South Korea Anti-Japan Attacks Leave No Room for Bilateral Trust

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Lee Jae-myung was just inaugurated by South Korea as its new president on June 4. However, we are forced to recognize that his new administration is already launching attacks on Japan and churning out anti-Japan propaganda that distorts historical facts.

He has also nominated Seoul's former United Nations Ambassador Cho Hyun as foreign minister. Meanwhile, Cho has said that he intends to demand an explanation from Japan about the use of Korean workers for what he calls "forced labor" in the Sado Island Gold Mines in Niigata Prefecture. These mines have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Lee administration has also demanded that UNESCO take action regarding another World Heritage site. Titled "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining," these industrial heritage sites were listed in 2015. There are 23 component sites, including Hashima Island (commonly known as Gunkanjima or "Battleship Island") in Nagasaki City. The South Korean government alleges that Japan has not admitted its history of "forced labor" in connection with these sites.

Seoul's initiatives only rehash complaints that have been resolved in the past, and raising them again and again is unacceptable.

*Doyu-no-Warito, a site of open-pit mining, which has become a symbol of the gold and silver mines of Sado Island. (© Sankei by Kenichi Honda)*

Japan-Korea Wartime History

During the Pacific War, many workers from the Korean Peninsula worked at numerous sites in Japan proper, including the Sado Gold Mines and Gunkanjima. At the time, the Peninsula was an integral part of the Empire of Japan. Their wartime labor was the result of a lawful nationwide mobilization that required the payment of wages. It was definitely not "forced labor" as the South Korean government suggests.

The Lee administration should immediately desist from its unfounded criticisms of Japan. Japan's leadership should also strongly object to this behavior.

In a written response he submitted for a confirmation hearing in the South Korean National Assembly, Cho said, "[Japan must correctly explain] its history of forcing Koreans to work at the Sado Gold Mines."

The Sado Gold Mine became a World Heritage Site in July 2024. Nevertheless, after South Korea protested, Japan and South Korea held more talks. Both sides agreed to display panels at the local museum in Sado City explaining the harsh working conditions experienced by workers in the mines during the war, including workers of Korean origin. Nonetheless, Cho has also criticized this exhibition, saying it "lacks balance."

*A view of Gunkanjima, in Nagasaki, showing a cluster of ruins. (© Sankei)*

South Korea's Moving Goalposts

Cho coordinated the drawing up of the diplomatic pledges Lee made during the presidential campaign. And in May, Cho promised, "We will not move the goalposts." He thereby indicated an intention to maintain agreements previously concluded between the Japanese and South Korean governments, including those concerning historical issues.

Hardly were the words out of his mouth before Cho changed his tune. Now, how can we be expected to believe anything he says?

Furthermore, at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in Paris on July 7, a South Korean representative criticized Japan's "lack of explanation" regarding Gunkanjima. He also called for the committee to look into the issue. The Japanese delegation objected, and the representatives of member nations voted to reject South Korea's request.

Nonetheless, on July 15, the South Korean side returned with a similar motion. And it continues to criticize Japan.

In his previously mentioned written response, Cho also emphasized that "we will develop Korea-Japan cooperation." However, if the Lee administration keeps launching anti-Japanese attacks, we will never be able to build a truly cooperative bilateral relationship in either security or economic terms.

The South Korean government should also realize that such a course would not be in its own national interest.