Ambassador to Japan who can't say "forced labor"... "I can't do it for sure."

Opposition lawmaker "Lack of expression of coercion of Korean workers"
Ambassador Park Chul-hee's ambiguous answer regarding forced mobilization
"Sado Mine Workers Memorial Ceremony will be held within this year."

[Anchor]
The parliamentary audit of the Korean Embassy in Japan was followed by questions and criticism from opposition lawmakers regarding the government's position on forced labor by the Japanese colonial rule.

Ambassador to Japan Park Chul-hee responded to the demand to clarify the expression of forced labor, saying, "I can't say I do it," sparking controversy.

Correspondent Kim Se-ho's report from Tokyo.

[Reporter]
Questions were focused on the Sado mine, which was designated a World Heritage Site.

Opposition lawmakers criticized the Sado mine-related exhibits for not properly including the coercion of Korean workers.

In the process, it was pointed out that Park Chul-hee, the ambassador to Japan, should be clarified, saying that he does not usually use the expression "forced mobilization."

Ambassador Park caused controversy by continuing an ambiguous answer, saying he would consider diplomatic repercussions.

[Lee Jae-jeong / Member of the Democratic Party of Korea: Can't you use the word "forced Korean worker"?]

[Park Chul-hee / Korean Ambassador to Japan] I won't say I can't do it.]

[Lee Jae-jeong / Minjoo Party member: Do you want to do it then?]

[Park Chul-hee / Korean Ambassador to Japan] I can't tell you for sure right now.]

There was a series of criticism and questioning from ruling and opposition lawmakers.

[Yoon Sang-hyun / People's Power: It is a historical fact that they were forcibly mobilized. This is the position of the Korean government. I think you should clearly state the Korean government's position, 'This is forced mobilization.']

[Hong Ki-won / Minjoo Party member: Even considering the Japanese government's position, the ambassador should accurately state our government's position. That's what you're going to do, right?]

Only then did Ambassador Park reply that he would clarify the expression of "forced labor."

[Park Chulhee / Korean Ambassador to Japan] Yes! I'll do that. Because it's essentially invalid under colonial rule...]

Ambassador Park said Japan's promised memorial service for workers will be held within this year.

He explained that he is emphasizing the need for high-level Japanese officials to participate.Ambassador

Park has belatedly started to settle, but controversy over his passive attitude toward the expression of "forced labor" is unlikely to subside easily.

I'm Kim Se-ho from YTN in Tokyo.