Lee Jae-myung: "We Will Never Allow Japan Self-Defense Forces to Set Foot on the Korean Peninsula Again"

"Yoon's Remarks on Japan Self-Defense Forces Entering Korea Raise Significant Concerns in Diplomatic and Security Awareness"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, said in his March 1st broadcast speech, "I, Lee Jae-myung, will never tolerate the Japan Self-Defense Forces, who do not even reflect on their past acts of aggression, setting foot again on the Korean Peninsula."

On the 1st, Lee said in the 5th broadcast speech aired on KBS1TV from 11:40 a.m. to noon, "I will walk a path that is never shameful before the patriotic martyrs and our people who wished for complete independent sovereignty," expressing this stance.

Regarding Korea-Japan relations, Lee said, "They should develop into a future-oriented cooperative relationship," adding, "However, considering the special relationship between the two countries, we should approach historical territorial issues and socio-economic matters through a two-track approach." He explained that by separating past and future issues and through sincere communication, both countries can sufficiently find a path they both agree on.

However, he criticized the Japanese government for violating the 'Obuchi Declaration,' territorial claims over Dokdo, denial of comfort women, and distortion of forced mobilization of Koreans, stating, "There is no statute of limitations in the court of history. Issues of war and human rights are even more so."

Along with this, he continued sharp criticism of Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate's security views.

He said, "Candidate Yoon made a remark in the last TV debate implying that the Japan Self-Defense Forces could enter Korea in an emergency. This is an outrageous statement," adding, "The public must have been surprised, and I was also shocked the moment I heard it." He continued, "It seems like a statement from a national perspective and perception of Japan that is unbelievable for a presidential candidate of the Republic of Korea," and pointed out, "Whether it is a conviction or a slip of the tongue, it is a statement that must never be made."

Meanwhile, regarding the Korea-US alliance, he said, "'Claims that the Korea-US alliance has collapsed' are completely baseless security populism," explaining, "Over the past five years, the Korea-US alliance has been stronger than ever." He noted that last year's Korea-US summit expanded the existing security alliance into a technological and comprehensive alliance, and the number of joint Korea-US military exercises increased by 2.5 times compared to the Park Geun-hye administration. He emphasized, "Did President Moon Jae-in not meet with the US president more than any previous leader?" and added, "I will further advance, expand, and develop the Korea-US alliance."

Lee summarized his diplomacy in one phrase as 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests,' saying, "While strengthening the alliance with the United States, I will not neglect the strategic cooperative partnership with China."

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