1. The statement announced by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on August 14 to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II has clearly demonstrated to the international community the incumbent Japanese government’s view of its history of colonial occupation and aggression.

2. Nevertheless, the Government of the Republic of Korea takes note of Prime Minister Abe’s remarks in his statement that the historical views “articulated by the previous cabinets will remain unshakable into the future,” and will pay attention to what concrete actions the Japanese government will take to fulfill them. In this regard, the ROK government urges the Japanese government to make proactive efforts to resolve as soon as possible the pending historical issues between the ROK and Japan, including that concerning the sexual slavery victims of Japan’s Imperial Army during World War II.

3. Going forward, the Government of the Republic of Korea will respond to historical issues in a principled and firm manner, while continuing to step up mutually beneficial cooperation with Japan in such areas as the North Korean nuclear issue, economy, social affairs and culture, as well as cooperation for peace and stability in Northeast Asia. In addition, the ROK government hopes Japan will join it on its journey into a new future as a neighboring country based on a correct view of history.

* unofficial translation