1. Our Government expresses deep regret over Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s repeated act 
on October 17, of paying tribute to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a burial for Japan’s war dead including 
Class A war criminals who, through colonial militarism and invasions, caused unspeakable loss and pain 
to its neighboring nations.

2. Under our Government’s consistent position that the foundation of Korea-Japan relations is based on the 
establishment of the correct recognition of history, we have continued to urge Japan to halt acts that nullify 
its apology and reflection of past wartime atrocities.

3. We cannot but feel disappointment and anger over the Japanese Prime Minister’s move that glorifies its 
historic wrongdoings, despite our Government’s strong protest to stop such acts and especially amid 
already strained ties with neighboring countries caused by such visits to the war-linked shrine.

4. If Japan has the will to continue improving the future-oriented Korea-Japan relations and take on 
responsible roles in the international community, it must show that it is gravely reflecting on its past as well 
as take on corresponding acts. Once again, we strongly urge the Japanese Prime Minister as well as other 
leaders of Japan to stop paying such tributes.

                                                      Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation