A memorial event linked to the Sado mine in Niigata Prefecture concluded again this year without direct language on forced mobilization, Kyunghyang Shinmun reported on Sept. 12.

The Sado mine is known as an Edo-period gold production site, and Korean laborers were mobilized to work there during Japan's colonial rule. How to describe the labor history of that period became a point of contention during the World Heritage listing process.

At the time of listing, Japan indicated it would mount exhibits covering the mine's full history and hold an annual memorial event. Seoul has maintained that it agreed to the listing on that basis.

The name of the memorial, the content of remarks and the seniority of attendees have nonetheless produced disagreements each year. Interpretations diverged in particular over wording describing the nature of the labor.

This year's event again produced no language stating that the mobilization was coerced. The manner of attendance by Korean officials and whether a separate memorial was held also drew attention.

Historians argue that the text of exhibit panels and memorial addresses matters as a record of facts. The preservation and scope of disclosure of source materials are also raised.

With the two governments maintaining a cooperative footing on other issues, many observers see limited effect on the overall relationship. Bereaved families and related organizations are nonetheless expected to keep pressing the point.