Japan last week asked Korea to remove statues in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul and in the U.S. honoring women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops in World War II.

The request was made during director-level talks to resolve thorny bilateral issues.

A government source here said, "The Japanese side said that Korea must also make efforts on its part to resolve the issue."

Japanese rightwing groups have been demanding the removal of the statues, but it is unprecedented for the Japanese government to bring up the matter in official talks.