From the Removal of the Statue of a Girl to Skipping the Summit... South Korea-Japan Relations Turn 'Cold' Again

Japanese Media "Will Skip Summit if Forced Labor Issue Not Resolved"
Government "Will Strive to Ensure Summit Success"
Expectations for Korea-Japan Relations Decline Amid Berlin Statue Removal Issue

President Moon Jae-in is having a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at the Blue House on the morning of the 24th of last month. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Kim Young-eun] Japan's announcement of its intention to skip the Korea-China-Japan trilateral summit, coupled with the recent issue of the removal of the Peace Statue installed in Berlin, Germany, suggests that the cooling trend in Korea-Japan relations is unlikely to dissipate.

Recently, Japan presented a negotiation card to our government in the form of a 'conditional meeting' regarding the forced labor issue.

According to reports from Kyodo News and Mainichi Shimbun on the 13th, the Japanese government stated that if measures acceptable to Japan are not taken concerning the sale of assets of Japanese companies, defendants in forced labor compensation lawsuits, it will not participate in the Korea-China-Japan summit scheduled to be held in our country within the year. Japan conveyed that it would only attend the summit if our government provides a 'guarantee' that it will not proceed with the cashing in of seized assets of forced labor companies as ordered by our courts.

However, our government points out that Japan's demand is unreasonable because, according to the fundamental democratic principle of separation of powers, the executive branch cannot interfere with the judiciary's decisions. Criticism is also raised in a similar context regarding Japan using the regularly held Korea-China-Japan summit as a diplomatic card by attaching conditions to its participation.

Previously, then Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga stated at a press conference in September 2015, while in office, regarding Korea-Japan relations, "Our country (Japan) always keeps the door to dialogue open," and "I believe it is desirable for leaders to have frank talks without preconditions." Because of this, there is criticism of inconsistent attitudes that change depending on the situation.

Relatedly, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the Supreme Council meeting on the 14th, "The Korea-China-Japan summit is a regular dialogue where the leaders of the three responsible countries in Northeast Asia come together, and this year it is Korea's turn to host." He added, "This summit is necessary and timely for the three countries to jointly contribute to overcoming global challenges such as COVID-19 and the economic crisis." He further criticized, "It is very disappointing that Prime Minister Suga expressed his intention to skip the summit citing historical issues between Korea and Japan," and questioned, "Whether such an attitude from Prime Minister Suga is fitting for a leading country."

Regarding Japan's prime minister's refusal to attend the summit, our government also expressed its position. Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, said at a briefing on the 14th, "Whether or not to meet should not be a precondition for resolving issues between the two countries," and explained, "We meet to solve problems, and if there are issues, we should try to resolve them by meeting." He added, "We will continue efforts to ensure the trilateral summit takes place."

A passerby is looking at the 'Statue of Peace' installed in Berlin, the capital of Germany. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Additionally, on the 7th, the Japanese government sent an official letter to the Korea Council, a local Korean civic group that organized the installation of the Peace Statue in Berlin, demanding its removal by the 14th, and also requested the German government to remove it, deepening the emotional rift between Korea and Japan.

However, after the Korea Council filed an injunction against the removal order and criticism arose from various sectors deeming it unfair, the Mitte district of Berlin announced that it would postpone the removal of the statue until the administrative court's decision is made.

At a regular briefing, Lee Jae-woong, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "Basically, it is not desirable for the Korean and Japanese governments to diplomatically intervene in voluntary actions at the private level," but added, "The recent actions and statements of the Japanese government run counter to the spirit of responsibility, apology, and reflection it has expressed regarding comfort women victims," and conveyed, "We are closely monitoring the situation and considering appropriate responses."

In response, netizens have expressed reactions such as "Isn't Japan being too arrogant?" and "Our government should take a strong stance," criticizing our Ministry of Foreign Affairs for not actively responding to the controversy with Japan.

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