South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on Thursday urged Japan to settle long-running grievances over wartime sex slavery, saying time was running out to resolve the issue.
In a speech commemorating Korea's 1919 nationwide uprising against Japan's colonial rule, Lee said victims who "have been living with deep scars in their mind" were now well over 80 years old.
If they pass away as their grievances are left unresolved, Japan would "lose the chance to settle this issue for good," Lee said. "In order for the two countries to work closely together as partners, genuine courage and wisdom to face the truth are required." (Japan Today)