The Citizens' Association for Forced Mobilization by Japan has criticized the government, stating that it is maintaining the third-party repayment plan for forced mobilization victims while ignoring Japan's historical responsibility.

In a statement released today, the civic group pointed out, "President Lee Jae-myung criticized the third-party repayment plan as 'diplomatic humiliation' when he was the leader of the opposition party, but is now trying to maintain it under the pretext of policy consistency." They added, "Even in his Liberation Day congratulatory speech, he emphasized South Korea-Japan cooperation without mentioning Japan's historical responsibility."

They further emphasized, "Pragmatic diplomacy should not be pursued by leaving the previous administration's policies intact."

(Photo: Yonhap News)