Cheong Wa Dae: "No Measures from Japan on 'Talks Obstruction' and Insufficient Results... Japan Visit Uncertain" (Comprehensive)

The view of Cheongwadae from Namsan, Seoul on the 11th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House stated on the 19th that President Moon Jae-in's visit to Japan is uncertain, as the Japanese side has not taken satisfactory measures regarding the 'obstacles to the summit.'

A senior Blue House official said during a briefing that morning, "It is uncertain whether the visit to Japan and the summit can be realized," expressing this view.

The official explained, "Currently, both countries are in talks, but the results are still insufficient," adding, "This is because there have been no satisfactory measures from the Japanese side regarding the obstacles to the summit that emerged at the last minute."

Previously, the Blue House had requested the Japanese side for a Korea-Japan summit and President Moon's visit to Japan on the premise of 'achievements' concerning issues such as forced labor, comfort women, and Dokdo. They indicated that there is no incentive for the visit or summit if it is merely a schedule for greetings. The phrase 'results are insufficient' is interpreted as pointing to this issue.

Also, the 'satisfactory measures' mentioned by the official are believed to refer to the official announcement of disciplinary action against Consul Soma, who made offensive remarks about President Moon.

Last week, Soma, the consul at the Japanese Embassy, caused a major controversy by comparing President Moon's diplomatic activities to 'masturbation,' and the Korean side demanded a corresponding response from Japan.

Regarding this, the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Japanese government decided to dismiss Consul Soma that morning, but no official announcement has been made yet.

Park Soo-hyun, the Blue House Chief of Public Communication, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that morning and emphasized that the possibility of the visit to Japan can be considered only after the Japanese side officially announces disciplinary action against Consul Soma.

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