Park Geun Hye on Japan

Park Geun Hye's core position regarding Japan was anchored in the necessity of Japan taking a "correct view of history," particularly concerning the comfort women issue, before relations could progress soundly. She frequently called upon Japanese leadership to take proactive measures acceptable to the victims while they were still alive, viewing this historical reckoning as the essential prerequisite for moving toward future-oriented, friendly, and cooperative ties. This stance was evident in her statements on significant anniversaries, where she reiterated this condition for normalized relations, even while acknowledging the importance of the bilateral relationship for regional stability.

Her strong emphasis on historical issues was also influenced by domestic political constraints; critics suggested she needed to actively distance herself from any perception of being pro-Japanese due to her father's past ties with imperial Japan. While holding this firm line, she recognized the strategic value of better relations, especially in the context of U.S. alliances and regional security against North Korea, suggesting a pragmatic desire to improve ties once the historical burdens were addressed. This created a delicate balance where forward-looking cooperation was desired but explicitly conditioned on accountability for the past.