Overview
The lecture discusses ongoing tensions between Japan and South Korea regarding wartime "comfort women" and Japan's refusal to issue a new apology, referencing a disputed 2015 agreement.
Background of the Dispute
- Japan and South Korea continue to disagree over Japan's use of "comfort women" during World War II.
- "Comfort women" refers to women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military.
- The controversy remains a major source of tension and mistrust between the two countries.
2015 Agreement
- In 2015, South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a deal to settle the issue.
- Both countries labeled the accord a "final and irreversible" settlement on comfort women.
- The deal included reparations and an official apology from Japan.
Recent Developments
- In 2018, South Korea stated it would not nullify the 2015 agreement but requested further apology measures from Japan.
- South Korean President Moon Jae-in called for a renewed and sincere apology.
- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe rejected additional requests, insisting the 2015 deal is a binding international promise.
- The dispute has threatened diplomatic events, including Abe's participation in the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Ongoing Impact
- The issue continues to dominate Japan-South Korea relations and could undermine cooperation during regional crises, such as North Korea's nuclear threat.
- Both sides accuse each other of distorting historical facts regarding comfort women.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Comfort women — women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during WWII.
- 2015 Agreement — a treaty between Japan and South Korea aimed at resolving the comfort women issue with reparations and an apology.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details of the 2015 agreement between Japan and South Korea.
- Examine the historical context and ongoing impact of the comfort women issue.