seoul: The presidential office voiced regret after South Korea's attempt to review Japan's efforts in addressing wartime forced labor issues at UNESCO-listed heritage sites was thwarted in a vote.
According to Yonhap News Agency, when Japan's 19th-century industrial sites were designated as UNESCO sites in 2015, Tokyo had promised to acknowledge its use of Korean forced labor at some locations, including Hashima Island. This promise remains unfulfilled.
South Korea's proposal to address the forced labor issue at Hashima Island was blocked in a rare vote by members of UNESCO's heritage oversight body on Monday. A presidential official expressed regret to Yonhap News Agency, stating that it was unfortunate the issue was not added as a formal agenda item.
The official further remarked that the South Korean government maintains its position that Japan must honor its commitments regarding modern industrial facilities and adhere to the decisions previously adopted by the World Heritage Committee, which include these promises.
Despite the unresolved issues regarding Japan's wartime past, South Korea aims to continue a future-oriented cooperation with Japan, grounded in mutual trust, as per the presidential official's statements.