Japanese Government Expresses "Serious Concern" Over Yoon Seok-yeol's Arrest and Prosecution

by Lee Kimin

Published 27 Jan.2025 12:15(KST)

Hayashi: "South Korea is an Important Neighboring Country"

On the 27th, the Japanese government stated that it is "watching with special and serious interest" the series of domestic movements in South Korea, including the prosecution of President Yoon Seok-yeol on charges of leading a rebellion.

At a press conference on the morning of the same day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, the spokesperson for the Japanese government, responded to a question about Japan's stance on President Yoon's indictment by saying, "We refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of other countries."

Secretary Hayashi said, "South Korea and Japan are important neighboring countries that must cooperate as partners in addressing various challenges in the international community," adding, "I believe the importance of the Korea-Japan relationship remains unchanged in the current strategic environment."

He continued, "There are various movements in South Korea's domestic situation, but with this understanding, both countries need to make efforts," emphasizing, "We will maintain close communication with the South Korean government, including in response to the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan."

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also mentioned in a parliamentary speech on the 24th that "South Korea is an important neighboring country with which we must cooperate as partners," and stated that he would maintain close communication with South Korea.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is shaking hands and taking a commemorative photo with Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Korea-Japan summit held at a hotel in Vientiane, Laos, on October 10 last year. Photo by Yonhap News