President Lee pledges to build a people-centered, beautiful society
Calls on Korean residents in Japan to participate in voting and support Korea-Japan relations
Expresses gratitude for the dedication of the Korean community in Japan
Highlights the importance of mutual cooperation and overcoming discrimination
President Lee Jaemyung, who is currently visiting Japan, stated at a luncheon meeting with Korean residents in Japan held at a hotel in downtown Tokyo on the 23rd, "I will strive to create a beautiful, people-centered society. I ask that all of you, as rightful members of the Republic of Korea, participate in voting here and fulfill your roles." He also emphasized that Korea and Japan will move forward as true neighbors and important partners, asking the Korean community in Japan to serve as a solid support for the stable development of Korea-Japan relations.
Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, held a briefing at the press center in Tokyo and conveyed, "President Lee said he would also make efforts to address the difficulties and inconvenience experienced by Korean residents when voting." Today's luncheon was attended by about 200 Koreans in Japan who have contributed to their community in various ways, including ▲Sakamoto Sachiko, granddaughter of the late Seo Gapho, who donated the embassy site, ▲Shin Daeyoung, senior vice president of the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association, and ▲Choi Kangija, who has led the movement against hate speech in Japan.
Earlier, in his remarks at the meeting, President Lee expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Koreans in Japan to improve Korea-Japan relations and asked them to continue serving as a valuable bridge. The luncheon was attended by Koreans in Japan who have contributed to their community in various ways, including ▲Sakamoto Sachiko, granddaughter of the late Seo Gapho, who donated the embassy site, ▲Shin Daeyoung, senior vice president of the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association, and ▲Choi Kangija, who has led the movement against hate speech in Japan.
In his remarks, President Lee said, "As we mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation and the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, the path that Korean residents in Japan have walked is an inseparable part of modern Korean history, sharing the nation's pain, hardships, and growth." He added, "Despite discrimination and difficulties in a foreign land, you have maintained your identity and served as strong supporters and pillars for your homeland. I am grateful for your dedication to Korea."
In response, Kim Ijung, head of the Central Headquarters of the Korean Residents Union in Japan (Mindan), delivered a welcoming speech as a representative of the Korean community in Japan. He introduced the growing diversity within the community and expressed his ambition for this diverse society to work together to protect human rights and promote friendly relations between Korea and Japan. Lee Seongsi, director of the History Museum of Koreans in Japan, explained the history of oppression and discrimination faced by Korean residents in Japan and introduced the museum's 20-year-long activities to promote the history and culture of Koreans in Japan.
Shin Daeyoung, senior vice president of the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association, introduced the Shin-Okubo area, which has grown into a leading Korean Wave tourist destination in Japan, and explained that Koreans and Japanese are working together to create a safe and clean commercial district. He also said that through the memorial event for the late Lee Suhyeon, they aim to carry on the spirit of friendship between Korea and Japan.
Choi Kangija, director of the Kawasaki City Fureai Center, a multicultural comprehensive education facility, explained the process of enacting the 'Kawasaki City Ordinance,' the first in Japan to stipulate penalties for hate speech. She pledged to continue working to create a society without discrimination, where future generations can live as they are. The Kawasaki City Fureai Center was established by Kawasaki City and is operated by the social welfare corporation Cheonggu, aiming to foster mutual understanding of history and culture between Korean residents, other foreigners, and Japanese, eliminate discrimination, and build a community based on respect for human rights.
President Lee listened attentively to the presentations by Korean residents and highly praised their efforts to resolve the difficulties faced by the community. At the end of the event, President Lee asked the Korean community in Japan to continue playing their role in helping Korea develop into a beautiful community, saying, "I will do my best to make Korea more prosperous, safe, and happy so that you can feel proud of your homeland."
President Lee bows his head and apologizes to Korean residents in Japan for 'fabricated spy cases'... "A shameful and painful history"
President Lee also bowed his head and apologized to Korean residents in Japan who suffered due to fabricated spy cases orchestrated by the former South Korean government. Beginning by acknowledging "there is a shameful and painful history that we must face," President Lee stated, "During the great journey toward democratization, many, truly many, Korean residents in Japan suffered unjustly as victims of fabricated spy cases. As President of the Republic of Korea, I sincerely offer my condolences to the victims of state violence and their families, and I officially apologize once again," bowing his head as he spoke. The Korean residents in attendance responded with applause.
President Lee added, "I promise to do my utmost to ensure that such anti-human rights state violence never occurs again, and to build a strong nation that guarantees the safety of its people." He continued, "The government's responsibility to protect the lives and safety of its citizens extends to overseas Koreans as well. We will pay special attention to ensuring the safety and rights of overseas Koreans and move forward together toward a nation where everyone prospers."
President Lee also said, "On the occasion of the 80th Liberation Day, I especially remembered the Korean residents in Japan when I reflected on the noble sacrifices of the nation's martyrs," mentioning the 2·8 Independence Declaration and the March 1st Independence Movement. He emphasized, "I feel deeply moved to see traces of your passionate lives throughout central Tokyo. In every twist and turn of Korea's turbulent history, there has been the dedication and sacrifice of Korean residents in Japan." President Lee continued, "Despite the pain of colonial rule and the subsequent division of the peninsula, Korean residents in Japan have always been strong supporters and pillars for their homeland. I have heard that nine out of ten Korean diplomatic missions in Japan today were established thanks to donations from the Korean community here."
Meanwhile, spokesperson Kang explained, "This is the first time in history that a Korean president has chosen Japan as the first country for a bilateral visit," adding, "President Lee plans to hold a Korea-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba this afternoon."
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