"South Korea-Japan Summit to Revitalize Economy... First Step for the Future"

Democratic Party Strikes Back at Criticism
"History Will Judge"

The People Power Party praised President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit to Japan as a "determination" and "the first step toward the future."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at the party's floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th, "The normalization of Korea-Japan relations will provide new opportunities and vitality to our economy, which is facing a complex crisis."

He continued, regarding achievements such as the lifting of Japan's export restrictions, restoration of the whitelist, and normalization of GSOMIA, "The walls of distrust and communication breakdown built between the two countries over the past few years have begun to crumble," adding, "I believe history will properly evaluate President Yoon's decision made for the people and the future."

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who visited Japan for a 2-day, 1-night trip, is shaking hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida after a joint press conference at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo on the afternoon of the 16th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Regarding Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's statement that he inherits the historical awareness of past cabinets, including the "Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration," Floor Leader Joo explained, "The Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration contains sincere reflection and heartfelt apology for the harm and pain caused to the people of the Republic of Korea, so reaffirming it can be seen as a new foundation for the future of both countries, and broadly speaking, it includes an expression of apology."

Secretary-General Lee Cheol-gyu also emphasized, "This summit laid the groundwork for the advancement of new Korea-Japan relations and became a significant turning point in the Northeast Asian world order," adding, "Although the relationship between the two countries, which had been estranged by anti-Japanese sentiment and singing 'Dukchangga' during the previous administration, will not be mended overnight, at least the first step toward the future has been taken."

They also responded to criticism from the Democratic Party, which used expressions such as "disheartening." After the floor strategy meeting, Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "The Democratic Party always stirs up anti-Japanese sentiment."

He further stated, "If we count from liberation, it has been 80 years, and nearly 70 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations, but despite efforts so far, we have not achieved what we wanted sufficiently. Considering the possibility going forward, whether it is right to continue Korea-Japan relations as the Democratic Party or the Moon Jae-in administration did, or whether it is right to make a decision like President Yoon despite various issues, history will judge in time," adding, "President Yoon's determination is the right one, and the day when it will be recognized as a good decision is not far off."

Policy Committee Chairman Sung Il-jong also criticized, "The Democratic Party, which has benefited from anti-Japanese agitation and political agitation, has once again taken up the 'Dukchang' to cover up Lee Jae-myung's judicial risks," and pointedly asked, "When former President Kim Dae-jung does it, it is national interest, but when President Yoon inherits Kim's future-oriented achievements, is it tribute and a diplomatic disaster?"