Seoul expresses regret over Takaichi's offering to controversial war shrine

What happened: South Korea's foreign ministry expressed regret after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine to mark the start of its three-day autumn festival. Kyodo reported she will not visit the shrine in person during the festival. Key numbers: Shrine honors some 2.46 million Japanese war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals; festival runs three days. Why it matters: Seoul said such steps by Japanese leaders are an important foundation for a future-oriented relationship based on trust, and urged Japan to show sincere remorse through action.

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed regret after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine to mark the start of its three-day autumn festival. Kyodo reported she will not visit the shrine in person during the festival.

Seoul said such steps by Japanese leaders are an important foundation for a future-oriented relationship based on trust, and urged Japan to show sincere remorse through action.