SEOUL — Ahead of the 100th anniversary of Japan's annexation of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday, South Koreans are renewing their call for Japan to truly repent for its past wrongdoings and act on its apology.
In a statement issued Aug. 10, Prime Minister Naoto Kan apologized for Japan's past colonial rule and expressed deep remorse, admitting Japanese rule was imposed against the will of the Korean people.
"Japan's apology is seen like a formality that comes out when the need arises," said Han Doo Kyung, who runs an Oriental medicine shop in eastern Seoul.