Kang Kyung-hwa: "Japan's Export Restrictions Are the Biggest Problem, Huge Differences in Positions"... Comprehensive Efforts for North Korea's Return to Dialogue

"South Korea Has the Authority to Terminate GSOMIA Anytime"..."Focus on Managing the Situation on the Korean Peninsula"

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is answering reporters' questions at a press conference held at the Government Seoul Office Annex on the morning of the 2nd. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha stated that there is still a significant difference in positions regarding Japan's unilateral export restrictions imposed in July last year.

At a domestic press conference held on the morning of the 2nd at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Minister Kang emphasized, "There is a large gap in positions between Korea and Japan," adding, "The biggest issue is fundamentally the export restriction measures taken out of dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court's forced labor ruling."

She then presented a consistent stance on the export restriction issue. Minister Kang explained, "The Korean government maintains a consistent position that the situation should be restored to what it was before July last year," and "(Regarding the forced labor issue) the government’s basic direction is that the Supreme Court ruling must be respected and the rights of the victims must also be considered."

She also mentioned that efforts to narrow the gap between Korea and Japan are ongoing. Minister Kang said, "We are making efforts to narrow differences through bilateral dialogue," adding, "I think understanding has broadened, but the gap in positions remains very large, and the export restriction issue has not been resolved."

Regarding the termination of the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), she reaffirmed the government's existing position. Minister Kang stated, "The government maintains the authority to terminate at any time, and we will analyze various situations such as Japan's export restrictions while organizing our position."

She also emphasized that comprehensive efforts are being made to bring North Korea back to dialogue. Referring to North Korea's hardline actions such as the demolition of the inter-Korean joint liaison office, Minister Kang said, "Currently, North Korea has stopped additional measures," and added, "The government is not letting its guard down and is focusing on managing the situation on the Korean Peninsula."

She stated that efforts to create momentum for inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. talks will continue. Minister Kang said, "We will closely monitor the situation on the Korean Peninsula and focus on efforts to create dialogue momentum between the South and the North and between North Korea and the U.S.," emphasizing, "Based on Korea-U.S. cooperation, we will also continuously strengthen international cooperation including with major countries."

In response to questions about whether Steven Biegun, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Special Representative for North Korea, will visit Korea, she replied, "We are working to arrange a visit by a high-level official this month," adding, "There is close communication between Korea and the U.S."

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