Kang Chang-il: "Japan Probably Thought 'If We Hit, They Will Listen,' But Their Pride Was Hurt"

"Can't Understand Korea Accepting Japan's Trickery"
Former Ambassador to Japan, MBC Radio Interview

Former Ambassador to Japan Kang Chang-il recently commented on the government's announced compensation plan for forced labor, saying, "From now on, Japan will become even more high-handed," and added, "Because we conceded once, they probably felt like 'if we hit, they will now listen.' It is very humiliating and infuriating."

On the 13th, Kang appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and analyzed Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa's statement on the 9th that "there was no forced labor," saying, "I don't know why he said such nonsense. I think it probably came out from the Liberal Democratic Party's political strategy."

Kang further said, "They want to completely subjugate Korea, deny forced labor, and tell us not to bring up such topics again."

Regarding the possibility of a more advanced proposal emerging at the upcoming Korea-Japan summit scheduled for the 16th-17th, he urged, "Please study the historical facts thoroughly and go there to logically overpower them and bring back some achievements."

Former Ambassador to Japan Kang Chang-il. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Kang said, "Minister Park Jin said last time that this is not the end but the beginning. It seems like they left some room for maneuver, so I am hopeful," and added, "Don't just go there to have a meal and take photos; since it is a summit between leaders, have an open and frank discussion."

Kang criticized, "I don't understand why Japan is resorting to such underhanded tactics that are unbecoming of a nation," calling it "contrary to historical facts." He said, "What I always say is that Japanese companies should apologize and contribute funds; the form doesn't matter," and added, "As for the formality, such as succession, since both sides need to give some justification, let's leave it to the governments of both countries."

However, he pointedly said, "They must not resort to trickery." Kang criticized, "There has been talk about the Youth Future Fund, but what does that have to do with the victims' compensation?" and said, "I don't understand why Japan is resorting to such tricks, and why Korea accepts them."