The ruling and opposition parties showed mixed reactions to the distortion of history in Japanese textbooks on the 28th. The power of the people drew a line saying, “I don’t think it was the result of the Korea-Japan summit,” and urged the Kishida government to make a decision. In addition, the Democratic Party put pressure on the government and the ruling party, saying, “President Yoon Seok-yeol, if he has a mouth, please talk about Japan’s red flag.”
Floor leader Joo Ho-young met with reporters after the in-hospital countermeasures meeting held at the National Assembly that day and said, “It’s Japan’s fault.”
Song Eon-seok, vice president of the National Assembly, said at the meeting, “Distortion of history is not at all helpful for the development of Korea-Japan relations.” should not be splashed,” he pointed out.
He said, “I hope that Japan will also break away from the narrow habit of useless historical distortion and walk the big road.” Japan should once again deeply reflect on the historic decision of the President of the Republic of Korea to normalize Korea-Japan relations.”
In a commentary, spokesperson Kim Mi-ae said, “We strongly condemn the distortion of history in Japanese textbooks for future generations to learn.” And I can’t contain my anger at the history distortion behavior.”
He also said, “There is only one historical truth, but it cannot be two.” We urge the Japanese government to take responsible attitudes and actions.”
Contrary to this, the Democratic Party criticized that “the president of the Republic of Korea should immediately urge Japan to apologize.”
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung (left) and floor leader Park Hong-geun shout slogans while participating in the ‘National Rally to Condemn Humiliating Diplomacy with Japan’ held at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 25th. 2023.3.25/News 1Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung attended a campaign in support of Seong Ki-wook, Changnyeong-gun mayor candidate Seong Ki-wook, and Gyeongnam-do lawmaker Woo Seo-yeong, who ran for a by-election in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do this morning. There was a president,” he said.
He asked back, “Isn’t it the president of the Republic of Korea who has to come out with a spur of the moment saying, ‘What are you talking about’ when textbooks say Dokdo is Japanese territory?”
Floor leader Park Hong-geun also said at the in-hospital countermeasures meeting, “Is this the cost of the humiliation plan for compensating third parties for forced labor that President Yoon pushed through with his own will and arrogance despite the opposition of the victims and the majority of the people?” We must immediately urge Japan to apologize for this,” he stressed.
Democratic Party spokesperson Park Seong-joon pointed out in a written briefing, “Is this the future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship that President Yoon Seok-yeol insisted on?” Ho-young Joo, the floor leader, criticized, saying, “I don’t think it’s the result of the Korea-Japan summit,” and he is in a hurry to cover President Yoon’s submissive diplomacy.”
Spokesman Park raised his voice, saying, “President Yoon has to answer what he will do about Japan’s disapproval,” and “it is not something to end with a single expression of regret through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
On this day, it was found that social studies textbooks and guidance textbooks for 3rd to 6th grade elementary school students that passed the textbook inspection by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology have changed the existing descriptions related to Koreans’ conscription into non-coercive expressions such as ‘support’.
In addition, regarding Dokdo, all textbooks state that “Takeshima (the name of Dokdo claimed by Japan) is Japan’s inherent territory” is included in all textbooks, and some textbooks also show maps of Japan’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around Dokdo. was also indicated. These textbooks will be used from 2024.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.