Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul announced that the South Korean government will persist in urging Japan to conduct a "sincere" memorial ceremony for Korean victims of wartime forced labor at the UNESCO-listed Sado mine complex, starting next year.According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho made this statement during a plenary session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee. The session was convened to discuss the government's boycott of a Japanese memorial service held last Sunday, which was intended to honor forced labor victims at the Sado mine complex. The South Korean foreign ministry decided to skip the ceremony due to perceived insincerity from Japan in adequately honoring the Korean victims.Japan had previously committed to organizing a memorial event as part of the conditions for Seoul's approval of the site's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the recent event did not meet expectations, leading to criticism. The ceremony reportedly did not sufficiently acknowledge the victims or the full history of forced labor mobilization during World War II, a period when Korea was under Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.In response, Cho emphasized that if Japan does not fulfill its promises, it will face consequences regarding its image and reputation on the international stage. The South Korean foreign ministry expressed regret to Japan twice concerning the memorial service, both prior to and on the day of the event. During World War II, many Koreans were forced to work at the Sado gold and silver mines located off Japan's west coast.
- October 12, 2026
