Sex Slavery Warning

[Anchor Lead]

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn has urged that officials refrain from rhetoric that may aggravate the issue of Japanese wartime sex slavery. Ahn's message is seen by many to be a warning to Japanese officials who have made inflammatory remarks recently.

[Pkg]

Acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn has for the first time officially expressed concern over Japan's continued attacks on Korea following the installation of a Peace Monument dedicated to former sex slaves of the Japanese army in front of the Japanese consulate general in Busan. In a recent Cabinet meeting, Hwang urged officials to refrain from provocative remarks to prevent the issue of the former sex slaves from undermining bilateral ties between the two nations.

[Soundbite] Hwang Kyo-ahn(Acting President) : "Refraining from rhetoric that can exacerbate the issue of "comfort women" is necessary for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."

Ahn's message has been construed as a warning to Japanese government officials, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who recently made inflammatory remarks regarding the Peace Monument. Hwang is also believed to have referred to the growing controversy among certain Korean politicians and civic groups. Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Cho June-hyuck called for a gathering of wisdom regarding the location of the Peace Monument in Busan in line with international practices related to the protection of diplomatic entities.