As he entered Japan’s Narita International Airport this afternoon, he explained his thoughts and future moves to reporters. Regarding President Moon Jae-in’s appointment as an ambassador, he said, “I think it is for the purpose of promoting friendly cooperation and relations between Korea and Japan. I will do my best to promote and strengthen friendly cooperation between Korea and Japan, and to normalize relations between Korea and Japan.” said.
Ambassador Kang said that the Japanese side largely opposed the judgment of compensation for victims of comfort women, and that the relationship between Korea and Japan has deteriorated. “I think we should discuss what to discuss on a case-by-case basis, negotiate what to negotiate, and cooperate with what to do. They expressed their intention to respond and judge by separating them accordingly.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on the 8th that the Japanese government pays 100 million won to 12 victims of comfort women, and the Japanese government violates the sovereign immunity (customary international law that a court of one country cannot judge another country as a party to lawsuit). They are rebelling against it.
Ambassador Kang said in regard to the 2015 Korea-Japan agreement that the Japanese government paid 1 billion yen (approximately 10.6 billion won) and the condition that the two countries cooperate to restore the honor and dignity of victims. Expressed the view that it is necessary to discuss.
He mentioned the remaining funds after the reconciliation and healing foundation, which was invested in the Japanese government’s contribution, was dissolved, and said, “I think the two governments should talk about the issue of creating a fund by combining the money.” Ambassador Kang also explained that the Korean government did not break the agreement on the comfort women of the Japanese military, and that the foundation was disbanded as the chairman and directors voluntarily resigned.
Ambassador Kang announced his intention to quarantine himself at the embassy residence for two weeks in accordance with Japan’s Corona 19 quarantine standards, then enact (submit) a certificate of credentials to the Emperor, and promote meetings with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Ambassador Kang used the expression’Majesty the Emperor’ instead of’The Emperor’, explaining the submission of credentials. He also said that he would also meet Nikai Toshihiro, chief of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party, Nukaga Fukushiro, chairman of the Japanese-Korean Medical Association, and Kawamura Takeo, executive secretary of the Japanese-Korean Medical Association. Daesa Kang is expected to begin diplomatic activities in earnest after submitting his credentials.
Ambassador Kang said, “The Moon Jae-in administration has a firm determination to normalize the relations between Korea and Japan,” and said, “We are trying to deliver such a message to the Japanese side well.”
[도쿄 = 김규식 특파원]
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