South Korean President: “We can open up a new future for South Korea and Japan by resolving both difficult issues.”

In a speech at a ceremony commemorating South Korea's independence movement from Japan, South Korean President Yoon Seong-yeol said, ``If we work together to resolve the difficult challenges left behind by history, we can carve out a new future for South Korea-Japan relations.'' He emphasized that next year will mark 60 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea, and that the two countries will further develop their relationship.

South Korean President Yoon Sung-nyeol spoke at a commemorative ceremony in Seoul on March 1, the day the independence movement began under Japanese rule.

In this regard, President Yun said of Japan-South Korea relations, ``Our two countries have overcome their painful pasts and are moving forward together toward a new world.We share the values ​​of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, pursue common interests, and contribute to the world's We have become partners working together for peace and prosperity."

He added, ``If we build trust through exchange and cooperation and work together to resolve difficult issues left behind by history, we can open up a new future for South Korea-Japan relations.'' Next year will mark 60 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea. He emphasized his intention to take this opportunity to further develop the relationship.

Regarding "difficult issues," he did not specifically mention issues surrounding "recruitment" during the Pacific War.

On the other hand, President Yoon said, ``I cannot help but lament North Korea's shift to a policy of treating South Korea as a hostile country rather than a target for peaceful unification.The North Korean regime's tyranny and abuse of human rights deny universal human values.'' "It's a thing," he said, expressing his intention to continue efforts toward unification of the North and South.

South Korean official: “There are no plans for a summit meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Yoon in March.”

A senior official from South Korea's presidential office revealed that there are no plans for a summit meeting between Prime Minister Kishida and President Yoon in March.

In the meeting, a high-ranking official mentioned that ``shuttle diplomacy,'' a reciprocal exchange between the leaders of Japan and South Korea, resumed last year. This is the spirit of 'diplomacy.'" He then went on to explain, "There is no movement or plan to hold a summit meeting between the two countries this month."