SEOUL -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday expressed his desire to improve the relationship between Japan and South Korea, in a speech delivered at a ceremony marking the 102nd anniversary of his nation's March 1 Independence Movement Day.
"We must not let the past hold us back. We have to concentrate more energy on future-oriented development while resolving issues of the past separately," Moon said during the ceremony commemorating the independence movement in 1919 that resisted Japan's colonial rule.
However, the president did not specifically refer to a resolution about the two countries' outstanding issues regarding former wartime requisitioned workers from the Korean Peninsula and former so-called comfort women.
"The only obstacle we have to overcome is that, sometimes, issues of the past cannot be separated from those of the future but are intermingled with each other. This has impeded forward-looking development," Moon said.
Moon also urged Japan to create an environment to mend the bilateral ties.
"It is by no means shameful to learn a lesson from past wrongs, but it is rather a way to gain respect from the international community," he said. "The Korean government is always ready to sit down and have talks with the Japanese government."
In a New Year's press conference in January, Moon stated his intention to seek a diplomatic solution to lawsuits over the wartime labor issue, saying that it would not benefit the relationship between South Korea and Japan if the assets of Japanese companies were converted into cash through court orders.
However, Moon said in his speech on Monday, "The Korean government will always pursue wise solutions based on a victim-centered approach."
This remark was apparently made in consideration for some plaintiffs who have taken a hardline stance demanding compensation from the Japanese companies.
Regarding this summer's Tokyo Games, Moon said it could serve as an opportunity for dialogue between South Korea and Japan as well as between North and South Korea; Japan and North Korea; and North Korea and the United States.
"Korea will work together with Japan for the success of the Olympics," he said.
The Moon administration has regarded the improvement of inter-Korean relations as its top priority. It is considering holding talks on issues involving the Korean Peninsula on the sidelines of the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics by urging leaders or equivalent others of countries to join. This remark by Moon appeared to be meant to seek Tokyo for support.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
