[Opinion] ULD and UDP

˝The bills are the least defensive measures a sovereign state can take. Criticism of the bills is infantile.˝ If asked which one, between the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party and the Korean United Liberal Democrats, issued such a statement, most people would reply it must be Japanese UDP. Yet, the correct answer is Korean ULD. It is a tricky question given that the controversial defense bills are even inviting criticism within Japan as to whether they are a part of attempts to mobilize war force. And it is no other than a Korean party advocating the move.

Kim Jong-pil gave specific explanation for his remarks. ˝I understand Japan is to make the least reinforcement possible to its national defense as a sovereign country as North Korea continues to harass it with nuclear weapons and sending mystery vessels to its coast.˝ Whether his reasoning is compelling or not, what is noteworthy is that he sounds just the same as Japanese rightist groups. Come to think of it, Kim must have played an advocate role for the right-wing groups by making such remarks. Some must say that it is typical of him. JP led an effort to normalize relations with Japan under Gen. Park. His campaign at that time culminated with the exchange of `JP-Ohira` memo.

Apart from some controversy, JP has played a key role in building relations with Japanese politicians. He has also maintained a close tie with right-wing Japanese politicians personally. This time, JP has failed to see the both sides of the coin, however. Japan has neither expressed remorse over its past wrongdoings sincerely nor addressed related problems. While Germans executed Nazi war criminals with their own hands, Japan has repeatedly attempted to get on a right-wing track - prime ministers have visited the shrine honoring war criminals and the government distorted textbook content.

History is not just about the past. It is a root of the present and a stem leading to the future. This is why a country must come clean about its past wrongdoings. Neighboring countries are raising the concern about the defense bills because they remind people of the ghost of Japanese imperialism. Advocating the bills by saying `infantile` and `the least defensive measures,` JP is being blind to history. It is a shame that the Korean ULD made such remarks. Being a friend is different from being a follower.

Jeon Jin-woo, Editorial Writer, youngji@donga.com