(LEAD) S. Korea deplores Japanese officials' visits to Yasukuni Shrine

Seoul expressed strong disapproval on August 15 for Japanese officials and politicians visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, urging their leaders to acknowledge historical facts and express remorse. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement following the shrine visits on the 75th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender. The government deplored the actions of Japanese leaders who continued to honor war criminals by making offerings or visiting the shrine, which symbolizes Japan's militaristic past.

The ministry demanded that Japan's leaders face history squarely and demonstrate remorse as a basis for developing future-oriented relations built on mutual trust. The foreign ministry summoned the Japanese deputy chief of mission in South Korea to express regret over the repeated visits. The defense ministry also summoned Japan's defense attache and lodged a strong protest over Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi's visit to the shrine.