Park Suhyun "Assessing Whether Soma's Controversial Remarks Are Personal Misconduct or a Japanese Government Frame"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Park Soo-hyun, the Blue House Communications Secretary, stated that he is currently considering two possibilities regarding whether the remarks made by Soma, the Japanese Embassy Charg? d'Affaires, directed at President Moon Jae-in are personal or part of the Japanese government's framing. He also mentioned that for the visit to Japan to be realized, there must be an official announcement from the Japanese government regarding disciplinary action against Charg? d'Affaires Soma, and regarding the Korea-Japan summit, he responded, "Nothing has been confirmed yet."

On the morning of the 19th, Park appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Regarding the (controversial) issue, the Blue House's position is that we share the anger of the people."

Previously, Charg? d'Affaires Soma caused a major controversy by referring to President Moon's diplomacy as 'masturbation' during an interview with domestic media. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Japanese Charg? d'Affaires over the weekend to lodge a stern protest.

In relation to this, the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Japanese government has decided to dismiss Charg? d'Affaires Soma and that the Korea-Japan summit has been scheduled for the 23rd.

Regarding the Yomiuri report, Park said, "We have expressed strong regret over the Japanese government using specific media to make such political statements, and that has been our consistent position so far," adding, "Nothing has been finalized yet."

He also added that they have not yet received any official notification from Japan regarding disciplinary measures such as dismissal of Charg? d'Affaires Soma.

Regarding Soma's remarks, Park said, "We are considering two possibilities: whether it was a personal deviation or a reflection of the Suga government's mindset and framing towards the Republic of Korea. We expect the Japanese government to take appropriate measures on this issue."

However, since there may be procedural issues related to disciplinary action against Charg? d'Affaires Soma, he emphasized the importance of an official announcement from the Japanese government before the Olympics. Park said, "There are procedures and processes for this (disciplinary action), so whether it can be done before the Olympics is a separate matter," adding, "It is only natural for the Japanese government to officially communicate this through the media."

This is interpreted as one of the preconditions for accepting the Korea-Japan summit being an official disciplinary action. Park said, "Before President Moon makes a decision on the visit, it is unlikely that the Japanese government will announce an official position or take substantive measures," but added, "Even if such measures are not taken, if the Japanese government's official position is conveyed, I think it would be a response to our president's goodwill and dignified diplomacy."

Regarding the level of disciplinary action, he said, "That is a matter for the Japanese government to decide," and added, "There must be a manual on how to handle such cases diplomatically," passing the responsibility to the Japanese government.

Despite rising public opposition to the visit due to worsening Korea-Japan relations, the Blue House's position is to ask for understanding of the 'president's path.' Park said, "The president is well aware of public and parliamentary opinion, but nonetheless, he is committed with the belief that 'the president's path must be different' for the national interest of the Republic of Korea," adding, "Although the public criticizes, asking 'Why engage in submissive diplomacy?', I believe even those citizens will understand the president's path well."

Park also stated that efforts are ongoing until the very end to achieve diplomatic results. He said, "Japan has a '3-day self-quarantine' rule for overseas arrivals, so the working-level team must depart even tomorrow, so it is common sense and a fundamental position that a stance must be decided by today," adding, "We are exchanging opinions even today and striving to meet our precondition of a successful summit."

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