Jun Nak-Young: "Japan's Support Follows the Principle of Reciprocity... We Also Received Help During Earthquakes"

"Helping on a Grand Scale Is the Generosity of a Cultural Power"
Support of Protective Suits and Plastic Goggles to Sister and Friendly Cities in Japan

Nakagawa Ken, Mayor of Nara City, Japan, holding a sign that says "Thank you" after receiving quarantine supplies sent by Gyeongju City. / Photo by Gyeongju City

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] As Gyeongju City in Gyeongbuk Province faces controversy over its support of COVID-19 quarantine supplies to Japan, Mayor Joo Nak-young explained, "Even during wartime, humanitarian aid such as medical support is provided to the enemy."

On the 22nd, Mayor Joo wrote on his Facebook, "I have been subjected to tremendous criticism and attacks overnight regarding the support," adding, "I feel like I've been cursed with every insult imaginable, such as being called a 'tochakwaegu' (pro-Japanese collaborator), 'jjokbal' (a derogatory term for Japanese), 'crazy,' and 'typical of the United Future Party'."

He continued, "I humbly accept the criticism questioning why such support was given amid widespread anti-Japanese sentiment," but explained, "When Gyeongju suffered greatly from the 2016 earthquake, we received much help from sister and friendship cities overseas, including Japan. This support of quarantine supplies is based on the principle of reciprocity."

He added, "Currently, Japan is in a much more difficult situation regarding quarantine measures," and said, "The economic powerhouse Japan is unable to conduct timely testing due to a shortage of vinyl protective suits and plastic goggles. At times like this, offering help from a magnanimous cultural nation like ours is the true way to overcome Japan."

Mayor Joo emphasized, "The relationship among Korea, China, and Japan has deep historical ups and downs and mixed public sentiments, but it is a relationship that must be viewed with a long-term perspective and patience."

On the 22nd, Joo Nak-young, the mayor of Gyeongju City, clarified on his Facebook post that "this support of quarantine supplies from Japan was carried out under the principle of reciprocity." / Photo by Joo Nak-young Facebook capture

Gyeongju City announced the previous day that it is providing reserved protective supplies to sister and friendship cities in Japan that are struggling to procure quarantine materials due to COVID-19.

Accordingly, on the 17th, Gyeongju sent 1,200 sets of reserved protective suits and 1,000 protective goggles each by air to Nara City, a sister city in Japan, and Kyoto City, a friendship city. Additionally, it plans to support 500 sets of protective suits and 500 goggles each to three cities including Usa City and Nikko City.

However, after the announcement of this plan, some criticized, questioning, "Why support Japan, which is also struggling with COVID-19 and has conflicts with Korea in various fields such as economy and diplomacy?"

On Gyeongju City's website, posts criticizing the decision appeared, saying things like, "What time is this to be supporting Japan?", "Support with the mayor’s personal funds," and "Is Gyeongju helping Japan even though its own economy is struggling?"

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