Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder presents the Korean edition of his autobiography, `Entsheidungen – Mein Leben in der Politik,` to President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae on Sept. 12.

By Jeon Han, Sohn JiAe and Kim Young Shin
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon held a meeting with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder on Sept. 12 at Cheong Wa Dae to talk about strengthening ties between Korea and Germany, social reform and the importance of endeavoring for a proper acknowledgement of history.

“I heard that the former chancellor visited the House of Sharing, a shelter for survivors of sexual slavery from colonial times and World War Ⅱ, to help console the victims and to reflect upon past happenings,” said President Moon. “Germany has been able to move forward by understanding past issues based upon a sincere reflection on the past, but those problems are yet to be solved in Korea.”

“I was moved to meet the survivors of sexual slavery and to see the wounds left by Japan’s colonial and wartime atrocities. We talked about the fact that Japan has not apologized, and they said ‘We don`t hold any grudges and we don`t want revenge. However, we just want Japan’s acknowledgment about what happened’,” said former Chancellor Schröder. “I agreed, and shared my thoughts that their suffering should be recognized historically.”

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (left) and President Moon meet at Cheong Wa Dae on Sept. 12.

“Another thing that moved me during my visit to Korea was seeing the movie ‘A Taxi Driver’ (택시운전사). The most touching scene was the part where the young people fight for democracy at the risk of their own death,” he said. “The stories of the past are important, but talking about the present is also very important. It looks like your new administration is planning for big change and reform both economically and socially. I understand that these plans are to reorganize Korea into a healthy nation.”

President Moon said that he also saw the movie. “The devotion of Jürgen Hinzpeter (1937~2016), the Germen reporter that exposed the uprising in Gwangju to the world, makes up a big part of the spirit of Gwangju that still continues today. I thank Germany for its endeavors to help Korea’s democracy during times of crisis.”

President Moon also spoke about social reform, which the former chancellor mentioned. “There are many citizens who feel uneasy about the new administration’s policies, such as raising the minimum wage, creating jobs by shortening working hours, income-led growth and inclusive growth, because those could alter basic economic conditions. It`s an important mission to step forward, while relieving their anxiety through communication and persuasion. The results of this reform should come a few years later, but I want to earn the trust of the citizens that this reform will certainly succeed.”

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