S Korean PM says Japanese emperor should show remorse

South Korean Prime Minister said Friday that Japanese Emperor Akihito should express regret over Japan's past wrongdoings if he is to visit South Korea, local media reported.

"When the Japanese emperor visits South Korea, he should be determined to clearly show remorse over the history and renew South Korea-Japan relations," Prime Minister Chung Un-chan said during an interpellation session at the parliament, according to Seoul's Yonhap News Agency.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak last year invited the emperor to pay a visit to the country in 2010.

"Although the government has taken moderate and practical positions in the international diplomatic arena, the principle (on the history) should be kept," the prime minister reportedly told the parliament.

The emperor has not to officially accept the invitation yet.

Source: Xinhua