On the 21st, Kim Ki-hyun, representative of People’s Power, said, “I think it is very regrettable” regarding the fact that Japanese far-right politicians visited the Yasukuni Shrine and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offered tribute.
Representative Kim met with reporters after the party-governmental meeting on the comprehensive drug control measures held at the National Assembly that afternoon and said, “Japan should try to heal the wounds of the past with sincerity.”
CEO Kim added, “I urge Japan to take a sincere attitude.”
According to Japan’s TBS and NHK, about 90 current members of the National Assembly jointly paid their respects at the Yasukuni Shrine in line with the spring rites held on the 21st and 22nd. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Katsunobu Kato offered offerings, and Minister of Economic Security Sanae Takaichi personally paid tribute after visiting the shrine.
In addition, regarding the delay in the formation of the party’s ethics committee, CEO Kim said, “It took time for us to invite verifiable people such as more diversity, fairness and neutrality in the selection process.” It seems possible,” he said.
Regarding the Jeju 4·3 bereaved family’s request at the party level to prevent a recurrence of controversy such as the story of the Supreme Council Kim Jae-won and Tae Young-ho, he said, “I don’t think it is a matter for me to answer what happened with Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won.”
Previously, Supreme Commissioner Kim, who caused controversy with comments degrading Jeju 4·3, visited Jeju the day before and apologized to the bereaved families. However, the bereaved families protested, saying, “Isn’t Supreme Commissioner Kim forced to apologize because he is in a political crisis?”
Supreme Commissioner Kim said, “It is a personal apology, but it is an issue that I have told the party leadership (I will apologize).”
He was reluctant to reveal the position of the party repeatedly, saying, “I can do anything about my personal story and I can convey the meaning well, but I can’t promise everything here and go, so I can’t say anything.”
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.