Historical interpretations have long bedeviled relations between South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But with Abe about to arrive in Seoul on Sunday, Park’s latest historical intervention has generated a storm domestically, rather than internationally.
“The correct way to raise our future generation is to instil in them pride in our country,” she said the following day.
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On Tuesday, she told the National Assembly that revised textbooks would give children “a proper view of history”.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye says the future generation should be instilled with pride in the country. Photo: EPA
The plan has sparked debate and protests by civic groups and opposition lawmakers. “A good president makes history,” said opposition leader Moon Jae-in. “A bad president makes history books.”
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Many interpret the intervention by the conservative Park as an attempt to whitewash atrocities committed by right-wing forces and individuals during South Korea’s tumultuous recent history.
