South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed “deep regret” Thursday that Japanese political leaders, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, sent offerings or paid visits to a war shrine, a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past.

The statement came after visits by the Japanese ministers to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japanese war dead, including 14 Class A criminals convicted by the Allies in trials that followed World War II.

“The government expresses deep disappointment and regret that Japan’s responsible leaders again sent offerings or paid visits to the Yasukuni Shrine that beautifies Japan’s past war of aggression,” the ministry said in a statement.

“We urge the responsible leaders of Japan to squarely face up to history and show through action a humble reflection and genuine repentance for the past.”

Source: Yonhap News Agency