Korea-Japan Summit, Possibility of Discussing 'Fukushima Contaminated Water'... Joint Declaration Unlikely (Comprehensive)

Through the Summit, Security, High-Tech Industries, Youth, and Culture
Dinner Also Planned... "Shuttle Diplomacy Fully Launched"
Possible Discussion on Contaminated Water Discharge Measures... "No Need to Exclude"

There is a growing possibility that the issue of Fukushima contaminated water discharge will be raised as an agenda item during the summit between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Presidential Office explained that "if the media and the public consider it an important issue, there is no need to exclude it from the agenda," but it is expected that there will be no separate 'joint declaration' on this sensitive matter.

Presidential Office spokesperson Lee Do-woon disclosed this schedule on the afternoon of the 4th at the Yongsan Presidential Office during a meeting with reporters regarding the upcoming Korea-Japan summit scheduled for the 7th. Prime Minister Kishida will make a working visit to Korea for one night and two days on the 7th and 8th.

Spokesperson Lee emphasized the significance of this meeting, saying, "Prime Minister Kishida conveyed through Takeo Akiba, Director of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, that he highly appreciates President Yoon’s courageous decision leading the improvement of Korea-Japan relations and decided to reciprocate in some way by making this return visit." He added, "President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, along with Prime Minister Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida, will have dinner together," and noted, "Kishida’s visit to Korea signifies the full-scale activation of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the Fukushima contaminated water discharge issue, the possibility of it being addressed as an agenda item has increased. A Presidential Office official responded about the issue, saying, "If the public considers it an important matter, we do not think it is necessary for us to exclude it by our own judgment." However, the official added the condition, "Discussions on the agenda have not been finalized, so it is uncertain how the conclusion will be reached."

At present, it appears that the Korean government will raise the need for a bilateral scientific investigation between Korea and Japan to verify the safety of the contaminated water discharge plan. This would be a separate effort from the ongoing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring involving international experts, as domestic concerns about unauthorized discharge of contaminated water are growing, and the Presidential Office has repeatedly stated the position that "thorough scientific verification and confirmation that it is not dangerous" are necessary. Unlike the summit in March, which was achieved and concluded through the "sincerity of the Korean side," this time the Korean government may take the lead.

Some speculate that the contaminated water discharge issue might be linked with historical issues. This analysis suggests that the Japanese government could use historical issues as leverage to resolve the contaminated water discharge problem. Given the lack of international support for the discharge, the Japanese government prioritizes obtaining consent from its closest neighbor, Korea. Even if it does not go as far as an apology and reflection, it is said that the Japanese government might approach resolution by delivering a message beyond merely "successor of previous cabinets" regarding historical issues.

Even if not linked to the contaminated water discharge, the level of Prime Minister Kishida’s message of apology and reflection is the biggest point of interest in this summit. Public opinion generally holds that for Korea-Japan relations to return to a normal track, there must be a statement that goes beyond the expression of "successor of previous cabinets." It is known that the Korean government has continuously conveyed this domestic public opinion to the Japanese side through back channels.

However, the likelihood of a joint declaration emerging from this summit is low. A Presidential Office official explained, "There will be a joint press conference, but it is difficult to say that any declaration will come out of it," adding, "This is a matter to be decided through consultation and the actual summit." Regarding the possibility of announcing the establishment of a youth fund, the official said, "Various efforts such as visas and employment for future generations have been reflected," and added, "When summits are held among all countries including Korea and Japan, what to do for future generations including youth is a very important concern, so consultations are expected accordingly."

Regarding reports that charcoal-grilled meat will be served at the dinner, the official said, "Generally, when a foreign head of state visits our country, it is highly likely that Korean cuisine will be served." On the expectation that Cheongju (Korean rice wine) will be served as the main alcoholic beverage at the dinner, the official said, "When President Yoon visited Japan, we chose alcoholic beverages preferred on our side," adding, "Since Prime Minister Kishida is coming as a guest this time, it is appropriate to prepare drinks he prefers."