Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking to the press after receiving the fourth COVID-19 booster shot at the Jongno-gu Public Health Center in Seoul on the afternoon of the 8th. (Photo by Yonhap News)
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed condolences to the bereaved family on the 8th regarding the shooting and death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, saying, "It is quite regrettable that someone who worked hard for Northeast Asia has passed away."
After receiving the fourth COVID-19 vaccination at Jongno Public Health Center in Seoul that afternoon, Prime Minister Han met with reporters and recalled, "I personally met former Prime Minister Abe," referring to the time in 2013 when former Prime Minister Abe and former President Park Geun-hye attended the Davos Forum.
Prime Minister Han said, "Former Prime Minister Abe had the will to improve Korea-Japan relations in some form," and added, "I remember that when former President Park gave the keynote speech, Abe sat in the front row for about 50 minutes, waiting until the speech and dialogue ended, then shook hands with former President Park, showing his efforts."
He continued, "Although there will always be various difficult issues between Korea and Japan, the two peoples are close countries and share democracy, market economy, human rights, and so on," and evaluated, "Japan clearly has a role in Northeast Asian security."
He added, "While past issues certainly hinder smooth relations, we must respond accordingly, and I hope that the relationship between former President Kim Dae-jung and former Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi can be restored quickly."
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