President Lee: "No Need to Mix Cooperation and Historical Issues... Many Areas for Collaboration Including North Korea's Nuclear Threat"

30-Day Inaugural Press Conference
President Lee: "Even if We Fight with Our Right Hands, We Must Hold Each Other's Left"
"Both Sides Suffer from Historical Issues... Attention Needed on North Korean Human Rights Issues"

President Lee Jaemyung stated at a press conference marking his first month in office, held at the Blue House State Guest House on July 3, that "there are many areas where South Korea and Japan can cooperate," adding, "There is much to work on together in terms of security, such as responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, as well as in the economic sphere."

Yonhap News

During the press conference, President Lee said, "There are many sensitive issues between South Korea and Japan, but as I mentioned before, the two countries are close yet distant neighbors who share the same front yard." He emphasized, "Both countries are members of the liberal democratic camp and are exposed to the same threats from North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles, and both have special alliance relationships with the United States."

He also addressed historical issues between the two countries. President Lee said, "On the other hand, both sides continue to suffer because historical issues have not been resolved," adding, "South Korea is suffering, but Japan must also be troubled. The inability to resolve these issues cleanly is itself a source of pain." He continued, "There are also many disputes over Dokdo," stressing, "Since Dokdo is territory effectively controlled by South Korea, it cannot be called a territorial dispute and should be described as a matter of contention."

However, he stated that there is no need to mix issues of mutual cooperation with historical issues. President Lee said, "Just as diplomacy continues even during war, we should pursue dialogue and cooperation," adding, "Even if we fight with our right hands, we must maintain a flexible and rational attitude by holding each other's left hands." He said, "I was very pleased to meet the Japanese Prime Minister at the G7 Summit. The Japanese Prime Minister may have had some reservations, but there is no need for that at all," and expressed, "I fully agree with the argument that a clear framework for South Korea-Japan relations, like the Kim Daejung-Obuchi Declaration, is necessary."

Additionally, President Lee said, "I was the one who first proposed restoring shuttle diplomacy," and explained, "In fact, I was planning to visit Japan at an early date, but as Japan became very busy with elections, we have not been able to finalize a date yet."

The issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea was also mentioned. President Lee said, "Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also brought this up during our phone conversation, and I am aware that Japan is very concerned about the abduction issue," adding, "Whether it is North Korea or elsewhere, it is important to resolve such human rights violations." He continued, "It is right to address the grievances of the abductees and their families in Japan, and if our government can help, we should cooperate." He also assessed that North Korea does not seem to be outright denying or rejecting the issue.

Regarding human rights issues for North Korean residents, President Lee said, "In fact, it is a very complex matter. Attention must also be paid to North Korea's human rights issues," adding, "Humanitarian aid to improve the lives of ordinary North Koreans can also help improve human rights in North Korea."