간토조선인 학살 103년…“일 정부 책임, 아직 못 밝혀” 대신 고개숙인 일본 시민들

The Korean and Japanese Members of Parliament have confirmed their cooperation in researching the truth behind the 1923 Gwangju earthquake and the mass killing of Korean residents, as well as in restoring the dignity of the victims. On the 31st, 15 Korean and Japanese current and former parliamentarians held a joint press conference at the Japanese House of Representatives building, where they presented a joint statement.

They confirmed that while many details about the massacre remain unclear, the research and cooperation between the two countries are crucial to restoring the dignity of the victims and promoting a better relationship between the nations. The event took place following a meeting between the "Korean Parliamentarian Association for the Gwangju Incheon Korean Massacre Victims" and the "Japanese Parliamentarian Group Seeking Verification of the Gwangju Incheon Korean Massacre."

They emphasized that uncovering the historical truth of the Gwangju massacre is not meant to intensify past conflicts, but to honor the victims and lay the foundation for trust and a forward-looking relationship between the two countries. The Gwangju Incheon Korean Massacre occurred on September 1, 1923, during the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the Gwangju region of Japan, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Korean, Chinese, and socialist residents.

The newly passed "Gwangju Earthquake Korean Massacre Truth-Finding and Victim Dignity Restoration Special Act" will be enforced on December 31 this year, triggering the establishment of a committee to investigate the truth behind the massacre and aid in the dignity restoration of the victims and their families.