Presidents of South Korea's Seoul National University (SNU) and University of Tokyo together criticized Japanese ultra-rightists' distortion of history and pressed for sincere repentance.

SNU President Lee Ki-jun said Wednesday at a graduation ceremony of the University of Tokyo that only by thorough reflection on the woeful past shared by our two countries can we surmount history.

Lee is the first person from outside the university's staff to be invited to participate in the graduation ceremony of the Tokyo university.

Lee emphasized that unprejudiced mutual understanding and thoughtful coexistence are needed for the two countries to overcome their dark past.

Following Lee, University of Tokyo President Shigehiko Hasumi said in his farewell address that 20th century Japan trampled upon the liberty and basic human rights of the people living on the Korean Peninsula.

Hasumi added that trying to justify the past wrongdoings may leave Japan feeling self-satisfied in the short term, but it would deprive Japan of the courage needed to guarantee a fertile future.