Dear editor,
An April 11 editorial, ``Another Historical Distortion,'' was a thoughtful piece. I also think that the Korean government should move forward toward `` a future-oriented relationship with Japan,'' but I cannot accept the attitude of the Lee Myung-bak administration, which is worsening historical problems with Japan.
I do believe a sincere relationship between Korea and Japan should be based on a true understanding of each other.
However, the Japanese government will not abandon its bad habits of ``saying one thing and doing another.'' If Japan does not stop this ``double-dealing,'' there cannot be a genuine connection between two countries.
Also, we know that history is repeated. If the Lee administration does not confront this ``outrageous distortion of historical facts,'' we will be faced with it in a worse situation.
Both governments in Seoul and Tokyo must do their best to solve the historical distortion ― Japan to admit its faults and to never break its word again; Korea to settle difficulties of the past and then build up a new bond with our neighbor.
Above all, what is the use of a future-oriented relationship without the support or agreement of the people?
If Seoul merely pursues a decent diplomatic outcome with Tokyo while ignoring what people really hope for, the ruling party will regret it in the end after losing its vested right.
What Korean people really want is not a rosy future-oriented relationship but proper measures to reflect real history.
All the quadrennial events between Korea and Japan will not end unless the Korean government does what it has to do.
Someday there will be a moment when we have to judge the results the Lee administration has achieved. When that moment comes, his government will not be free from criticism.
Huh Sun-young