[Person] Kang Chang-il, Nominee for Ambassador to Japan... A Problem Solver Demonstrating 'Political Expertise' with Stern Criticism in Frozen Korea-Japan Relations

Ambassador with Four-Term Political Career
Former Chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League, 'Japan Expert'
Expectations for Suga Cabinet to Find a Breakthrough

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Politician Kang Chang-il, known as a 'pro-Japan faction' member, is strongly associated with a tough image that does not hesitate to speak harsh truths. When issues arose in Korea-Japan relations, his blunt remarks directed not only within his party but also towards Japan were weighty. He never expressed himself indirectly. He even declared he would not run in the 21st general election while demanding personnel reform within his party. President Moon Jae-in appointed Kang, known for his tough image, as the new ambassador to Japan. There is a reason President Moon chose him as the troubleshooter to resolve the tangled Korea-Japan issues in the latter half of his administration. Simply put, there is no politician who knows Japan better than him.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kang, regarded as a leading 'Japan expert' in the ruling party, has maintained a friendly relationship with Japan for a long time. He rose through the ranks of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League, serving as secretary-general, senior vice president, president, and eventually honorary president. Within the league, he was one of the few ruling party figures to build a solid Japanese network through activities such as promoting regular general meetings with the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League in the Japanese Diet. He also frequently meets and maintains ties with key Japanese figures such as Toshihiro Nikai, the Liberal Democratic Party's 'number two' and secretary-general who remained in office under the Suga Cabinet, and Takeo Kawamura, secretary-general of the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League. During the 20th National Assembly, he led a delegation to Japan to ease the frozen Korea-Japan relations caused by export restrictions and conveyed the position of then National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, taking charge of parliamentary exchanges between Korea and Japan.

As a lawmaker, Kang showed firmness in negotiations, adhering to principles rather than being led by Japan. In August 2019, when Nikai, the LDP secretary-general, unilaterally canceled a meeting with the National Assembly delegation visiting Japan, Kang sharply retorted, "Are we beggars? We did not come to beg." In a media interview at the launch of the Suga Cabinet, he said, "Suga is someone who inherits Abe's policies as they are. Do not expect too much," but also pointedly added, "Suga's policies can change only if the perception of Korea changes."

Although Kang does not view Japan’s attitude change positively, there is high expectation that he can open a path for improving relations while protecting national interests. The frozen Korea-Japan relations under the Abe administration are being watched closely to see if the newly launched Suga Cabinet can find a breakthrough. Despite Suga inheriting Abe’s policies, his pragmatic approach is seen as offering more room for negotiation than previous administrations.

From President Moon’s perspective, the launch of the Suga Cabinet likely influenced the decision that a new ambassador to Japan who combines both affinity and principles is necessary. On the 23rd, when the appointment was announced, a senior Blue House official explained, "With the new cabinet in Japan, this appointment reflects the president’s will to resolve Korea-Japan relations. Especially since Kang served as secretary-general and president of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League, building a high-level network, it was judged that a politician rather than a traditional diplomat is more suitable." A Japan correspondent based in Seoul commented, "Korea-Japan relations have gone too far to be resolved by law. Someone who can solve it from a flexible political perspective is needed, so expectations are placed on Kang."

In fact, Kang is a senior lawmaker from Jeju who has been elected four consecutive times only in Jeju. During his studies at the University of Tokyo, he formed a connection with Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was then a Tokyo correspondent for the Dong-A Ilbo. In September, during a visit to the Jogye Order’s General Assembly, Lee mentioned Kang, a Buddhist believer, saying, "In the 1990s, when I was a Tokyo correspondent, Kang Chang-il was there as an international student. During the time we were together, I paid for the drinks," revealing their close friendship.

Most issues related to Korea-Japan relations in the National Assembly passed through Kang’s hands. From small matters like hosting drinking gatherings with Japan correspondents based in Seoul to major tasks such as reviewing the '1+1+alpha (α)' plan for forced labor compensation proposed by former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang. It is known that he gave frank criticisms and harsh words on the draft. Although he tolerated the bill, he did not agree with it and refused to have his name on it until the end. During Lee Hae-chan’s leadership, Kang caused controversy by making harsh remarks about Korea-Japan issues at a party meeting, prompting Lee Nak-yeon to make an 'X' sign with his index finger. Afterwards, Kang declared he would not run in the 21st general election, saying, "The composition of the National Assembly must change."

Right after his appointment, Kang told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "It is different from when I was in the National Assembly. I cannot speak carelessly about matters not coordinated with the government." Unlike his time as a politician, he showed that the words and actions of an ambassador representing the country must be cautious. As he newly establishes himself as an ambassador from a politician, attention is already focused on whether he will devise solutions to improve Korea-Japan relations.

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