Kono disputes S. Korean claim over remarks on emperor

February 17, 2019

Munich--Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Saturday disputed Seoul's claim that he made no mention of a South Korean lawmaker's recent remarks about Japanese Emperor Akihito during Friday's meeting with his South Korean counterpart.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said Friday that Kono lodged a protest with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha over the remarks that sought an apology from the Emperor over the issue of so-called comfort women.

During his meeting with Kang, Kono reiterated Tokyo's demand for an apology from South Korea over the remarks by South Korean National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang and their withdrawal, according to the Japanese ministry.

But the South Korean government said that Kono and Kang did not discuss Moon's remarks.

Speaking to reporters in Munich on Saturday, Kono said he told Kang that Moon's remarks came as a surprise and were regrettable.

Kono also said he requested that the South Korean Foreign Ministry act appropriately on the matter.

He said Japan has repeatedly demanded an apology for and the withdrawal of the remarks in question and that the South Korean side must be aware that his request made on Friday means this.

In a U.S. news agency interview reported last week, Moon said it is desirable for Emperor Akihito to apologize to former comfort women, who were forced into prostitution for Japanese troops before and during World War II. Jiji Press