Korean Prime Minister on the Outcome of the Korea-Japan Summit: "A Direction We Must Definitely Follow"

Opening Remarks at High-Level Party-Government Meeting
Leading Decisive Actions in Korea-Japan Relations
Will Strive to Fully Explain Major Reforms to the Public

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated on the 19th that the outcome of the Korea-Japan summit is "not a choice but an essential direction that must be taken."

In his opening remarks at the high-level ruling party-government meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong that afternoon, Prime Minister Han said, "All major countries around the world are evaluating and respecting President Yoon Seok-yeol's decision to improve Korea-Japan relations."

At the Korea-Japan summit, Japan announced the lifting of export restrictions on the three major semiconductor items to Korea and the restoration of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).

Prime Minister Han emphasized the smooth follow-up measures, saying, "Shuttle diplomacy between the two countries has resumed after 12 years," and "In a situation where global national tasks such as economic development, security, advanced industries, supply chain restructuring, and climate change are piling up, the historical awareness that Korea-Japan cooperation should not be hindered by the unfortunate history of the past is what led the president to take the initiative in deciding Korea-Japan relations."

Regarding the three major reforms in labor, education, and pensions, he also mentioned, "The government will listen more to public opinion and strive to provide more thorough explanations for each task and issue." This statement is interpreted as a response to concerns raised about the recent proposal to revise working hours, which could allow up to 69 hours of work per week, prompting President Yoon to instruct a review through communication with workers and others.

On the drought in the southern regions, Prime Minister Han explained, "We now have to worry even about drinking water," and added, "We will implement effective measures in areas currently facing difficulties and prepare long-term and permanent measures considering extreme droughts caused by climate change."

Regarding the visit schedule next month of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) inspection team to check the preparation status of the 2030 Busan World Expo, he said, "It is an opportunity to demonstrate our will and capability to host, the attractiveness of Busan, and the distinctiveness from competing cities," and emphasized, "The ruling party and government must work together to thoroughly prepare and support so that the inspection team leaves with a strong impression and inspiration."