Lee Jae-myung: "Olympic Boycott Is Right, But I Will Support Athletes Who Participate Anyway"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, said that boycotting the Olympics is natural when looking at Japan's aggression toward Dokdo, but since participation has already been decided, he encouraged the athletes to compete splendidly and return healthy.

On the 18th, through a post titled "Athletes, Compete Splendidly and Return Healthy" on Facebook, Governor Lee said, "I argued that we should consider boycotting the Tokyo Olympics and having the athletes participate individually because the Japanese government should not tolerate the 'aggressive claim' of marking Dokdo on the Tokyo Olympics map," adding, "I still strongly express my regret toward the Japanese government for not resolving this issue."

He continued, "After many twists and turns, the 32nd Tokyo Olympics will open on the 23rd," and said, "Above all, I am worried about the safety of the athletes."

First, he expressed concern, saying, "As the COVID-19 situation in Tokyo worsened, the Japanese government declared a fourth 'COVID-19 state of emergency' on the 12th," and "Confirmed cases have been occurring consecutively within the Tokyo Olympic Village."

He also said, "I am worried about the so-called 'anti-Korean protests' by Japanese right-wing groups," adding, "The 'General Yi Sun-sin banner' hung at our athletes' accommodation in the Olympic Village was taken issue with, and Japan's 'anti-Korean party' held a surprise protest waving the Rising Sun flag."

Furthermore, he said, "Concerns about radioactive contamination from food ingredients sourced from Fukushima are increasing the public's worries," emphasizing, "Not only the officials of our athletes but also the Japanese government and the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee must not neglect even a bit in the prevention and safety of the athletes."

Governor Lee said, "This Tokyo Olympics is being held after a one-year postponement," and added, "I hope everyone achieves the results they worked hard for and that luck follows. I will also cheer loudly together with the people."

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