Abe’s comfort women apology recharges Japan-Korea ties
In a historic move that is set to usher in a new chapter in Tokyo-Seoul relations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has finally offered a blanket apology to South Korea for the abuse of the so-called comfort women forced into Japanese military brothels during World War II. Mr Abe announced a package of 1 billion yen ($8.3 million) to a fund for compensating victims, marking the closure of an emotive issue that has clouded relations between Japan and South Korea all these years.
The apology has been accepted and welcomed by South Korean President Park Geun Hye.
Ms Park struck an upbeat note on the future trajectory of Japan-South Korea relations, saying the agreement could be a new starting point for relations with Japan, according to the president’s office.