Paragraph 3·1: 104th anniversary Paragraph 3·1… What is Japan to North and South Korea? ‘Partner vs foe’

President Yoon Seok-yeol referred to Japan as a ‘cooperative partner’ on the occasion of the March 1st Movement. It means that we need to reflect on our martyrdom and history, and at the same time think about what to do for future prosperity. On the other hand, North Korea showed a completely different appearance, such as pledging to resolve the accumulated resentment by putting forward anti-Japanese sentiment.

At the ceremony commemorating the 104th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement held at the Yoo Gwan-sun Memorial Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 1st, President Yoon said, “Now, a century has passed since the March 1st Movement, Japan has gone from being a militaristic aggressor in the past to sharing universal values ​​with us, It has changed into a cooperative partner that cooperates on the global agenda.”

In particular, “Korea-US-Japan cooperation to overcome security crises such as complex crises and the serious North Korean nuclear threat has become more important than ever,” he said. should contribute,” he said.

President Yoon said, “Today, 104 years later, we have to look back on the past where we lost our national sovereignty and suffered because we were not properly prepared for changes in world history.” It is clear what will happen,” he said.

He also emphasized, “We must remember the ancestors who gave their all for the freedom and independence of their country in the pitch-dark days when independence was unimaginable.”

“We must not forget history, whether it be glorious history or shameful and sad history. We must remember it,” he said. “he added.

In contrast, North Korea savagely criticized Japan for trying to cover up its criminal history. It is argued that even though they cannot reflect on the past, they are committing all sorts of bad things by stabbing the wounded hearts of the people.

The Labor Newspaper, the official newspaper of the Labor Party, said on the 1st, “Japan is doing everything possible to cover up the history of crimes and evade national responsibility for the liquidation of the past.” no,” he criticized.

“We will thoroughly calculate the crimes of the Japanese imperialism until the end, and we must resolve the accumulated resentment without fail,” he said. said.

Foreign propaganda media ‘Joseon Today’ also mentioned the March 1st verse, saying, “It engraved a bloody lesson that we must fight against invaders armed to the claws with arms.” “Japan must sincerely apologize for its past crimes committed against the Korean people and must pay compensation,” he urged.

South Korean experts assessed that North Korea’s increasing level of criticism against Japan has the aspect of showing off its presence. From North Korea’s point of view, the current situation in which both North Korea-U.S. relations and inter-Korean relations are strained can be frustrating.

Choi Eun-mi, a researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, told the BBC, “North Korea’s criticism of Japan has continued, but views may differ depending on the level of criticism.” As it tends to rise, it can also be interpreted as an aspect of trying to raise awareness of the North Korean issue through Japan.”

Kim Jae-cheon, a professor at the Graduate School of International Studies at Sogang University, pointed out that “North Korea’s foreign strategy is ultimately intended to promote internal political unity by making Japan one of the most important enemies along with the United States.” The more difficult the internal situation is, the more the cause is attributed to the outside world, that is, the hostile forces, and it burns hostility.

Professor Kim said, “It is true that the North Korean situation is quite bad, and this is because North Korea closed the border due to the corona quarantine issue and prevented even secret trade.” There is a need,” he said.

He also said, “There is an aspect that emphasizes the nation-first line that Korea should also agree with this policy of criticizing Japan,” he said. Criticism is multipurpose,” he added.