Official statements from the Japanese government or coverage by major international news agencies

South Korea Skips Sado Gold Mines Memorial on November 24, 2024, Amid Historical Tensions

Nov 23, 2024, 08:00 AM

South Korea has decided not to attend the upcoming memorial service at the Sado Island Gold Mines in Japan, scheduled for November 24, 2024. The decision comes amidst lingering historical tensions between the two nations, particularly over the issue of forced labor during World War II. Japan had promised to hold a memorial for all workers, including those from the Korean Peninsula, at the Sado gold mines, which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, the South Korean government cited insufficient time for diplomatic negotiations as the reason for not participating. The controversy was further fueled by the participation of Japanese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Akiko Kono in the memorial, who had previously visited the Yasukuni Shrine, a move seen as controversial by South Korea.