Kang Chang-il: "Japanese Government Should Engage in Dialogue Without Conditions"

[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] Kang Chang-il, the South Korean ambassador to Japan, expressed the opinion that the Japanese government should engage in dialogue with the South Korean government without imposing conditions in order to resolve historical issues.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In an exclusive interview with Asahi Shimbun on the 11th, Ambassador Kang stated, “It is important for the South Korean and Japanese governments to sit together at the negotiation table and make joint decisions,” and added, “The Japanese government’s stance of refusing dialogue by claiming no responsibility based on the Korea-Japan Claims Agreement must change.”

This can be interpreted as emphasizing the importance of the Japanese side responding to dialogue first without preconditions.

Ambassador Kang pointed out, “Diplomacy is not war. There can be no 100% victory for one side,” and said, “It is important to make concessions where necessary and explain them in a way that the public can accept.”

He also said, “Ministerial talks should be held, and frequent practical discussions at the director-general level should be promoted,” adding, “Although I cannot specifically disclose the solutions South Korea is considering, I know of more than 12 options.”

Ambassador Kang emphasized that the issue must be resolved within President Moon Jae-in’s term. He said, “Ahead of the South Korean presidential election in March next year, election campaigns will intensify around November to December this year, and Japan-related issues will become a major topic, with anti-Japanese sentiment also emerging,” adding, “Therefore, it must be resolved before President Moon’s term ends.”

Regarding the Seoul Central District Court’s dismissal on the 7th of the plaintiffs’ claims for damages filed by forced labor victims, which differed from the Supreme Court’s previous ruling recognizing compensation, Kang explained, “South Korea has a complete separation of powers, so the government cannot intervene in judicial rulings,” and “This ruling was made by the judge according to their conscience and legal principles.”

On the necessity of holding a Korea-Japan summit during the G7 summit in the UK from the 11th to 13th, attended by President Moon and Prime Minister Suga, Kang expressed the view that since only South Korea and Japan among East Asian countries are attending, it is “common sense” for the two leaders to meet.

He said, “If the two leaders have enough time to talk, that would be good, and seeing such an atmosphere would also be beneficial for the people of both countries,” and expressed hope that the Japanese government would “respond maturely.”

Ambassador Kang referred to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to South Korea during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and expressed the hope that President Moon would visit Japan during the Tokyo Olympics.

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