Temperature Gap Over Summit Talks... Presidential Office Shifts to "No Comment"

Yoon's First Step in Condolence Diplomacy: "Guardian of Freedom and Peace... The Queen Will Never Be Forgotten"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] The Presidential Office responded with "no comment" regarding the possibility of holding a Korea-Japan summit in New York during President Yoon Seok-yeol's attendance at the United Nations General Assembly. After Japanese media repeatedly reported that the likelihood of the summit taking place was uncertain following the official announcement of the agreement to hold the Korea-Japan summit, the office appears to have refrained from further statements. President Yoon, who embarked on a tour of three countries? the UK, the US, and Canada?arrived in London, the first destination, and began a two-day condolence diplomacy.

A senior official from the Presidential Office accompanying President Yoon’s tour said on the 18th (local time) in London, UK, in response to reporters’ questions about Japanese media reports, "We will not comment on fact-checking or the progress of the situation and will provide further information later when there is an occasion and conclusion."

This statement shows a subtle difference in tone compared to previous positions. Earlier, the Presidential Office had stated that both Korea and Japan had readily agreed to the summit. Even after Japanese media reports suggested uncertainty about the summit’s occurrence, the office indicated there would be no change in schedule, saying it had "sufficiently explained" the situation.

However, this "no comment" seems to reflect the burden of the Japanese side’s reaction. As forecasts emerged that the first Korea-Japan summit in two years and ten months might be canceled, it was deemed necessary to refrain from further remarks.

The Presidential Office expects that some form of Korea-Japan summit will take place during the UN General Assembly. There is growing emphasis on the possibility of a brief standing meeting (a "pull-aside") between the two leaders. However, since this would be an informal meeting outside the official conference venue, it is anticipated to be less formal than the originally planned official summit, making detailed discussions on major issues difficult.

On the same day, President Yoon arrived in London, the first of the three countries on his itinerary, and met King Charles III, saying, "We will never forget Queen Elizabeth II, who devoted her life as a guardian of freedom and peace." Kim Eun-hye, the Presidential Office’s Chief of Public Relations, stated at the Korea Press Center in London that "President Yoon attended a reception hosted by King Charles III from 6 p.m. for one hour, expressing deep condolences and offering words of comfort." At the event, President Yoon conveyed that "the people of the Republic of Korea share this sorrow."

King Charles III also expressed his gratitude. Chief Kim added, "King Charles III said, ‘I deeply appreciate your coming from afar,’ and introduced each member of the royal family, including Queen Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge." At the reception, President Yoon also met and exchanged greetings for the first time with newly appointed UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. He also held conversations and exchanged views on current issues with US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council.

On the morning of the 19th, President Yoon will attend the funeral held at Westminster Abbey in central London. Representing the government and people of the Republic of Korea, he will share the grief of the British people and pay tribute to the deceased with the highest honors. Afterwards, he will travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, during President Yoon’s visit to the US, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will actively respond to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Before departing for New York, Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Do-hoon said, "We plan to meet with key figures from the State Department, the National Security Council (NSC), and major members of Congress to discuss key Korea-US economic issues, including the IRA."

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