Prime Minister Abe Announces Resignation... South Korea: "We Will Cooperate to Strengthen Friendship with New Prime Minister and Cabinet"

"Regret Over Sudden Resignation Announcement, Wishing for a Speedy Recovery"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe officially expressed his intention to resign at a press conference held at the Prime Minister's residence on the afternoon of the 28th, stating that he will fulfill his responsibilities until his successor is appointed. In response, the South Korean government wished for Abe's speedy recovery and announced its intention to cooperate with the newly elected prime minister and cabinet to enhance friendly cooperation.

On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over Abe's official resignation announcement, stating, "Our government regrets the sudden announcement of Prime Minister Abe's resignation" and "We wish for Prime Minister Abe's swift recovery."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further emphasized, "We will continue to cooperate to promote friendly and cooperative relations between Korea and Japan with the newly elected Japanese prime minister and the new cabinet."

At a press conference broadcast live nationwide by NHK and other Japanese media at 5 p.m. that day, Prime Minister Abe explained the reason for his resignation, saying, "I am expressing my intention to resign due to the relapse of ulcerative colitis, a chronic illness, earlier this month," and added, "In a state where my physical strength is not fully recovered due to illness and treatment, I must not make serious political mistakes." Previously, Abe had also resigned midway through his first term in September 2007 due to ulcerative colitis.

Prime Minister Abe apologized sincerely to the public for resigning amid the severe disaster situation caused by COVID-19, stating, "I sincerely apologize to the people for resigning during this serious disaster caused by COVID-19," and emphasized, "I will fulfill my responsibilities until the next prime minister is appointed." Regarding stepping down without resolving the abduction issue and constitutional revision, which he had emphasized as top priorities during his tenure, he said, "It feels painfully like a severed limb," and added, "I believe my successor will handle these matters."

Regarding the selection of the next Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president, who is expected to become the next prime minister, Abe avoided commenting, saying, "This is not something I should speak about." It was reported that just before the press conference, Abe requested the LDP's key leadership at an emergency board meeting to promptly elect his successor. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the timing and format of the election to select the new party president were entrusted to Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai. Secretary-General Nikai stated that he would review the matter as quickly as possible and decide at the general meeting.

With Prime Minister Abe officially expressing his intention to resign, attention is focused on the political figures known as the "post-Abe" candidates. The most prominent candidates mentioned are former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Fumio Kishida, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The LDP is expected to elect a new party president next month and immediately proceed to a general election.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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