Presidential Office: "If Naver Intends to Maintain Line Yahoo Shares, We Will Provide Maximum Support"

"Naver Must Provide Truthful and Specific Position"
"People and Corporate Interests Are Top Priority, Consistent Stance"
Regarding Political Anti-Japan Frame, "Not Beneficial to National Interest"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Presidential Office demanded that Naver clearly and truthfully clarify its position regarding the 'Line Yahoo incident,' emphasizing that if Naver intends to maintain its shares and business, the government will provide maximum support to enable autonomous decision-making.

However, concerning some opposition parties using this incident as a means of 'anti-Japanese agitation,' the office requested political cooperation, stating that it "does not benefit the national interest."

Seong Tae-yoon, Policy Director of the Presidential Office, said at a press briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office briefing room on the afternoon of the same day, "The government’s consistent stance is to prioritize the interests of our citizens and companies above all else and to do everything necessary."

Seong explained, "Under this principle, the government has so far respected Naver’s position as much as possible and reflected it in the government’s response. If Naver has any additional positions, the government will provide all possible support."

Seong also said that since the controversy arose over the Japanese government pressuring Naver to sell its Line Yahoo shares, the government has been closely cooperating with Naver and confirming the Japanese government’s stance.

He stated, "Since the Naver Cloud breach was reported in November 2023, the government began discussions with Naver on the facts and response measures. We have been waiting for Naver to make decisions based on its mid- to long-term business strategy, respecting Naver’s intentions as much as possible."

He continued, "During this process, on April 26, through the Korean Embassy in Japan, we met with officials from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to verify facts about administrative guidance, and on April 29, we held a meeting with Naver to share the confirmed Japanese position. We have been communicating closely with Naver and continue to do so."

Naver headquarters located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The Presidential Office emphasized that Naver has not yet clearly stated whether it will proceed with selling its Line Yahoo shares or maintain them, urging Naver to clarify its specific position.

An official from the Presidential Office pointed out, "It would be most advantageous for the government to assist Naver if Naver provides a more truthful and specific position."

Regarding this, Director Seong also explained, "If Naver intends to maintain its Line Yahoo shares and business, appropriate information security enhancement measures will be implemented and fully supported. We will provide all necessary government-level measures and support for Naver to strengthen information security beyond changes in capital structure."

However, the Presidential Office clearly stated that fostering anti-Japanese sentiment related to the Line Yahoo incident does not benefit the national interest.

Seong said, "It is clear that the political framing that promotes anti-Japanese sentiment damages the national interest and does not help protect our companies or reflect their interests. The government will do its utmost to support our companies to make autonomous decisions without any unreasonable treatment from overseas."

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