Lee Jae-myung Emphasizes Diplomacy on Liberation Day... "Will Continue Practical Diplomacy Centered on National Interest"

US-China Conflict Mentions Japan's Forced Labor Compensation Demand

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, promised to continue "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest" on the occasion of Liberation Day.

On the 15th, Lee said on Facebook, "It is the day we regained the stolen light and established hope for a new country," adding, "I bow my head in respect and gratitude to the sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs who did not yield to the oppression and atrocities of Japanese colonial rule."

He pointed out, "Although the national dignity and status of the Republic of Korea have changed remarkably, the international environment surrounding us remains challenging," and "The wave of U.S.-China conflicts is hitting the Korean Peninsula again without resolving the division system."

He also said, "Japan does not acknowledge its historical responsibilities, including compensation for forced labor," and "North Korea does not respond to our government's 'bold plan' and warns of 'strong retaliation.'"

Lee stated, "We must turn crises into opportunities through 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest' that goes beyond dichotomous thinking and binary choices," and "We need to establish a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship based on historical responsibility and appropriate legal compensation."

He added, "We should respect existing inter-Korean agreements and move toward building a Korea-led peace regime on the Korean Peninsula that gains the support of neighboring countries."

He emphasized, "I will spare no bipartisan cooperation to unite public opinion, overcome crises, and move toward peace," and "If peace on the Korean Peninsula and diplomatic security are to be sacrificed for party interests, I will do my utmost to check it."

He promised, "I will fulfill my responsibilities without deviating from pragmatic nationalism and without breaking the framework of rational international solidarity."

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