Minister Kang Kyung-wha on 'Post-Abe' Outlook: "Cautious About Optimistic Prospects for Korea-Japan Relations"

Regarding the New Zealand Sexual Assault Diplomat Case: "I Will Take Responsibility in Any Form"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha emphasized the need to be cautious about making overly optimistic predictions regarding Korea-Japan relations following the official resignation announcement of Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

On the 31st, during her appearance before the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, when asked if she expected Korea-Japan relations to improve with the formation of Japan's new cabinet, Minister Kang responded, "The issue itself is very difficult," adding, "It is necessary to be cautious about making hopeful predictions easily."

Regarding the deterioration of Korea-Japan relations due to the forced labor ruling during Japanese colonial rule and Japan's export restrictions, she said, "While expectations can be held, realistic forecasts must be made."

She also stated that she would closely monitor the reshuffling of Japan's leadership and actively engage with pro-Korean figures.

Minister Kang said, "Going forward, I plan to closely watch the trends in Japan's leadership composition and actively reach out to key figures, including those friendly to Korea."

Meanwhile, concerning the New Zealand diplomat sexual harassment case that escalated into a diplomatic issue, she stated, "I believe responsibility must be taken in any form." She added, "I must take political responsibility," and responded, "Although we responded to the sexual misconduct case in principle, ultimately, we did not handle it properly."

Regarding the recent delivery of the Blue House's inspection results on the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said, "Even if the related Blue House report does not mention the minister's responsibility, I will take responsibility." She further expressed full sympathy for the New Zealand victim, saying, "I fully empathize with the pain caused by the incident at the end of 2017."

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