Korea-Japan Comfort Women and Forced Labor Agreements:
"It is not desirable to overturn them"
"Japan is a very important partner for Korea"
Grave International Situation Heightens Importance of Korea-Japan, Korea-US, and Trilateral Cooperation
President Lee Jae Myung stated that while maintaining close cooperation with the United States, he will actively pursue inter-Korean dialogue to create conditions that can lead to the freezing, reduction, and eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. He emphasized that the ultimate policy direction is the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, explaining, "Step 1 is the freezing of nuclear weapons and missiles, step 2 is reduction, and step 3 is denuclearization."
In an interview published on August 21 by the Yomiuri Shimbun, President Lee responded to the question, "From Japan's perspective, North Korea's nuclear development is the greatest threat, and there are concerns that US-North Korea dialogue could lead to the acceptance of North Korea's nuclear weapons. What is your view on this?" by outlining his policy approach as above.
Regarding inter-Korean relations, he stressed the need to seek a path of peaceful coexistence, mutual recognition, and respect, rather than confrontation. President Lee said, "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are important not only for South Korea but also for peace and stability in Northeast Asia, including Japan, China, and Russia." He added, "We need to take the initiative to open doors, find ways to engage in dialogue and cooperation, and work to ease hostility." President Lee further explained, "We could even create opportunities for cooperation among the United States, Russia, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan, centered on a new initiative such as the development of the Arctic route."
He also noted that, amid a grave international situation, the importance of Korea-Japan, Korea-US, and Korea-US-Japan cooperation is growing. President Lee said, "I believe we must deepen security cooperation between Korea and Japan and continue to strengthen Korea-US-Japan trilateral cooperation." He explained, "This is an important task to protect the safety and national interests of the three countries, as well as to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia." He added, "Managing relations with China, Russia, and North Korea is also important, and for this, Korea-US, Korea-Japan, and Korea-US-Japan cooperation must serve as a solid foundation."
Korea-Japan Comfort Women Agreement: "It is not desirable to overturn it" ... "Japan is a very important partner"
In the interview, President Lee said, "From the perspective of the Korean people, the previous administration's agreement is very difficult to accept," but also expressed the position that "since it is a promise between countries, it is not desirable to overturn it." The comfort women issue was addressed in an agreement with the Japanese government by former President Park Geun Hye in 2015, and the forced labor issue was addressed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2023. 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 policy consistency 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 Korea and Japan "conduct discussions from a more humane perspective."
President Lee also commented on historical conflicts between Korea and Japan, saying, "We should try to acknowledge reality as much as possible, make efforts to understand each other, and resolve issues in a non-confrontational manner."
Regarding relations with Japan, President Lee emphasized that Japan is "a very important partner," and added, "I believe Korea can also be a beneficial partner for Japan." He continued, "We must find mutually beneficial paths and expand areas of cooperation." In particular, he expressed hope that Korea-Japan relations will undergo a major transformation into a mutually beneficial partnership, building upon the Kim Dae Jung-Obuchi Declaration and moving toward a future-oriented relationship that goes beyond it. President Lee said, "While facing the past squarely, I intend to demonstrate the wisdom to move forward into the future." President Lee will visit Japan for the first time since his inauguration on August 23-24, and will hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Meanwhile, regarding China, President Lee said, "Geographically and economically, China is an inseparable neighbor, and the relationship between South Korea and China involves aspects of competition, cooperation, confrontation, and conflict." He added, "We must manage the relationship by comprehensively considering these various aspects."
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