Japan Holds Memorial Ceremony Despite South Korea's Boycott

Guests offer a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony for the Sado Island Gold Mine in Sado, Niigata prefecture, Japan, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Japan held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines despite South Korea's last-minute boycott, underscoring tensions between the two nations over Korean forced laborers during World War II. The absence of South Korea at the event, which aimed to honor all victims, including hundreds of Koreans, is a setback in the recent efforts to improve relations between the countries.

The Sado mines, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, have a dark history involving the mobilization of Korean laborers. Japan, after years of disputes, acknowledged this history and committed to holding an annual memorial service. South Korea's decision not to attend the ceremony due to unresolved disagreements was deemed disappointing by Japan.

The mines, operational for nearly 400 years, were a significant gold producer. Historians estimate that around 1,500 Koreans were forced to work there as part of Japan's wartime labor practices. Japan maintains that all compensation issues were settled in a 1965 treaty.

The ceremony, held as planned, included empty seats reserved for Korean attendees. Critics accuse Japan of whitewashing its wartime history, a sentiment reinforced by the lack of clarity on the inclusion of Korean laborers in the tribute.

Sado mines have a dark history involving Korean forced laborers during WWII.

Memorial ceremony held at Sado Island Gold Mines despite South Korea's boycott.

Japan acknowledged history and committed to annual memorial service.

South Korea's absence at the event is a setback in improving relations.

1,500 Koreans estimated to have been forced to work at the mines.

Japan maintains compensation issues were settled in a 1965 treaty.

The event's preparation was shrouded in uncertainty until the last minute, reflecting Japan's reluctance to confront its wartime actions. The attendance of a Japanese official who visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, seen as a symbol of Japan's militarism, added to the diplomatic tensions.

South Korea's support for the event, despite unresolved issues, drew criticism domestically. Concerns were raised over Japan's historical narrative and the lack of emphasis on the suffering of Korean laborers. Disagreements between the countries' diplomats, including the Yasukuni visit, remained unresolved, leading to South Korea's decision not to participate.

The event highlighted the complex historical and diplomatic challenges between Japan and South Korea, underscoring the delicate balance in their evolving relationship.