Justin Bieber Offers South Korea Apology For Japanese War Shrine Visit
Justin Bieber has apologized a second time for his visit to Japan’s controversial Yasukuni War Shrine, this time aiming his mea culpa at South Korea.
Justin Bieber has offered a second apology for his unwitting visit to Japan’s controversial Yasukuni War Shrine, which includes 14 Class-A convicted war criminals who committed atrocities during World War II among its 2.5 million honored war-dead.
The 20-year-old’s visit a week ago touched off widespread anger, particularly from China and South Korea, whose civilian peoples were either slaughtered or enslaved during past, Japanese campaigns.
Although Bieber stated in his previous social media apology that he “was [misled to think the Shrines were only a place of prayer,” it was reported numerous South Korean news outlets were furious that only China and Japan were specifically namechecked.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote one South Korean news headline blasted, “Bieber Forgets Korea in Apology for Yasukuni Shrine Visit.” while the Wall Street Journal listed a raft of Korean Twitter users including one who said the singer “has lost all his Korean fans.”
In his new quartet-tweet apology posted May 1, Bieber wrote:
“Found out that when i was in Japan I hurt my fans in Korea when visiting that shrine. That was never my intent. I love Korea. Im sorry.”
“I would never do anything to hurt my fans. I love all people. my heart goes out to the people of Korea at this time. love you.”
“I understand the responsibility of my position. i love all people. keeping it positive. Love to all the #Beliebers around the world. Keep smiling.”
found out that when i was in Japan I hurt my fans in Korea when visiting that shrine. That was never my intent. I love Korea. Im sorry
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) May 1, 2014
I would never do anything to hurt my fans. I love all people. my heart goes out to the people of Korea at this time. love you
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) May 1, 2014
i understand the responsibility of my position. i love all people. keeping it positive
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) May 1, 2014
Love to all the #Beliebers around the world. Keep smiling
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) May 1, 2014
It’s to be hoped South Korea accepts Bieber’s apology for his war shrine visit, which seems to have been an honest mistake made by a known historically challenged youngster.
However, the singer’s new apology may not even be noticed as the country has been hit by yet more grim news after the April 16 ferry disaster, with Thursday’s subway crash which led to around 200 people incurring injuries.
But, for the record, Bieber’s South Korea-specific apology has been made.
