Kim Dong-yeon Meets 'Ja-il Mindan Regional Headquarters Delegation,' Hopes for Positive Role in Korea-Japan Relations

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is taking a commemorative photo with Lee Soon-jae, head of the Kanagawa Prefecture branch of the Zainichi Mindan, and about 30 others at Dodamso on the afternoon of the 16th.

On the 16th, Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, invited a delegation of about 30 representatives from the Kanagawa Prefecture branch of the Korean Residents Union in Japan (Mindan), who had come to Korea for a homeland study tour, to the former governor's residence, 'Dodamso,' to discuss ways to enhance mutual friendship and cooperation.

This meeting followed Kim Dong-yeon's expression of intent to host the Kanagawa Prefecture Mindan delegation when he visited Kanagawa Prefecture last April and met with its officials.

Governor Kim said, "I had said that I would like to meet again when you come to Korea, and I am truly glad to be able to keep that promise." He added, "I heard that you have achieved good results by promoting hate speech-related campaigns led by the private sector to counter anti-Korean movements in Japan recently. I am grateful."

He continued, "I believe that Korea-Japan relations are a relationship that should look to the future and move forward together," and added, "I hope this will be an opportunity to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture based on their long-standing friendship. I ask the Mindan members to play a good role."

Lee Soon-jae, head of the Kanagawa Prefecture branch of Mindan, responded, "Kanagawa Prefecture and Gyeonggi Province have maintained a friendly relationship for 30 years since 1990. We are very grateful that every year a dance troupe from Gyeonggi Province participates in the Korea-Japan Citizens Exchange Festival held in October." He added, "We look forward to continuing to share friendship and maintain relations among Kanagawa Prefecture, Gyeonggi Province, and our Mindan."

Since 2010, Gyeonggi Province has been continuously promoting cooperative projects with the Kanagawa Prefecture branch of Mindan. Every year, Gyeonggi Province dispatches its arts troupe to the Liberation Day commemorative ceremony held in Japan on August 15 and to the Korea-Japan Citizens Exchange Festival in October.

Earlier, in 1994, Gyeonggi Province invested 2 billion won to create the 'Korea Garden' in Mitsuike Park, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. The 'Korea-Japan Citizens Exchange Festival' held here every October attracts up to 20,000 visitors over two days, making it a major event.

In addition, Gyeonggi Province supports the Kanagawa Prefecture Mindan branch's efforts to connect Korean-Japanese children visiting their homeland with traditional cultural experiences and homestay families, contributing to spreading traditional culture and fostering patriotism among Korean residents in Japan.

In April, during his visit to Japan, Governor Kim held a meeting with Mindan and agreed on the importance of expanding cultural, human, and private exchanges beyond political relations between Korea and Japan.