South Korean president lashes Japan over wartime use of 'comfort women'


South Korean President Moon Jae-in answers reporters' question during his New Year news conference at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, January 10, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Moon Jae-in described Japan's wartime use of "comfort women" as a "crime against humanity" on Thursday in some of his strongest comments yet, sparking an immediate protest from his key ally in containing North Korea.

Moon said during a speech marking a national holiday commemorating Korean resistance to Japanese occupation - his first since taking office last year - that Japan was in no position to declare the emotionally charged issue settled.

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