NIIGATA, Japan - The South Korean government on Friday held its own memorial ceremony for the third straight year near the site of a gold and silver mine complex on Japan's Sado Island where Korean laborers were made to work during World War II, amid differing historical perceptions with Japan.

At the ceremony held in Niigata Prefecture, South Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Hyuk expressed hope that both countries "move forward into the future by remembering the painful history that there were Koreans who were mobilized against their will and forced to work" at the mine, which was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2024.

Lee skipped a memorial ceremony that was organized by the Niigata prefectural government and others in September. That event was attended by Japanese government officials.

At issue has been the characterization of the labor environment of Koreans during wartime. South Korea wants Japan to clearly recognize the forced nature of wartime labor, while Japan, which colonized Korea from 1910 to 1945, maintains that wartime requisition of workers does not constitute forced labor under international law.

The mine complex earned World Heritage status after South Korea agreed to support its inscription following commitments made by Japan, including holding annual memorial ceremonies for Korean workers.

However, the two governments remain divided over the wording of the eulogy at the Japanese ceremony, with South Korean officials continuing to boycott the event.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Lee admitted "differences" remain in the two countries' perceptions even as the governments have made efforts to hold a joint ceremony.

"We must fully confront history and create a conducive environment," the ambassador said.

The South Korean-organized ceremony was also attended by nine bereaved family members of the workers.

One of the participants, whose father was mobilized as a laborer, delivered a eulogy in which he expressed sympathy for the fear and loneliness his father must have experienced.

He vowed to "never forget the truth" and preserve his father's legacy.

Following the ceremony, participants visited the site of a dormitory where Korean laborers had lived and laid flowers.