Lee Jae-myung on Korea-Japan Relations: "Separate Response to Historical Issues and Future Problems, Two-Track Approach"

Forced Labor Issue "Recognize Different Objective Situations and Japan Must Apologize Sincerely First"
"My Firm Stance Toward Japan Is Misunderstood"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said about Korea-Japan relations, "It would be better to approach with a 'two-track' strategy that separates important socio-economic issues such as historical issues and territorial disputes over Dokdo from the relations between countries and between peoples, and to do what can be done."

On the 25th, Lee responded this way to a question from a Japanese Kyodo News reporter about "pragmatic diplomacy in Korea-Japan relations" at a foreign press club discussion held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee said, "The damage to the Korean Peninsula caused by aggression is a past issue. Whether to apologize or not, whether to compensate or not, we need to separate past issues from future issues and respond accordingly," and emphasized, "Territory should be treated separately from politics, and economic exchanges and cooperation should also be separated. If this position is well maintained, I believe we can find a path for mutual agreement and consent."

Regarding the forced labor issue, he expressed the position that "there is a need to recognize the practical issues of each other's countries," and that a sincere apology from Japan should come first.

He pointed out, "The most important difference between the two countries is that in Korea, the legislative, judicial, and executive branches are clearly separated by the constitution, so the executive branch cannot interfere with the judicial branch, and if it does, it is punishable as a criminal act. However, in Japan, the executive and judicial branches are not completely separated, so judicial decisions and enforcement can change according to administrative demands, making judicial rulings and enforcement somewhat different between the two countries."

He continued, "On that premise, it is impossible not to enforce the rulings already made between the perpetrator companies and the affected civilians, so we must find a solution within that premise."

Lee added, "The main stance of Korean victims is that receiving money comes next, and genuine recognition and apology come first. It is difficult to discuss what alternatives to make here, but if both sides acknowledge the objective differences and sincerely apologize on that basis, I believe realistic solutions for the remaining compensation issues can be found."

He also said, "There may be groups who say, 'Why apologize repeatedly when you have already admitted wrongdoing once?' but it is desirable for a better future relationship to acknowledge the wrongdoing and provide appropriate compensation," and added, "Japan needs to learn from the attitude Germany took toward European countries after the war."

Lee said, "It is a misunderstanding to think that I make hardline remarks or take a tough stance toward Japan from one perspective," and added, "Personally, I love the Japanese people and highly respect their frugality, diligence, and politeness. The relationship between Japan and Korea, and between the Japanese and Korean peoples, should naturally improve."

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