Lee Jae-myung's Anti-Japan Stance a Setback for South Korea
このページを 日本語 で読む
Lee Jae-myung is the former leader of the North Korea-friendly, anti-Japan, left-wing Democratic Party of Korea. Inaugurated on June 4, now Lee is the new president of the Republic of Korea.
In his inaugural address, Lee declared, "We will strengthen the ROK-US alliance as the bedrock and solidify trilateral cooperation with Japan." Yet, we cannot help but have concerns as to whether he will actually implement policies in line with this vow.
After all, in his campaign platform, Lee pledged to try to have materials on former comfort women entered into UNESCO's "Memory of the World" registry. He also announced his intention to set up a new foundation to address the issue. Then he raised it again, pledging to work towards international solidarity regarding the human rights of women during wartime.
Furthermore, at a debate on the comfort women issue during the election campaign, he made the following pronouncement: "I will restore the honor [of the former comfort women] and obtain maximum compensation. I will correct the historical legacy and be a responsible presidential candidate."
Lee thereby revealed his intent to rehash the issue.
Fond of anti-Japan rhetoric, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung addresses his supporters in his campaign on March 19, 2024. (©Lee Jae-myung Facebook)
'Final and Irreversible Resolution' in 2015
The governments of Japan and South Korea have confirmed that their 2015 agreement concerning the comfort women issue constituted "final and irreversible resolution." Seeking UNESCO registry or similar acts would run counter to the agreement.
There is even a possibility that Japan-South Korea relations will return to the level they were at during the Moon Jae In administration. At that time, many observers said they were at their worst in the postwar era. Should that occur, the foundation of political and economic relations between Japan and South Korea will again collapse.
In the past, Lee had labeled Japan as an "enemy state." However, during his campaign for the presidency, he changed his tune and referred to Japan as "an important partner." But a nation that does not abide by bilateral agreements cannot be considered a partner.
Moreover, scrapping the decision agreed to by South Korea and Japan would damage South Korea's own credibility and national interests.
North Korea tested a 240mm caliber multiple rocket launcher with improved guidance technology on August 27, 2024. (©KCNA via Korean News Agency)
National Security Intertwined with the Region
There are also concerns about Lee's perception of security issues. North Korea has clearly identified South Korea as an enemy state. Meanwhile, in his inaugural address, Lee signaled a shift away from the realistic approach adopted by the preceding Yoon Suk-yeol administration. According to Lee, "[South Korea] will keep channels of communication with North Korea open and pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation."
North Korea is receiving military technology from Russia in exchange for aiding it in its invasion of Ukraine. China, which aims to annex Taiwan, has also been stepping up its military coercion.
In the past, Lee made the following provocative statement: "The United States military should withdraw from the Korean Peninsula." He added, "Whatever happens in the Taiwan Strait is of no concern to us."
If South Korea tries to remain uninvolved in a Taiwan crisis, the US-South Korea alliance will surely collapse. South Korea should also participate in efforts to deter China.
Lee should never forget that South Korea's own security, including in the event of an emergency on the Korean Peninsula, cannot be achieved without the US military presence in South Korea and Japan, as well as Japan's security cooperation.
Advertisement
RELATED:
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
このページを 日本語 で読む
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Forward
2 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Irresponsible for Diet to End Session Without Tackling Iran Crisis
The ruling and opposition parties are already prioritizing campaigning for the July House of Councillors elections. It seems that they will end the regular Diet session without properly debating the crisis in Iran and the Middle East. Yet, that region has a profound impact on Japan. As scheduled, the current session of the Diet ended on June 22. Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), announced on June 19 that he would not submit a resolution of no confidence in the Cabinet at this time. The interest of the ruling and opposition parties has now clearly shifted to the July Upper House election. But is that the right thing to do? Israel and Iran are now locked in fierce combat. Moreover, the United States has just bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. Yet, the Diet has not been conducting intensive deliberations on this situation in any of its relevant committees, including the budget, foreign affairs, and defense-related committees. Shouldn't our elected representatives engage in necessary discussions for the sake of the nation and its people, even if it means slightly extending the Diet session? Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi (©Reuters via Kyodo) Japan is dependent on the Middle East for 90% of its petroleum. The impact of the conflict on national security, energy security, and the economy will be enormous. Meanwhile, US forces are currently being deployed near the Middle East. Closer to home, there is a risk that China could exploit any gaps in defense preparedness to intensify its military pressure in Northeast Asia. Noda said that "there should be no political vacuum" due to the Japan-US tariff negotiations and the situation in the Middle East. Therefore, it seems that they recognize tariffs as such a critical issue. So, why don't the opposition parties call for an extension of the Diet session to discuss that and other international crises? The same holds true for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Is he unwilling to answer questions from representatives of the people and openly exchange opinions with them? In fact, the Prime Minister has not even delivered a report to the Diet on the G7 Summit. Nor has he taken questions from Diet members regarding the same. Is the government, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, oblivious to the international situation? Their attitude is very disappointing. The current Diet session has also left many other issues unresolved. One is ensuring that the Imperial family has a sufficient number of members to provide for stable succession to the throne. Yet, the Speaker and Vice-Speakers of the Lower and Upper Houses of the Diet have postponed this discussion. It is imperative to reach a consensus within the legislative branch based on the paramount principle of male-line succession. The Emperor and Empress, Princess Aiko, and Crown Prince and Princess Akishino at the Imperial Palace on June 10. (Pool photo) Regarding constitutional reform, it was encouraging that five political parties — including the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito, Ishin no Kai, and the Democratic Party for the People — presented a draft constitutional reform outline to the Lower House executive committee of the Commission on the Constitution. This plan would allow for the extension of terms for Diet members in emergencies. Nonetheless, it is problematic that the CDP rejected the LDP's proposal to set up a drafting committee for constitutional amendments. There was lively debate within the Diet about measures to combat rising prices. But it was intolerable that each political party rushed to gain popularity with the electorate in anticipation of the upcoming House of Councillors election by offering handouts or a cut in the consumption tax. On the defense of Japan, there was far from sufficient discussion on how China should be perceived or how to improve deterrence. That gap was allowed, despite Chinese fighter jets' dangerous maneuvers toward a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol aircraft. A Chinese J-15 fighter jet makes an abnormal approach to a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P3C patrol aircraft over the Pacific Ocean on June 8. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Defense) Finally, although the pension reform law was passed, it was disappointing that there was no in-depth discussion on raising the basic pension. This was another disappointment from the just-ended Diet session. (Read the editorial in Japanese .) Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
Toronto Sun
6 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
EDITORIAL: Woe, Canada: No day to celebrate
People hold Canadian flags at an immigration ceremony in Toronto. Photo by JACK BOLAND / TORONTO SUN When one of Canada's largest cities cancels its Canada Day parade and one of its universities stages an 'Anti-Canada Day' BBQ, it's time to admit we've become what former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bragged about: A post-national state. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account For the second year in a row, Montreal's Canada Day parade has been scrapped. In a press release, organizers said the popular event was canned due to 'ongoing planning disruptions, strained relations with city departments and unresolved challenges stemming from municipal worker strikes.' City officials maintain it was all a bureaucratic mix-up, with organizers failing to submit a permit application, despite being invited to 'on several occasions.' A spokesperson insisted to CBC that there will be a Canada Day celebration in that city. 'A land-use permit was issued this year to Production EGP for the Le Canada en Marche event to be held on July 1,' said Nicky Cayer. All is not lost. Montrealers still hankering for a celebratory hot dog can hop over to Parc Jeanne-Mance for a free 'Anti-Canada Day' BBQ and fundraiser put on by the Palestinian Feminist Collective. Posts advertising the event display the Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG) logo from McGill University. QPIRG is a student-funded resource centre at McGill. Its website says the university is threatening to pull funding if it continues its support for Students for Palestine's Honour and Resistance (SPHR). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada is a country built on values of equity and freedom; a place that has welcomed millions of immigrants and refugees from around the world. They're valued for their culture, hard work and ambition. Bilingualism flourishes and we attempt to accommodate our differences while celebrating that which unites us. And yet, a major city can't get its act together to put on a parade to extoll those values. A world-renowned university that receives significant tax funding is being torn apart by the oxymoronic 'feminist Palestinian' group that's protesting events thousands of kilometres away. Gaza is an overwhelmingly patriarchal society, where women, gays and lesbians must fight for the freedoms we take for granted. In 'post-national' Canada, there are some who prefer to drag the Maple Leaf in the mud on July 1, rather than hold it high in the pride of place where it belongs. Sports Sunshine Girls Canada Relationships Relationships
Canada News.Net
7 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
NATO summit to ditch Ukraine meeting Politico
The upcoming gathering of the US-led bloc will reportedly have a reduced agenda and issue no long communiques An upcoming NATO leaders summit in the Netherlands will have a shortened schedule, with the focus on Ukraine drastically reduced, Politico reported on Saturday, citing five people familiar with the matter. The summit, set to be held in the World Forum in The Hague from June 24 to 25, will only feature two main events - a welcome dinner at the Dutch royal family's castle and a single meeting of the North Atlantic Council instead of the usual two or three, according to Politico. There also will not be a meeting of NATO's Ukraine Council. Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky has been only invited to attend the welcome dinner, and it still remains unclear whether he will come, the outlet noted. The sources suggested the abbreviated schedule was a concession to the US and President Donald Trump in particular, who has repeatedly shown impatience with and shunned multilateral gatherings of a ceremonial nature. NATO officials reportedly pared down the agenda after the G7 debacle, when Trump abruptly left the summit in Canada halfway through the two-day program. He also reportedly opposed a draft joint statement on the Ukraine conflict, and the summit ultimately ended without one. The upcoming gathering is expected to yield no lengthy joint communique, with the bloc likely to produce only short statements on new commitments. Cuts to the agenda have also been attributed to a need to minimize the risk of derailing the main event of the summit, where members are expected to pledge to hike defense spending to 5% GDP. Trump has long demanded that NATO countries spend more on defense, and the new commitment will be regarded as a big "win" by the US president, the sources suggested. "He has to get credit for the 5% - that's why we're having the summit," a European defense official told Politico. "Everything else is being streamlined to minimize risk."
