Launch of Korea-Japan Parliamentary League... Japan's New Cabinet Starts Parliamentary Diplomacy

Kim Jin-pyo, Six-Term Economic Expert, Elected as Chairman
Kim Seok-ki, People Power Party Lawmaker, Appointed as Secretary-General

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The Korea-Japan Parliamentary League held its regular general meeting on the 6th and completed all appointments including the president. The new president is Kim Jin-pyo, a six-term member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and the secretary-general is Kim Seok-ki, a two-term member of the People Power Party. With the launch of the new Japanese cabinet and pressing issues such as export regulations, the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), forced labor, and the comfort women issue, full-scale diplomatic efforts toward Japan are expected to begin.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the general meeting that morning, President Kim said, “The two countries have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship through shuttle diplomacy, starting with the historic Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration,” and added, “The Korea-Japan Parliamentary League must actively work to build a future-oriented relationship between Korea and Japan by uniting the intentions of the two leaders.”

Known as an economic expert within his party, President Kim emphasized, “The world is facing difficulties due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” and said, “If the two countries cooperate to overcome COVID-19, they can be the first to thaw the frozen global economy.”

Earlier, there was disagreement within the league regarding the selection of the Korean secretary-general. Since the Japanese secretary-general, Takeo Kawamura, is a ten-term member of the House of Representatives, some argued that the Korean secretary-general should be a mid-ranking lawmaker rather than Kim, who is a two-term member. However, Kim was ultimately elected due to his experience working in Tokyo and serving as the Consul General in Osaka.

Former Korea-Japan Parliamentary League president Kang Chang-il was appointed honorary president along with former lawmakers Seo Cheong-won and Moon Hee-sang, former Speaker of the National Assembly. Advisors, usually senior lawmakers, include Lee Nak-yeon, a former Tokyo correspondent known as a ‘pro-Japan’ figure, and lawmakers Byun Jae-il, Song Young-gil, Ahn Min-seok, Lee Sang-min, and Jo Jung-sik. For the People Power Party, floor leader Joo Ho-young and lawmakers Jeong Jin-seok and Cho Kyung-tae were elected as advisors. Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok were also named. Lawmaker Jeong also concurrently serves as chairman of the Joseon Tongsinsa Committee under the parliamentary league.

Vice presidents include senior Democratic Party lawmakers Kim Young-joo, Noh Woong-rae, Woo Sang-ho, and Yoon Ho-jung. Minister of Unification Lee In-young and Justice Party leader Shim Sang-jung were also appointed. For the People Power Party, lawmakers Kim Ki-hyun, Park Jin, and Lee Myung-soo, and independent lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun serve as vice presidents.

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