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Straight out the Chinese Communist Party script.

Nope. Just uncomfortable facts that can no longer be allowed to be swept under the rag. If you truly believe the buck stops with SoKo, wait till the other countries japan invaded come calling.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

showchinmonoAug. 30  07:56 am JST

Before then, all the Korean soldiers were volunteers. IJA started enlistment of volunteer service in 1938, IJN started it in 1944. It was very competitive for Koreans to become Japanese soldiers before then unless graduated with top scores from IJA military academy and the likes.

People like that are more commonly referred to as collaborators. The Waffen SS attracted quite a few foreign "volunteers" as well. No one respects them very much.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's rather obvious that it's all political in nature, by Moon Jae-in's own statement it's political, because he said so. Obviously Moon Jae-in has no intentions of changing course, he wishes to keep this as a political tool that he and his government will use in the future as well over and over, it will always come out when they do not get what they want. It doesn't matter how many times apologies are given if apologies are never accepted, therefore it becomes a monotonous waste of time and effort.

Just reading the 1965 agreement, it was obvious that the Korean Government was interested in monetary conpensation only and very little else, the complaints against Japan should obviously mostly be directed at the Korean Government itself. If the Government of Korea was actually concerned with anything other than funds it should have been made more clear at the time of the 1965 agreement. Actually in a way one cannot blame the Korean Government as almost all countries State Governments care very little for their own people, and only care about funds and the States Power and Control over the people, and Japan is no different in this respect. Throw bones to the people, and keep on raising the debt, power and control of the State itself.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@pacificwest -It didn't take long for someone to bring the Chinese into this even though it's wholly irrelevant. Based on your comment history though, it's not surprising (a subconscious obsession, it seems?).

The general conclusion is what people think is the history has been highly exaggerated.

Your own conclusion, sure, but not the general one. Whataboutism on "Chinese troll armies" (b/c media-influenced trolls aren't a presence in your home nation or anywhere else, right?) don't excuse the simple facts that Imperial Japan's worst war crimes have been backed by testimonials and records from Japanese veterans themselves as well as Western historians. And don't get me wrong, I personally think Korea (or China) receiving reparations now is unnecessary since it no longer helps the root of the problem nor does it address the handful of Korean war crimes in WW2. But using historical denialist arguments is really scraping the bottom of the barrel, I doubt even the Japanese themselves who do that are anywhere close to the majority of the population.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

in fact, there is no mention of damages in the Korea-Japan Agreement. It is designated as a country development fund celebrating independence. At the time, the Korea-Japan treaty stated that it included the San Francisco Treaty, but the content was completely different. The reason remains documented. 1965. 3. 20. According to the "White Paper on the Korea-Japan Talks" (No. 18) issued by the Government of the Republic of Korea, Article 4 of the San Francisco Convention states that the basis of the claimability issue between Korea and Japan is the basis of the issue. Korea is not a party to the treaty of the San Francisco Treaty and therefore has not been granted the right to claim damages and suffering suffered by the victorious nation pursuant to Article 14. 

Have you read the contents of the Korea-Japan agreement? How many contents do you have?

Do not believe that you are the whole thing when you see a corner. 

I do not think Japan tells me the truth.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

rlaalswlsToday  11:04 pm JST

in fact, there is no mention of damages in the Korea-Japan Agreement.

There is. Re-read Agreed minutes and so-called 8 items.

Simon FostonToday  09:14 am JST

showchinmonoAug. 30  07:56 am JST

Before then, all the Korean soldiers were volunteers. IJA started enlistment of volunteer service in 1938, IJN started it in 1944. It was very competitive for Koreans to become Japanese soldiers before then unless graduated with top scores from IJA military academy and the likes.

People like that are more commonly referred to as collaborators. The Waffen SS attracted quite a few foreign "volunteers" as well. No one respects them very much.

It is too simplistic to call 800k Korean volunteers for IJA as such if you know how many Korean independence soldiers were there in 1919

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japan, South Korea and all the Asia Pacific lose out on this fued while North Korea and China are the clear winners. Stop shooting yourselves in the foot.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Simon FostonToday  09:14 am JST

showchinmonoAug. 30  07:56 am JST

Before then, all the Korean soldiers were volunteers. IJA started enlistment of volunteer service in 1938, IJN started it in 1944. It was very competitive for Koreans to become Japanese soldiers before then unless graduated with top scores from IJA military academy and the likes.

People like that are more commonly referred to as collaborators. The Waffen SS attracted quite a few foreign "volunteers" as well. No one respects them very much.

It is too simplistic to call 800k Korean volunteers for IJA as such if you know how many Korean independence soldiers were there in 1919

Why are you talking about the military? I am talking about the fact that there is no information on forced recruitment and comfort women, not military volunteers, in the ROK-Japan agreement. Where is the Korea-Japan agreement about it? Upload it.

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Of course, Korea has never wanted Japan to be rewarded for serving in the Japanese army. is not it? Why do we associate different problems?

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