[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Wi Seong-rak, former ambassador to Russia and chairman of the Practical Diplomacy Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea's Lee Jae-myung presidential campaign committee, said about the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) that it is "symbolic of Korea-Japan cooperation and very important."
In an interview with Kyodo News on the 17th, Chairman Wi expressed his views on the Korea-Japan GSOMIA, stating, "It is necessary to firmly establish the foundation of security cooperation by faithfully operating it." Kyodo News interpreted this statement as drawing a line from former President Moon Jae-in's position that the Korea-Japan GSOMIA could be "terminated at any time" depending on Korea-Japan relations.
Regarding the evaluation that candidate Lee is tough on Japan, Chairman Wi said, "I do not hold any anti-Japanese sentiment at all. I understand the necessity of improving relations and the urgent issues that will arise if elected." He also commented on the recent visit to Dokdo by Police Chief Kim Chang-ryong, saying, "While based on the principle that Dokdo is Korean territory, appropriate actions should be taken to improve relations. I think there is no need to do things that do not help improvement and spoil the atmosphere."
Wi, who served as South Korea's chief representative in the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear issue, mentioned, "Deterring North Korea's potential threat and responding to changes in the Indo-Pacific, including the US-China competition, as well as South Korea playing a global role, security cooperation among Korea, the US, and Japan is helpful."
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