President Yoon Suk-yeol has boycotted the mine's commemoration in Japan, purportedly over Tokyo's failure to recognise forced Korean workers Seoul's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo have hit a snag over a commemoration of Korean victims of Japan's colonial past.

After boycotting one organised by Tokyo, South Korea held its own memorial event on Monday for compatriots forced to work in a Japanese mine during World War Two, highlighting lingering sensitivities between the countries.

South Korea’s decision not to participate in what was envisioned an a moment of reconciliation highlighted the perceived lack of sincerity in Japan’s treatment of historical issues.

South Korea has paid tribute to wartime Korean forced laborers at Japan’s Sado Island Gold Mines in a memorial ceremony