Yoon to Obuchi's daughter Yuko lawmaker: "Friends should meet even if there is conflict"

"Gratitude to Obuchi for His Insight in the Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Declaration"
'Lawmakers Wearing Presidential Watches'... Anecdotes Involving Japanese Ruling and Opposition Politicians Too

President Yoon Suk-yeol reportedly said during his visit to Japan on the 17th that "friends grow apart if they do not meet. Even if there is conflict, we must meet" regarding Korea-Japan relations.

At that time, President Yoon met with Obuchi Yuko, daughter of former Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo, and said, "I convey my gratitude to the daughter on behalf of former Prime Minister Obuchi, who showed great insight," according to a presidential office official who spoke to reporters at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 19th.

Former Prime Minister Obuchi is the figure who, in October 1998, during a visit to Japan by then-President Kim Dae-jung, announced the "Joint Declaration on a New Korea-Japan Partnership for the 21st Century" (commonly known as the Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Joint Declaration), consisting of 11 points including recognition of past history, aimed at overcoming the unfortunate history between the two countries and developing a future-oriented relationship. President Yoon has repeatedly expressed his intention to progressively inherit the Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Joint Declaration.

Yuko Obuchi responded by placing both hands over her chest and greeting President Yoon, saying, "I sincerely thank you. I will also work harder to improve Korea-Japan relations."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is taking a commemorative photo with Obuchi Yuko, vice-chairperson of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union and daughter of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, at a hotel in Tokyo on the 17th. Former Prime Minister Obuchi announced the "Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration" in October 1998 during his visit to South Korea with then-President Kim Dae-jung.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the same venue, former Prime Minister Aso Taro, chairman of the Japan-Korea Cooperation Committee, said, "Despite domestic political circumstances, you decided to visit Japan this time," and added, "I highly appreciate the decision made for the mutual benefit of both countries and welcome it once again."

Fukushiro Nukaga, chairman of the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League, also agreed, saying, "The solution to the forced labor compensation issue was possible because of President Yoon's strong leadership," and expressed hope that "a new era in Korea-Japan relations will open."

President Yoon also remarked, "Korea and Japan are countries that follow universal norms, so cooperation can be strengthened," and added, "Hundreds of people from both countries travel back and forth every year, and if political leaders ignore that, it is not right toward the people."

Izumi Genta, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, showed President Yoon a video of a Japanese youth greeting in self-taught Korean, which turned out to be his own daughter. Leader Genta said, "Cultural exchanges between the two countries give hope to the younger generation."

Yamaguchi Natsuo, leader of the Komeito Party, during a separate meeting with President Yoon, looked at his watch and said, "Isn't it late?" as the conversation extended. A presidential office official said that he was wearing the "President Yoon Suk-yeol watch" he received during his visit to Korea last year.

Behind-the-scenes stories of the Korea-Japan summit were also revealed. On the 16th, during an expanded meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, President Yoon said, "When I arrived in Tokyo, the cherry blossoms were not in full bloom yet, but they seem to be in full bloom a week later."

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, "This year, the cherry blossoms are blooming unusually earlier than usual," and added, "It seems they bloomed a little early to welcome President Yoon," offering a kind remark.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At a social event held after the Korea-Japan summit at Rengatei, a Western-style restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, the famous Japanese drama "Kodokuna Gourmet" became a topic of conversation. When First Lady Kim Keon-hee expressed curiosity, saying, "How does the main character eat so much and yet not gain weight?" President Yoon brought up the topic first, and the restaurant owner reportedly said, "The drama's main character has also been here. It's true he eats a lot, but he makes tremendous efforts to lose weight."

The next day, during a reception with friendship organizations, former Prime Minister Aso Taro asked President Yoon, "How was the taste of the omelet rice at that restaurant?" to which President Yoon replied, "The taste of the rice is the same, but the egg layer seems thinner than before." In response, former Prime Minister Aso said, "The previous chef passed away, and now a new chef is continuing," and President Yoon said, "I thought the chef deliberately cooked it in a Korean style."

President Yoon also mentioned the yokan (sweet bean jelly) that former Prime Minister Aso gave him as a gift during his visit to Korea last year, saying, "That shop has also continued for hundreds of years, and such things form the solid foundation of Japanese industry," according to a presidential office official.