The Korean government has issued its official response to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's war anniversary speech.<br />Seoul says it hopes the words of remorse in Abe's statement are more than just hollow remarks.<br />Park Ji-won reports. <br />In its official response on Saturday,... Korea's Foreign Ministry said it will keep a close eye on how the Japanese government will put Abe's words into action.<br />In particular,... it noted the part in Abe's statement,... in which he said "the position articulated by the previous cabinets will remain unshakable into the future."<br />With those words in mind,... the ministry urged Tokyo to swiftly resolve pending historical issues, including the issue of Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery.<br />The foreign ministry reiterated that while Seoul deals with history as a matter of principle,... it will continue to cooperate with Japan on areas of mutual concern for the sake of peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.<br />The statement came as three Japanese government ministers and well over 60 lawmakers on Saturday visited the Yasukuni war shrine in Tokyo.<br />Abe sent a ritual cash offering to the shrine,... but did not make a personal visit.<br />His most recent visit in 2013 sparked angry protests from Korea and China, as well as a ticking off from the United States.<br />The shrine is so controversial as it honors 14 convicted war criminals as well as Japan's war dead.<br />Seoul's Foreign Ministry criticized the Japanese politicians who went to the shrine,... citing their lack of mature self-reflection.<br />In a separate statement on the matter,.. the ministry said Japan's neighbors and the international community can only build trust with Tokyo when it matches its remorseful words with actions.<br />However,... striking a different tone to Abe and some politicians,... Japanese Emperor Akihito on Saturday expressed his deep remorse and condolences for the victims of the war.<br />Speaking at a memorial service, Akihito said he hoped the ravages of war would never be repe
