※ 'The Journalist (THE JOURNALIST)', where SBS reporters tell stories directly to viewers that they could not complete in the news! This time, we will diagnose the 'Korea-Japan economic war' following the formal fear of 'whitelist exclusion'. In addition, the economic policy team reporter Park Min-ha analyzes what is really about the Abe regime, which gave exports in a month.

On August 8, the Japanese government issued the first export license for one of the three semiconductor core materials that had been regulated for export to Korea. It has been 34 days since we announced the regulation last month.

Japan's export permits, sooner than expected, are interpreted as measures conscious of public opinion criticism and WTO complaints. However, it is difficult to expect a fundamental change in position, such as withdrawal of export regulations. The Japanese government said it could expand the list of restricted items restricting exports and made it clear that it would hold the reins of the Korea-Japan relationship.

The vague attitude of the Japanese government seems to be much intentional. It is unlikely that export restrictions will immediately result in a ban or a sharp decline in exports, but this uncertainty could dampen private sector investment in the long run. Some believe that too pessimistic or extended interpretation of Japanese measures will eventually lead to the Abe regime's aim.

◆ Reporter Park, Min-ha / Economic Policy Team It can be said that Japan is currently lifting Korea with the “export control” hand. Japan's export control measures are not meant to ban exports at all, but to make export procedures more difficult. In other words, the Japanese government may or may not grant export licenses at will.

Korea is a country that relies heavily on Japan for its core materials and components. Maintaining high Japanese dependence has returned to a threat to the Korean economy at unexpected moments. The Korean government needs to analyze this situation calmly and develop a response strategy. Even if it takes years, shouldn't we use the physical and human resources that we can put in place to increase Korea's technological independence?

(Reporting: Park Min-ha / Project: Han Sang-woo / Composition: Cho Do-hye, Lee So-hyun / Film / Editing: Lee Hong-myeong, Lee Eun-kyung, Moon Ji-hwan / Graphic: Lee Dong-geun, Gam Ho-jeong)