Yoon Seok-yeol ‘Normalization of relations’ vs. Kishida ‘improvement movement’ Semiconductor investment ‘cancellation’
While President Yoon Seok-yeol said in a press conference for the Korea-Japan summit that the normalization of bilateral relations was on the right track, Prime Minister Kishida said that the movement to improve Japan-Korea relations was on the right track, widening the gap.
Prime Minister Kishiga repeatedly announced at this press conference the passage that “the window of dialogue with North Korea remains open”, which he had previously included in the announcement alone that was not in President Yoon’s announcement at the March summit, and reiterated President Yoon’s and confirmed exclusive contact with North Korea with a gap.
In this regard, President Yoon said, "I do not rule out Japan's participation," and said, "The Washington Declaration is not finalized. It is an issue that Japan can cooperate with at any time when it is on track and Japan is ready in relation to the United States."
At the conclusion of the Washington Declaration, it was stated that “the two leaders steadfastly pursue dialogue and diplomacy with North Korea without preconditions as a means to advance the common goal of achieving complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”
President Yoon said, "Prime Minister Kishida and I agreed on strengthening cooperation in this field so that Korean semiconductor manufacturers and excellent Japanese subsidiaries can build a solid semiconductor supply chain together." The prime minister confirmed a large gap in economic cooperation by saying, “In terms of the economy, the finance ministers’ meeting (referred to as the Korea, China, and Japan finance ministers’ meeting) was held in Incheon on the 2nd for the first time in seven years, and we agreed to resume financial dialogue.”
Reuters reported citing Japanese officials that President Yoon requested Japanese equipment companies to invest in new semiconductor investments worth 300 trillion won in the metropolitan area at a summit meeting in Japan in March. It was only at the stage of cooperation between Korea and Korean companies.
In response to Japan's request for semiconductor investment in South Korea in March, President Yoon said, unlike Japan, Korea first lifted the White Country status, and Japan is currently 'converging public opinion'.
At a press conference, President Yoon said, “The two leaders welcomed the full-fledged cooperation in the field of security and economy, such as the security dialogue between foreign and security authorities, the economic security dialogue between the NSC, and the finance ministers’ meeting, which were agreed upon at the summit in March. Contrary to Kishida's statement, he said, 'Economic cooperation system is in full swing.'
At a press conference after the meeting, President Yoon said, "I think that through Prime Minister Kishida's visit to Korea, the restoration of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders and the normalization of bilateral relations are now on track."
President Yoon continued, "I hope that the G7 summit meeting will serve as an opportunity for Korea and Japan to further materialize cooperation on global issues such as public health, global supply chain, and climate change." Prime Minister Kishida said, “At today's meeting, it was confirmed that the movement to improve Japan-ROK relations, which took a big step in March, is on the right track. Next, in Hiroshima, and after that, I will meet frequently with President Yoon, including the head of the international community, to deepen the relationship of trust and make the spirit of strengthening Japan-Korea relations a certainty.”
In particular, Prime Minister Kishida separated "individuals" and "government" on the current issue of forced labor by saying, "I am deeply saddened that many people suffered very painful and sad things in the harsh environment at the time."
Previously, President Yoon said, "Thank you for showing a sincere position first," at the mention of Prime Minister Kishida at the small number of people meeting. At a press conference afterwards, he blocked the request for an additional apology, saying, "I think it is important to be sincere, and it is not a matter that can be demanded from either party." I would like to pay my respects once again to President Yoon's determination and power of action. I share a strong desire to strengthen Japan-Korea relations, and this time, I decided to visit Korea at such an early stage in order to stand in solidarity with President Yoon and share opinions about the G7 summit without hesitation.”
President Yoon said, “It is meaningful that shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of the two countries has begun in earnest through this visit to Korea.” We agreed once again that we should work closely with each other,” each said differently.
Prime Minister Kishida said, “The first meeting of the newly launched Economic and Security Council was held on the 3rd between the heads of the national security authorities of the two countries, and it was decided to strengthen solidarity in the supply chain. Security talks by foreign and defense authorities have also been resumed after five years,” he said, referring to the “initiation phase.”
The Associated Press reported on the 8th under the title, “Japanese Leader Expresses Sympathy to Korean Colonial Victims.”
The New York Times said, “Kishida did not go further than saying that Japan supported past statements when some of his predecessors expressed regret and apologies. He said that he was "heartbroken" when he thought of the suffering of Koreans, but his words fell short of the clear and direct apology that many Koreans, including the leader of the main opposition party, had demanded.
The NYT continued, “President Yoon said he would not demand such an apology despite criticism from some Koreans.” It should come naturally from the other person's sincerity,' and instead, President Yoon urged them to focus on the immediate challenges of North Korea and China."