Korean 'not involved' in Japan shrine blast

Japanese officials have denied media reports that a Korean was behind a small explosion at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo last month.

The blast occurred in a restroom on Nov. 23 and a burnt metal pipe was found there following the blast. Reports said the man, who was caught on surveillance cameras, was identified as a Korean in his 30s who entered Japan just before the incident and returned to Korea afterward.

According to the National Police Agency, Japanese officials said the suspect has not yet been identified and that it has no plans to cooperate with Korean authorities on investigations at this point.

The Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan's war dead, including 14 A-Class war criminals. It has generated controversy in Korea and China because Japanese leaders pay regular visits.

bkim@koreatimes.co.kr,