On October 24, the government sent a statement to the Japanese government stating that Japan's export regulations and the white country (excluding whitelist) policy were unjustified, urging immediate withdrawal.

Sung Yoon-mo, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy, said in a briefing at the Seoul government office on the same day, "The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

A 15 - page government statement was e - mailed to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry immediately before the minister 's briefing.

The minister said, "There is no basis for the reasons for the measures that Japan imposed on Japan, such as the lack of the export control system in Korea and the damage of trust between the two countries, and there is no grounds for the preliminary consultation on the crucial issues that pave the way for economic cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries. "The South Korean government once again expresses deep regret over the prospect of legislation."

"The South Korean government strongly urges the Japanese government," the minister said, adding, "Measures to tighten export controls on three items of semiconductor materials that are already in force should be restored immediately."

He also said that the revision of the Export Trade Control Order, which would exclude Korea from whitelisting (a list of non-complying friendly countries that would benefit from streamlining customs procedures for exporting strategic goods) should also be withdrawn.

The five economic groups including the Korea International Trade Association, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea Employers Federation, the Korean Federation of Small and Medium Business, and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Businesses have formally submitted a statement to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Japan announced on March 1 the measures to regulate the export of three items of semiconductors and materials to Korea, and announced the amendments to the laws to exclude Korea from white countries.

The deadline to receive comments for the amendment of laws is up to 24 days.

(Photo: Yonhap News)