Yomiuri Shimbun Interview on the 21st
"Japan Is a Very Important Presence for South Korea"
President Lee Jae Myung stated that it is "not desirable to overturn" the agreements between South Korea and Japan regarding the comfort women issue and the forced labor lawsuits.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 21st, President Lee said, "From the perspective of the Korean people, it is a very difficult agreement made by the previous administration to accept," but added, "Since it is a promise between nations, it is not desirable to overturn it."
The comfort women issue was addressed by former President Park Geun Hye in 2015, while the forced labor issue was addressed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2023, with both administrations reaching agreements with the Japanese government. Although the Democratic Party of Korea has opposed both agreements, President Lee has indicated his intention to uphold them as intergovernmental agreements.
President Lee stated, "While considering the consistency of policy and the nation's external credibility, I also bear the dual responsibility of seriously considering the positions of the people, the victims, and their families." He proposed that South Korea and Japan proceed with discussions "from a more humane perspective."
Regarding historical conflicts between South Korea and Japan, President Lee mentioned, "We should recognize reality as much as possible, strive to understand each other, and resolve issues without being confrontational."
On relations with Japan, President Lee emphasized that Japan is "a very important presence," and added, "I believe South Korea can also be beneficial to Japan." He argued, "We should discover mutually beneficial paths and expand areas for cooperation."
Meanwhile, President Lee will visit Japan for the first time since his inauguration on August 23-24 and will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
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