Japanese officials recently held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mines, dating back to the 16th century, were once the world's largest gold producer and operated for nearly 400 years. During World War II, hundreds of Korean laborers were forced to work under harsh conditions at the mines.
The ceremony paid tribute to all workers who died at the mines, including Korean laborers, without explicitly acknowledging their forced labor. This omission has sparked controversy and renewed tensions between Japan and South Korea.
