Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, said on the 20th, the start date of voting for overseas citizens in the 21st election, that there is a preconceived notion that he would be hostile towards Japan, and added, "I want to get along well with Japan. Wouldn't it be better if we get along well?" This statement comes amid controversy after his recent campaign remarks stating, "Shèshè (謝謝·thank you) to Taiwan, and Shèshè to China." The People Power Party has attacked the candidate’s diplomatic stance as 'pro-Chinese and anti-Japanese.'

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, is appealing for support inside bulletproof glass at a campaign event near KT&G Sangsangmadang in Mapo District, Seoul, on 19th. /Courtesy of News1

The candidate said during the 'K-Initiator TV Worldwide Korean Citizens Live Talk' YouTube broadcast in the morning, while conversing with overseas Koreans, "I believe improving Korea-Japan relations is very important." He further noted, "Things have become overly hostile, and unnecessary conflicts in the political arena are severe. It needs to be eased."

He continued, "We cannot make unilateral concessions, but it is unfortunate that this makes cooperation difficult in cultural, social, and economic areas between Korea and Japan."

The candidate remarked, "There is a misunderstanding in Korea-Japan relations. There is a preconceived notion that I would be hostile towards Japan," and stated, "On issues of historical grievances and the Dokdo issue, I cannot be lenient. However, I am very proactive and open in terms of cultural exchange and cooperation between Korea and Japan."

He stated, "As very close countries, we should cooperate in cultural, social, and other areas to create synergies," and added, "Former President Kim Dae-jung opened up Japanese culture, and as a result, Korean culture developed tremendously."

The candidate mentioned his past travel experiences in Japan, saying, "After visiting a few times, I found them to be truly humble, kind, and modest. They are a people from whom we can learn a lot." He went on to express, "Japanese politics and Japanese citizens are different," and noted, "How important it is to achieve substantial economic cooperation with Japan through private exchanges."