Korean Prime Minister: "Diplomatic Decision Takes Time to Feel Mid- to Long-Term National Interest"

Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water
"Independent Inspection If Necessary"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated regarding the Korea-Japan summit, "Many diplomatic decisions require the final determination of the chief diplomatic authority. Such decisions may face criticism, but it may take time to feel the mid- to long-term national interest."

On the 3rd, Prime Minister Han made these remarks in response to a question from Kim Sang-hee, a member of the Democratic Party and chairperson of the Countermeasures Committee on Humiliating Diplomacy toward Japan, during a National Assembly government questioning session, asking, "How do you view the public opinion critical of the Korea-Japan summit?"

Prime Minister Han mentioned, "The diplomacy of the Moon Jae-in administration was the worst because it was unable to move forward even a step due to being held back by the past." He added, "There are issues surrounding diplomacy that need to be resolved," and said, "In many cases, considering the conditions both countries face, there are matters where one must judge what their national interest is and make decisions accordingly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the criticism that Prime Minister Kishida lacked a 'sincere response,' he said, "There was a response in principle, and consultations will continue going forward."

In response to a question from Park Yong-jin, a Democratic Party lawmaker, about measures related to the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water, he emphasized, "The government's policy on that (Japanese media coverage issue) is very clear, so regarding the contaminated water issue, the safety of the people and science are clearly the top priorities."

Prime Minister Han stated, "Korean institutions are participating in the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) review of the contaminated water, and the Korean government is also consulting with Japan to allow for independent necessary inspections if needed."

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