Japanese Ambassador to Korea 'Summoned Directly', Minister Kang Kyung-hwa "Condemns Japan's Measures, Urges Prompt Withdrawal" (Update)

Minister Kang Raises "Questions About the Background of This Measure"
Expresses Concern Over Japan's Opaque and Passive Quarantine Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] “Despite repeated calls to refrain from additional measures, we cannot help but express our dismay at the enforcement of measures without sufficient consultation or prior notice.”

On the 6th at 3 p.m., Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha summoned Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, to express repeated protests and regrets. Initially, the summons was planned to be conducted by First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Se-young, but it was changed to Minister Kang. This indicates that the Korean government views Japan’s recent measures very seriously.

At the meeting with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, Minister Kang stated in her opening remarks, “We summoned you to convey our government’s stern position regarding the Japanese government’s blatant strengthening of entry restrictions, including raising the travel alert for Korea, expanding the list of banned entry regions, and suspending visa validity,” adding, “I believe that just by requesting to meet the ambassador directly, you can understand our perception well.”

Minister Kang further added, “Despite our government’s strict control and management of COVID-19 through a world-recognized excellent quarantine system, we express deep regret over the Japanese government’s unfair measures.”

She also emphasized doubts about the background of these measures. Minister Kang expressed particular concern over Japan’s opaque and passive quarantine measures.

Minister Kang pointed out, “It is highly inappropriate that these measures were taken at a time when our government is achieving results in blocking the spread of COVID-19, and it inevitably raises questions about the background. Objective statistics such as cumulative testing numbers and testing rates relative to the population clearly demonstrate our proactive and preemptive quarantine capabilities and efforts. On the contrary, we are watching with concern Japan’s opaque and passive quarantine measures and COVID-19 response,” she criticized.

She continued, “Japan’s measures are not only truly unfriendly but also unscientific. We strongly urge the Japanese government to face objective facts and situations and promptly withdraw these measures,” emphasizing, “If Japan does not withdraw them, we will have no choice but to consider necessary countermeasures, including measures based on reciprocity.”

In response, Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, said, “I will accurately report the minister’s remarks to headquarters,” and added, “The situation of COVID-19 in Japan is at a critical stage where the next one to two weeks will determine whether it can be contained.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.