Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung emphasized the necessity of maintaining robust relations between South Korea and Japan, asserting that their cooperation is crucial for economic and security reasons.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee conveyed these sentiments in a written congratulatory message to a forum organized by a DP lawmaker. This move comes as Lee, who is leading in the polls, intensifies his campaign efforts for the upcoming June 3 election.
Lee stated, "South Korea and Japan are important partners that have long maintained a close cooperative partnership," highlighting the significance of ongoing bilateral cooperation from both economic and security perspectives. Japan, being South Korea's fourth-largest trading partner, plays a vital role in the trilateral security partnership with the United States, contributing to peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.
Lee advocated for enhanced relations with Japan through "meticulous and sophisticated diplomacy" to advance national interest, particularly during a period of significant geopolitical transformation. He also acknowledged the importance of addressing historical issues stemming from Japan's colonization of the Korean Peninsula and the release of contaminated water from Fukushima.
"In particular, addressing historical issues is essential for building a future-oriented relationship," Lee remarked. He stressed that South Korea-Japan relations can evolve positively when founded on mutual respect and responsibility.
As part of his campaign, Lee visited Gyeongju, the host city for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Engaging with voters at a local market, he called for a successful APEC event, underscoring the city's cultural heritage. Gyeongju is located in the Gyeongsang region, known as a conservative stronghold.