Yoon to Japanese University Students: "Hope You Think About the Future and Communicate Actively"

Attended Future Generation Lecture at Keio University
Korea-Japan Share Universal Values... Strive to Develop Relations
Will Do Our Best to Expand Youth Exchanges

President Yoon Suk-yeol urged Korean and Japanese university students on the 17th, saying, "I hope you think about the future and actively communicate with Korean youth."

President Yoon made these remarks during a lecture for Korean international students and Japanese university students held at Keio University in Tokyo that afternoon. He said, "I want to emphasize here that you, the future generation, are the very future of both Korea and Japan." The Korean and Japanese students began taking their seats more than an hour before the lecture started, and the venue was nearly full about 30 minutes prior.

President Yoon first said, "I am very honored to meet you at Keio Gijuku University, which has a tradition of practicality and openness, and to have the opportunity to talk with you not only about the significance of this visit to Japan but also about the future that Korea and Japan must create together." He added, "This visit to Japan, Korea's closest neighbor, is significant in itself as it aims to normalize the uncomfortable bilateral relations that have existed so far."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also mentioned that since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan in 1965, the two countries have been exchanging in various fields such as economy, security, diplomacy, politics, and culture. President Yoon said, "Korea and Japan share cultural and emotional similarities that are incomparable to any other countries in the world, and the exchanges between the peoples and civil sectors of both countries are very lively and dynamic." He emphasized, "The fact that Korea and Japan, such close neighbors, are liberal democracies based on universal values such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law carries special significance in itself."

He added, "This means that the two countries must go beyond simply adhering to international norms and mutual respect, and together exercise leadership toward the common goal of peace and prosperity in the international community through solidarity and cooperation."

Explaining the importance of more exchanges given that Korea and Japan share universal values such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, President Yoon said, "Since World War II, Japan has achieved economic prosperity based on a firm belief in liberal democracy and a market economy system, and has also fulfilled its responsibilities and contributions as one of the world's largest donors to developing countries." He continued, "Korea, too, has achieved remarkable economic growth based on universal values such as freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and has done its best in its roles and responsibilities for peace and prosperity in the international community."

He went on, "I believe that it is very important for Korea and Japan, which share universal values, to work together to improve and develop bilateral relations, which is in the joint interest of both countries as well as for world peace and prosperity. Especially for the young people here today, the future generation, the development of both countries is very important. Not only government officials but also leaders in the private sector of both countries must join forces so that young people can actively exchange and communicate in various fields," he urged.

President Yoon pledged to do his best to expand exchanges between the two countries together with Prime Minister Kishida, emphasizing, "If you freely and actively interact and cooperate with Korean youth, it will not take long for us to feel the synergy brought by the trust and friendship of the younger generation."

He reaffirmed the deepening of a constructive relationship for the future of both countries. President Yoon said, "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi joint declaration. I also met with Obuchi Yuko, a member of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League, this morning." He added, "President Kim Dae-jung emphasized here in Tokyo 25 years ago in 1998 that the unfortunate history of less than 50 years should not nullify the 1,500 years of exchange and cooperation."

He also said, "As you know, Meiji-era thinker Okakura Tenshin said, 'Courage is the key to life.' The reason politicians from Korea and Japan showed courage 25 years ago to open the door to a new era was their belief that they should not leave uncomfortable history to future generations." He urged, "You here and I should also have a little more courage to make good friends and create a better future. As a responsible politician of the Republic of Korea, I will do my best with courage for the wonderful future of the youth generation of Korea and Japan."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Presidential Office explained that during the subsequent Q&A session with Keio University students, President Yoon exchanged candid opinions on the concerns of Korean and Japanese university students about bilateral relations, the joint interests of Korea and Japan, and the future of economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Yoon said, "Just as in friendships, even if awkwardness arises, relationships can be restored only by not cutting off contact and continuing to meet, communicate, and talk, the same applies to national relations. Korea and Japan must meet frequently and reflect on themselves to remove obstacles that hinder the development of bilateral relations one by one."

When a first-year student at Keio University asked, "I want to know what role I can play to contribute to improving Korea-Japan relations," President Yoon replied, "It is admirable and appreciated that a first-year student has such awareness and concerns. To further develop and normalize Korea-Japan relations, we must meet often. So, students should visit Korea. The first thing I did after taking office to improve Korea-Japan relations was to open the Gimpo-Haneda air route," he answered.