Germany's president expressed deep remorse for the suffering of Poland and the rest of Europe during th Second World War.
His remarks came during a commemoration ceremony to mark the eightieth anniversary of the start of the World War II.
Our Choi Si-young with details.
On Sunday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier commemorated the first victims of World War Two in Wielun,... the city in Poland that was bombed in a surprise attack by Germany, heralding the start of World War II.
The German president asked for Poland's forgiveness, speaking in their language.
"I bow to the victims of the attack in Wielun, I pay tribute to the Polish victims of German tyranny and I ask for forgiveness."
The war continued for five years, and Poland lost almost one fifth of its population during that period, including three million Jewish people.
The Polish president said the tragic moment carries a message for the world and not just for his country.
"The world suffered this loss to learn a terrifying lesson, a lesson that cost tens of millions of human lives all over the world, a lesson that cost tens of millions of lives of ordinary people, civilians, people not involved in fighting, unarmed people. The biggest sacrifice in human history."
The Polish president described the German president's apology as a form of "moral compensation" and said facing difficult historical truths has "the power to bring forgiveness and the power of building friendships."
The German president asked again for forgiveness for atrocities committed by his country in Poland as he took part in the main event held in Poland's capital Warsaw.
U.S. President Donald Trump had originally been scheduled to take part in the event, but cancelled his visit due to Hurricane Dorian.
Vice President Mike Pence attended instead and spoke on his behalf.
He said the Polish people "never lost hope" and "never gave in to despair."
Choi Si-young, Arirang News.
