Seoul: A memorial event honoring Korean victims forced to work at the Sado mine complex during Japan's colonial rule is unlikely to occur in July or August as previously promised by Japan, a Seoul official stated on Monday. This ceremony was part of Japan's commitment when the mines were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July last year, with Japan agreeing to organize the event annually.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Japan initially expressed their intention to hold the memorial ceremony in the summer months. However, a foreign ministry official noted that while last year's event was delayed due to the timing of the UNESCO inscription, this year's ceremony faces similar challenges amid ongoing negotiations.

The inaugural memorial event in the previous year led to a dispute, with South Korea boycotting the ceremony in Japan, criticizing Tokyo's sincerity in honoring the victims. Consequently, South Korea conducted its own memorial event near the Sado site.