New statues stoke sensitivity between SKorea, Japan

SEOUL, South Korea: A pair of new statues in South Korea of a man kneeling in front of a girl symbolizing victims of sexual slavery by Japan’s wartime military is the latest subject of diplomatic sensitivity between the countries, with Tokyo’s government spokesman questioning whether the male figure represents the Japanese prime minister.

Kim Chang-ryeol, owner of a botanic garden in the mountain town of Pyeongchang, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he canceled an unveiling ceremony for the bronze statues that was to take place on August 10 because of what he described as unwanted controversy.