"President Lee Clearly Distinguishes Between Historical Issues and Economic Matters"
Former President Moon Spoke with U.S., China, and Japan in That Order
President Lee Jae Myung is having a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News
Japanese media outlets have interpreted President Lee Jae Myung's phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which took place immediately after his inauguration and following his call with U.S. President Donald Trump, as an indication that he places importance on relations with Japan. Given that former President Moon Jae In held phone calls with the leaders of the United States, China, and then Japan in that order after his inauguration, there is a focus on the sequence of these conversations with world leaders.
On June 10, Yonhap News reported that the conservative daily Yomiuri Shimbun stated that President Lee and Prime Minister Ishiba had a phone conversation lasting about 25 minutes the previous day and agreed to further strengthen Korea-Japan relations.
Yomiuri wrote, "President Lee spoke with Prime Minister Ishiba as the second foreign leader after U.S. President Donald Trump," and added, "Although President Lee has previously made repeated negative remarks about strengthening ties with Japan, on this day, following the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, he showed an attitude of prioritizing relations with Japan."
The Japanese government and media have paid close attention to the order of President Lee's phone calls, keeping in mind that former President Moon Jae In spoke in succession with the leaders of the United States, China, and Japan immediately after taking office.
Yomiuri reported, "Former President Moon, during his first phone call with then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, expressed the opinion that he could not accept the comfort women agreement concluded by the previous (Park Geun Hye) administration with Japan," and "In fact, the agreement was nullified, and Korea-Japan relations deteriorated sharply from the very beginning of his term."
The report continued, "President Lee expressed a strong desire for cooperation based on 'mutual national interests.' He made it clear that he intends to address historical issues and matters of economy and security separately," and added, "There is strong concern in Japan about whether President Lee will be able to calm his supporters and respond calmly if friction arises between the two countries. Japan will seek to build trust and stabilize bilateral relations through repeated summit meetings."
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