Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok offered his condolences Thursday over the recent death of veteran Japanese politician Yohei Kono, who was best known for his apology to Korean and other Asian women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II. Kono, who served in key positions such as chief cabinet secretary and speaker of the House of Representatives, died Monday at the age of 89, according to reports quoting the office of his son, former Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Prime Minister Kim expressed his sincere condolences and emphasized the importance of further developing South Korea-Japan relations. Kim took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts, highlighting Kono's unique stance among Japanese politicians. Kim noted that Kono was one of the few who acknowledged historical grievances and advocated for moving towards a future by apologizing for the forced mobilization of comfort women.
Kono's 1993 apology as chief cabinet secretary was a significant moment, as it acknowledged that women from Korea and other Asian nations were coerced into sexual servitude at Japanese military brothels during World War II. These women were euphemistically referred to as "comfort women."