President Yoon Seok-yeol recently made a statement after the Korea-Japan summit, emphasizing the need for follow-up measures to show that the talks have yielded positive results. The President’s Office is working towards increased cooperation between the two countries in all areas, including politics, economics, industry, history, and popular culture. While public opposition might be present in South Korea, it is being interpreted as a call for head-on breakthroughs, with the assurance that the necessary steps will be taken to achieve results. Notably, Chairman Kim Jong-un has directed a simulated launch of a nuclear strike, suggesting security cooperation in exchange for normalization of Korea-Japan relations. Despite the President’s efforts, there are still negative opinions within the ruling party about the diplomacy with Japan. The President’s approval rating has dropped to 36.8%, with over 60% of the rating being negative.
◀ Anchor ▶
Returning from the Korea-Japan summit, President Yoon Seok-yeol made a direct statement about the outcome of the meeting.
President Yoon’s first message was to “make every effort to take follow-up measures so that the people can feel the results of the talks.”
It seems to mean that it will overcome public opposition in the country with results through follow-up measures.
This is reporter Lee Ki-joo’s report.
◀ Report ▶
After returning from the Korea-Japan Summit and attending the official meeting, President Yoon Seok-yeol’s first message was “Strengthen follow-up measures.”
[이도운 / 대통령실 대변인]
″I requested that each ministry make every effort to take follow-up measures so that the public can feel the improvement of Korea-Japan relations and cooperation.″
The President’s Office emphasized measures for cooperation between Korea and Japan that cover all areas.
He expressed his anticipation by saying, “Measures for cooperation between the two countries will soon emerge in the fields of politics, economy and industry, international student exchanges, history and popular culture.”
He emphasized that ″I don’t do it because of public opinion, I do it because it is the right thing to do.″
I know that there is public opposition in the country, but it is interpreted as saying that we will achieve results through follow-up measures between the two countries while declaring a head-on breakthrough.
After the Korea-Japan summit, Japanese media reported that Dokdo territorial sovereignty, the comfort women agreement, and the release of contaminated water in Fukushima were discussed. The diplomatic authorities expressed regret over the report,
We requested to prevent a recurrence.”
However, he avoided an immediate answer, saying, “I cannot disclose it,” as to whether there was discussion on lifting the ban on imports of Fukushima seafood.
The ruling party also continued to fire support.
Today, with a report that Chairman Kim Jong-un directed a simulated launch of a nuclear strike, he put forward security cooperation in return for normalization of Korea-Japan relations.
[김기현/국민의힘 대표]
″With a decision for the future, a decision for the economy and security, we will accelerate diplomatic normalization to maximize national interests.″
However, even within the ruling party, there were negative opinions about President Yoon’s diplomacy with Japan.
Former lawmaker Seung-min Yoo criticized, “Why should the victim open up to the perpetrator?”, and Rep. Woong Kim also criticized, “Who would have a heart of reconciliation with an apology like ‘I’m wrong’?”
In the midst of this, President Yoon’s approval rating announced today was 36.8%, down 2.1 percentage points from last week.
Negative ratings also rose above 60% again.
This is Lee Ki-joo from MBC News.
Video editing: Yoon Chi-young / Video coverage: Kim Hee-gun
In conclusion, President Yoon Seok-yeol’s direct statement regarding the Korea-Japan Summit and the outcome of the meeting has garnered mixed reactions. While he emphasizes the need for follow-up measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various areas, there is still public opposition to his diplomacy with Japan. The ruling party is divided on the issue, with some supporting Yoon’s efforts while others criticize his approach. Furthermore, his approval rating has dropped, indicating that many people do not agree with his decisions. As we await the implementation of these follow-up measures, it remains to be seen whether President Yoon’s efforts can truly improve relations between Korea and Japan.