It is a moment of shame for South Korea that the Japanese government had to do what would have been our government's job: confirm the fate of one of our own who was abducted by North Korea.

For the sake of the remaining two years of his administration, Roh should seize the occasion to find a replacement for the man.

A cool-headed analysis of the negotiation result, in fact, shows that Japan has gained practical benefits.

We welcome the Wards' return, but we are also ashamed. It was us who drove them out 30 years ago.