President Moon's congratulatory speech met with Japan's claim of "one-sided concession"... Foreign Ministry urges "progressive attitude"

President Moon Emphasizes, "Our Government Is Always Ready to Sit Down with the Japanese Government"
Japanese Media Citing Officials Report, "South Korea Must Present Concrete Solutions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] In response to Japan's reaction that South Korea should present concrete solutions regarding compensation for victims of forced labor during Japanese colonial rule, mentioned by President Moon Jae-in in his 75th Liberation Day commemorative speech, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret and urged Japan to adopt a forward-looking attitude and actively engage in dialogue.

On the 17th, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official commented, "If reports that Japan unilaterally demanded specific solutions from our side despite our government conveying the importance and willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue are true, we express regret."

This was a rebuttal to the previous day's report by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, which cited a senior Japanese government official saying, "South Korea has shown a willingness to engage in consultations, but there is no change in Japan's existing stance of urging concessions." The report also added a statement from a senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, "If dialogue is important, we hope concrete proposals leading to a resolution will be presented."

In response to such Japanese reactions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its regret and urged a forward-looking attitude. A ministry official emphasized, "Our government respects the judiciary's judgment and maintains an open stance to discuss various reasonable solutions considering the rights of victims and the bilateral relationship between Korea and Japan," adding, "We once again urge Japan to take a more proactive and forward-looking approach to resolve this issue."

It is unusual for the South Korean government to express regret over remarks made by officials reported through Japanese media. While the government has promptly responded to officials' statements made in official briefings, it has taken a cautious stance toward indirect reports. This is seen as indicating the deepening rift between the two countries.

Earlier, on the 15th, President Moon emphasized resolution through dialogue in his commemorative speech, stating that he is ready to meet with Japan at any time. President Moon said, "We respect the judiciary's rulings and have been consulting with the Japanese government on amicable solutions acceptable to the victims, and the door to consultation remains wide open. Our government is ready to sit down with the Japanese government at any time."

President Moon also called for future cooperation based on human rights. He stressed the necessity of respecting the human rights of victims of forced labor under Japanese colonial rule and using this as a stepping stone toward future cooperation. President Moon said, "I believe that Japan and Korea, respecting the human rights of individuals, and our joint efforts will become a bridge of friendship and future cooperation between our peoples."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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