Kim Jun-hyung, President of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, "Japan's Spite Over Korea's Rising Prominence"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Kim Jun-hyung, president of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, stated on the 15th that Japan seems to be acting out of spite as Korea continues to be highlighted, after Japan tentatively agreed to a brief meeting with President Moon Jae-in at the Group of Seven (G7) summit but then canceled it.

In an interview on a CBS radio program that day, President Kim said, "Ultimately, it is Japan's discourtesy, but it is not surprising. Although Japan denies the cancellation, they have always imposed conditions for a meeting between the Korean and Japanese leaders."

President Kim explained, "Japan always insisted on what they call three preconditions: accept the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Agreement as is, accept the Korea-Japan comfort women agreement as is, and postpone the forced labor compensation rulings. These three demands are extremely diplomatic rudeness that require complete submission. It means they will meet only on the premise of our surrender."

He continued, "The U.S. stance is 'Let Korea, the U.S., and Japan meet and be friendly; Korea and Japan should resolve their issues.' However, Japan has always refused this," adding, "We say we need to meet to improve Korea-Japan relations, but Japan sets conditions."

He emphasized, "As Korea takes center stage at the G7, Japan's mood is that if they do not firmly teach Korea a lesson this time, it will be difficult later," and added, "This is also a reaction to domestic public opinion held by the right-wing government."

Regarding Japan highlighting that President Moon greeted Prime Minister Suga first, he pointed out, "Greeting first like a magnanimous person passing by, rather than going to bow or plead, is being portrayed as if Korea is groveling, which shows how narrow-minded Japan's diplomacy is."

He added, "Of course, Korea-Japan relations should be improved, but there is no need for us to be so humiliating," and concluded, "I believe U.S. mediation is the best approach."