In a poignant reflection of historical grievances and efforts for reconciliation, South Korea conducted its own memorial ceremony on Monday morning to honor the workers who suffered at the now-defunct gold mines on Sado Island, located in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture. The mines, which have recently been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, were the site of forced labor, primarily involving workers from the Korean Peninsula during Japan’s colonial rule.
The ceremony came a day after Japan held its first official event to remember all those who worked at the mines, including those from Korea. Despite the parallel observances, the South Korean ceremony was a distinct and separate event, highlighting the lingering tensions surrounding the issue of historical memory between the two nations.
The South Korean memorial was held at the location of an old accommodation facility that once housed workers from the Korean Peninsula. Around 30 attendees, including South Korean Ambassador to Japan Park Cheol-hee and nine bereaved family members of the workers, gathered for the somber occasion. Participants offered silent prayers, laid flowers, and paid tribute to the sacrifices of those who endured grueling conditions in the mines.
During his address, Ambassador Park emphasized the importance of remembering the hardships faced by Korean laborers, noting that their sacrifices were an integral part of the history of the Sado mines. He expressed South Korea’s commitment to ensuring that the painful history of the mines would not be forgotten. “We will not forget the tears and the sacrifices of these workers,” Park stated, adding that both the Japanese and South Korean governments must work together in sincerity to ensure that future generations continue to acknowledge this dark chapter in history.
The ceremony held by Japan on Sunday was organized by a local committee and was the first official event of its kind to honor the miners, including those from the Korean Peninsula. The Japanese government was represented by Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina, who laid flowers at the site and paid tribute to the workers. The event marked a significant step in Japan’s efforts to address the contentious issue of forced labor during its colonial era. However, the South Korean government made a last-minute decision to abstain from attending the Japanese ceremony. This decision was announced on Saturday, with South Korea citing concerns about the lack of a shared historical narrative between the two countries.
The divergence in approach between South Korea and Japan underscores the ongoing diplomatic tension surrounding the legacy of forced labor during Japan’s occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945. While both countries have made efforts toward reconciliation in recent years, the sensitive issue of historical memory remains a contentious point in their bilateral relations.
The South Korean decision to hold a separate memorial ceremony reflects the enduring sensitivities surrounding the issue, as well as the strong emotions felt by the families of the Korean workers who suffered and died in the mines. This act of remembrance, while separate from Japan’s official ceremony, signals a clear desire to keep the memory of the workers alive and ensure that their pain is not overlooked in the broader discourse about the history of the Sado mines.
As the two nations continue to navigate this sensitive issue, both governments face the challenge of balancing historical remembrance with efforts for future cooperation. The ceremonies, though held separately, are a reminder of the complex and often painful history that continues to shape relations between South Korea and Japan today.
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