"Why Did Such Outrageous Remarks Come from Japan?"
Posted on Facebook, Sharing Views on Korea-Japan Relations
Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon, currently staying in the United States, urged on the 30th, regarding the controversy surrounding the Korea-Japan summit, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration should clarify what happened in Tokyo." He also called for a review of the stance on the diplomatic war over Dokdo.
Through Facebook on the same day, former leader Lee stated, "What happened during the Korea-Japan summit on the 16th and the two suspicious dinners from the beginning?"
He pointed out, "What kind of conversation took place that led to repeated outrageous remarks from the Japanese side challenging the foundation of the Republic of Korea, such as Dokdo, history, and public health?" and "There was even talk within the Japanese cabinet that the Dokdo issue must be resolved during President Yoon Seok-yeol’s term. What is that about?"
He added, "How do you plan to respond to Japan’s provocations? How will the serious distortion of Korea-Japan relations be addressed at the Korea-US summit on the 26th of next month?" and emphasized, "Even among allies, remember that respect is earned by speaking properly."
Former leader Lee introduced a statement he made on April 12, 2005, in the National Assembly plenary session, where he proposed to then Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan the production of a national map book, urging, "Also review the stance on the diplomatic war over Dokdo." At that time, Japan had an English version of the national map book labeling Dokdo as Takeshima, but Korea only had a Korean version published in 1993, so he proposed that the central government should produce a national map book.
On the 22nd, former leader Lee also posted criticism regarding the Korea-Japan summit, calling it "a tragedy resulting from the joint mistakes of both sides." He wrote on his Facebook, "Contrary to the expectations of both governments, the Korea-Japan summit revealed the fragility of bilateral relations and the limitations of both governments, creating a new crisis."
He continued, "The Korean side botched the matter due to shallow knowledge of history, biased perceptions, insensitivity to state affairs, and hasty judgments. The Japanese side unleashed a tsunami of self-centered historical perceptions that distort the truth and hidden arrogance toward Korea." Former leader Lee emphasized, "Korea-Japan relations must be improved," but added, "However, efforts should have been made to improve Korea-Japan relations while preserving national spirit, universal justice, the separation of powers, and the positions of past governments."
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