Lee: "Ishiba Curry Was the Best"... Japanese Prime Minister: "I Respect the Late Soo Hyun Lee"

Korea-Japan Summit Held in Busan on the 30th

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his wife Yoshiko are paying their respects at the grave of the late Soo Hyun Lee in Yeongnak Park, Geumjeong District, Busan on the 30th. Photo by Yonhap News

The summit between President Lee Jaemyung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, held in Busan on the 30th, took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. President Lee expressed his gratitude for the "Ishiba Curry" he had during his recent visit to Japan, while Prime Minister Ishiba paid tribute to the late Soo Hyun Lee, who lost his life trying to save a Japanese citizen, stating, "I have deep respect for him."

During the summit with Prime Minister Ishiba at Nurimaru APEC House in Haeundae District, Busan, President Lee said, "When I visited Japan, I was very grateful for the warm welcome extended to me by you and so many others, who prepared so much for my visit. In particular, the food was excellent, and among them, the Ishiba Curry was the best."

President Lee had the opportunity to try Ishiba Curry during his visit to Japan on August 23. Prime Minister Ishiba, known in Japanese political circles as a curry enthusiast, is said to have made curry himself in his own unique way during his younger years.

Following President Lee's opening remarks, Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned the late Soo Hyun Lee, saying, "I have deep respect for Soo Hyun Lee's noble spirit, who was willing to risk his life for others, and for his boundless love." Soo Hyun Lee lost his life on January 26, 2001, at Shin-Okubo Station in Tokyo while trying to save a Japanese person who had fallen onto the tracks.

Prior to the summit, Prime Minister Ishiba visited Lee's grave at Yeongnak Park in Geumjeong District, Busan, to lay flowers and pay tribute. According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is the first time that a sitting Japanese Prime Minister has visited Lee's grave.