An intensifying feud between Tokyo and Seoul continued to escalate Wednesday, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe telling a parliamentary committee that comments by the speaker of the South Korean National Assembly had angered many in Japan.
Discord in the long-standing alliance also saw renewed attention in Washington, as U.S. Republicans and Democrats came together in support of resolutions aimed at reinforcing the trilateral relationship.
"I believe many Japanese people felt shocked and angered," Abe said regarding Speaker Moon Hee-sang's request in an interview last Thursday for an apology from Emperor Akihito in order to address the "comfort women" issue.