Lee Jae-myung: "The view that we are hostile to Japan is not true... We must seek coexistence between Korea and Japan"

Exclusive Interview with Tokyo Shimbun on the 2nd: "Korea-Japan, Close Relationship... Cannot Ignore Each Other"
"Criticism of Some Japanese Politicians' Militaristic Thinking"... "Will Continue Working as a Public Official"

Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated that he is not hostile toward Japan and said to the Japanese media regarding the strained Korea-Japan relations caused by issues such as the forced labor compensation ruling, export restrictions, and the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, "The two countries must find a path of coexistence and co-prosperity."

In an exclusive interview with the Tokyo Shimbun on the 2nd, Lee said, "There is a perception that I am hostile toward Japan, but that is not true. Korea and Japan have a close relationship and cannot ignore each other." He added, "The cautious and considerate nature of the Japanese people is admirable, but some Japanese politicians hold militaristic and expansionist views," expressing the opinion that political diplomacy should be distinguished from economic and social issues.

Regarding the biggest issue between Korea and Japan, the forced labor victim compensation ruling, Lee pointed out, "Since this is a problem created by people, there will be a way to resolve it," emphasizing the need for mutual courage and determination. He stressed that "However, Korea has the principle of separation of powers," and that the Japanese side must understand that politics cannot intervene in the Korean Supreme Court's ruling ordering Japanese defendant companies to pay compensation.

On Japan's export restrictions on key semiconductor and display materials imposed on Korea since July last year, Lee said, "It caused some pain to Korean companies, but Japanese companies also suffered losses." He emphasized that "If there are Japanese companies wishing to enter Gyeonggi Province, we accept them without political obstruction because it also revitalizes Korea's employment and economy," and stressed that Korea and Japan should improve relations by finding a 'win-win' path where both sides succeed together.

Regarding inter-Korean relations, Lee revealed his vision, saying, "There is a need to aim for a Northeast Asian community similar to Europe's economic, peace, and security community." He said, "Wouldn't it be in everyone's interest to create a community where South and North Korea, Japan, the United States, China, and Russia do not treat each other as enemies but help one another?" He added, "The Korean government needs to patiently and carefully support North Korea and the U.S. to reach an agreement in denuclearization talks."

Concerning the impact of COVID-19 on the Korean economy, Lee proposed a basic income system as a solution, saying, "We need to stimulate consumption to revive the economy," and suggested increasing disposable income through policies that guarantee a minimum income for citizens. He added, "If fiscal spending increases the money needed for consumption and creates demand, a virtuous cycle will appear in the economy," and said, "Although tax increases will be necessary, if people are confident that the taxes they pay will return to them, the issue will be resolved."

Regarding being mentioned as a leading candidate for the next presidential election, Lee said, "There is about a year and a half left until the election. That is a very long time in politics." He also said, "Public opinion changes in an instant," and added, "Rather than trying to capture public sentiment until the next election, I will continue to work as a public official." Lee explained the reason for his popularity, saying, "Politicians with money and media influence tend to avoid direct remarks as much as possible," and "Speaking at the level of the people seems to resonate with them."

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