Busan: An international heritage body has urged Japan to adequately reflect the complete history of the Sado mine, which is linked to the wartime mobilization of Korean laborers, according to a statement from Seoul's foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee adopted a decision without amendments during its 48th session held in Busan, South Korea. The decision calls for Japan to present the "whole history" of the Sado mine, a site proposed for inscription as a World Heritage site in July 2024. The committee's recommendation emphasizes the need to address all periods of the mine's activity, including the forced labor of more than 1,500 Koreans during Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945.

South Korean foreign ministry officials highlighted that the history of the mine includes its transformation from a gold production site to a facility for producing war supplies for the Japanese imperial army during World War II. The committee noted that while some progress has been made in the site's interpretation and presentation strategy, further development is necessary to ensure comprehensive coverage of its history.

The World Heritage Committee also recommended that Japan engage in close consultations with relevant parties to improve the site's interpretation and presentation strategy. Additionally, Japan is expected to submit a follow-up report on the implementation of these recommendations by December 2027. The decision is seen as supporting South Korea's stance that Japan should more clearly acknowledge the forced labor of Koreans at the Sado mine site.