Ha Tae-kyung: "'No Japan' Movement Outdated Amid Slam Dunk Craze"

Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, responded to the Democratic Party's criticism of President Yoon Suk-yeol's Samiljeol commemorative speech by saying, "Even if we do 'No Japan' again now, there is no communication."

On the 3rd, Ha said on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' "Recently, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, has been trying to profit from anti-Japanese sentiment by bringing up various issues. But who even knows that the Kimigayo was sung on the streets of Seoul recently?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Lee claimed that a ceremony celebrating the Japanese Emperor's birthday was held in the heart of Seoul, where Kimigayo, symbolizing Japanese militarism, was played for the first time in history, calling it 'submissive diplomacy.' He also criticized President Yoon's Samiljeol speech, saying, "I couldn't believe my ears while listening."

However, Ha said, "I also felt that interest in Japan was quite low, but Kimigayo is Japan's national anthem. So it has always been played on the streets of Seoul during sports events, and when the Korean national anthem was played at diplomatic events at the Blue House's State Guest House in the past, the Japanese anthem was also played." He added, "Since it is Japan's national anthem, it must be played. That kind of anti-Japanese business no longer works."

Regarding President Yoon's Samiljeol speech, Ha evaluated it as a 'Declaration of Overcoming Japan,' saying, "The 2030 generation has no inferiority complex toward Japan. We have already won, and as the winner, we can have a more inclusive relationship with Japan." He added, "In a situation where national power has reversed, South Korea has made a declaration of overcoming Japan."

Ha said, that the opposition will use the 'anti-Japan frame' again in the next general election, and "(for the ruling party) it is not politically disadvantageous. Recently, there was a Slam Dunk craze," adding, "they will try to use it again in the next election, but it won't work."