GNP leader joins a chorus of criticism of Japan

TOKYO ― In a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi yesterday, Grand National Chairwoman Park Geun-hye urged Japanese leaders to keep their words and actions consistent, referring to Mr. Koizumi’s controversial visits to a Japanese war memorial, the Yasukuni Shrine.
Lee Jae-chun, head of the Grand Nationals’ international relations committee, said Ms. Park stressed the importance of restoring trust between Korea and Japan. “A political leader requires prudent words and deeds as well as leadership,” Ms. Park was quoted as saying. Mr. Koizumi is known to have a motto that no one can rise without trust, Ms. Park said. “To keep trusting relations between individuals and nations, it is important to match words with deeds,” she said.
According to Mr. Lee, Ms. Park and Mr. Koizumi also discussed women’s role in politics.
Ms. Park told Ms. Koizumi that more than 10 percent of Korea’s legislature are female, and he reportedly responded that Korea will see a female president before Japan sees a female prime minister. In Japan, over 10 percent of legislators are also female.
Ms. Park also met with other conservative politicians including Shinzo Abe, the chief cabinet secretary, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso.

by Choi Sang-yeon