Lee Jae-myung Meets Japanese Ambassador, Says "Korea-Japan Relations Must Move Forward Positively"... Also Proposes Meeting with Prime Minister

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with the Japanese Ambassador to Korea on the 27th and said about Korea-Japan relations, “It is desirable to acknowledge and understand the facts that exist between us and to cooperate more future-oriented.”

On the same day, Lee met with Ambassador Koichi Aiboshi at the party headquarters in Yeouido in the morning and said, “The relationship between Japan and Korea is multi-layered. It consists of abstract relations between countries, relations between the peoples, and relations between political or political forces,” adding, “Political judgments can vary depending on the timing. The relationship between countries can realistically fluctuate at times.”

Lee said, “I have visited Japan several times for work, and it was definitely different when I met the Japanese people in person. Although it might have been superficial, they treated me sincerely and humbly, which really changed my impression of Japan a lot,” and “I came to understand Japanese culture and spirit, so I think cultural exchange and mutual visits between the peoples are important.”

In response, Ambassador Aiboshi said, “I saw materials related to the candidate in Japanese that came from Lee’s campaign.”

Later, in a private meeting, former President of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy Kim Jun-hyung, who was present, conveyed that Lee proposed a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Ambassador Aiboshi.

Former President Kim said, “Lee congratulated the Prime Minister on his inauguration and asked to meet as soon as possible to have an open and frank meeting without conditions,” adding, “The ambassador promised to submit a report and convey the message.”

It is known that there was no mention of issues such as the forced labor problem or the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima.

Former President Kim added, “Lee said that difficult Korea-Japan relations are harmful to both sides. He emphasized that international relations are mutual relations and should develop into a relationship that benefits both sides.”

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