Ruling, opposition parties express regret over Japanese officials' Yasukuni Shrine visits

Korean lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties voiced regret on Saturday over visits by Japanese officials and politicians to Yasukuni Shrine, a site viewed as a symbol of Japan's imperialistic past. This came following a tribute paid by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and a group of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers at the shrine to commemorate Japan's 1945 surrender in World War II. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offered a ritual gesture but refrained from visiting the shrine herself.

Jeon Su-mi, a spokesperson for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), condemned the visits by Japanese officials and LDP lawmakers as an "anachronistic provocation," calling them "reckless acts" rooted in "twisted patriotism." Kim Dae-sik of the main opposition People Power Party, who has a close relationship with Japan, expressed deep regret, stating that Koizumi's shrine visit undermines mutual trust between the two nations.

He urged Japan's leaders to acknowledge their history of aggression and demonstrate true remorse through tangible actions.