South Koreans should reflect on why Japan, which they have duly blamed for turning a blind eye to its pre-1945 war atrocities, is favored far more than their country in the international community. They should think about whether Japan’s right-wing politicians would or could continue anachronistic acts that anger them, if South Korea commands respect from people around the world. In addition to becoming stronger in economic and military terms, which would have inevitable limits, South Koreans need to enhance their image in the global village as benevolent, courteous, honest, rational, sincere and trustworthy. They should keep in mind what should ultimately be built on the legacy of the war.