The logos of Line and Yahoo! Japan are seen in this 2019 file photo. AP-Yonhap

South Korean politicians urged the government Thursday to take action on Japan's implicit demand for Naver Corp. to reduce its control in the operator of the popular Line messaging app.

The calls came shortly after SoftBank, which jointly owns LY Corp., the operator of Line, with Naver, said earlier in the day it was in talks with the South Korean internet portal giant over the control of their joint venture.

The Japanese government has directed LY to "review its capital relationship" with Naver over a massive data leak of user information, apparently pressuring the company to sell down its stake to reduce Naver's control over LY that runs the most widely used messenger in Japan.

The move has sparked criticism in Korea and worries that the issue could undermine the mood for improving bilateral relations.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling People Power Party said the government "must not sit on its hands" when LY is attempting to "oust" Naver due to the pressure from the Japanese government. (Yonhap)