청 "Soma Construction Controversy Leads to 'Skeptical' Shift in Atmosphere... Japan Must Take Appropriate Follow-Up Measures" (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, which decided not to have President Moon Jae-in visit Japan during the Tokyo Olympics, revealed that the internal atmosphere at the Blue House turned skeptical following the 'inappropriate remarks' made by Soma, the Charg? d'Affaires of the Japanese Embassy. This is interpreted to mean that one of the main reasons for the decision was Soma's inappropriate remarks. The Blue House urged the Japanese side to take "appropriate follow-up measures."

A Blue House official said in a written briefing on the 19th, in response to reporters' questions about whether Soma's 'inappropriate remarks' influenced the decision not to visit Japan, "It was an unacceptable statement."

The official added, "We had to consider public sentiment. After that, the internal atmosphere at the Blue House also changed to a skeptical one," indirectly confirming that the remarks influenced the decision.

Soma, the Japanese Charg? d'Affaires, caused a stir by likening President Moon's diplomatic actions to 'masturbation (self-defense act),' but the Japanese government has only expressed regret through the Japanese Ambassador to Korea and the Chief Cabinet Secretary, and has yet to announce any official disciplinary action.

The Blue House official said, "We note that the Japanese government recognized the seriousness of this matter, with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea officially expressing deep regret, followed by the Chief Cabinet Secretary holding a press conference this morning to express deep regret on behalf of the Japanese government," adding, "The Japanese government must promptly take appropriate follow-up measures and ensure that such unfortunate incidents do not recur."

Regarding the 'achievements' mentioned as another cause for the breakdown, the official said, "Since it is a diplomatic consultation, it is difficult to disclose specifics," and added, "The ultimate goal was to restore relations, but further discussions are still needed."

The government plans to continue efforts to engage in dialogue with Japan. A Blue House official said, "For the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations, we intend to continue dialogue efforts with Japan until the end of this administration's term," adding, "We hope for an opportunity for the Korea-Japan leaders to meet. We had high expectations that this would be a good opportunity, so it is regrettable."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee is scheduled to attend the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony as the representative of the Korean government delegation.

Meanwhile, regarding the large-scale COVID-19 outbreak among the Cheonghae Unit, the official said, "The Ministry of National Defense is taking active measures, so please watch closely," and added, "The Ministry of National Defense is concentrating all available measures to ensure the prompt treatment and safe return of the 34th Cheonghae Unit soldiers."

He continued, "We will continue to do our best to ensure the safety of dispatched soldiers who are devoted to protecting the lives and property of our citizens overseas."

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