South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called Japan a “partner” in tackling security and economic challenges as he marked the anniversary of the nation’s 1919 independence movement against Japanese colonial rule on March 1, 2023. South Korea’s conservative political forces, some of whose root goes back to pro-Japanese betrayers during the colonial era, have often showed tendency to come closer and get friendly with Japan, sparking anger from the South Korean public. Why Koreans Hold Such Deep Resentment Towards Japan? Painful Past & Lack of Sincere Apology Korea and Japan share a long and complicated history, and their relationship has been marked by tension, bitterness, and resentment. While the two countries have established economic ties and cultural exchanges, their relationship remains clouded by Japan ’ s brutal past of imperialism and its reluctance to offer a genuine apology for its war crimes. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Koreans harbor such deep-seate