By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

President Lee Jae-myung, who was visiting Japan, met with Korean residents in Japan and said on August 23, “Because you are steadfastly serving as a bridge between the two countries, I am confident that Korea and Japan will be able to achieve greater cooperation based on deeper trust in the future.”

President Lee made this statement during a luncheon meeting with approximately 200 local compatriots in Tokyo, Japan, on the same day, saying, “The new history of Korea-Japan relations, where the people of both countries share a spirit of trust and enrich each other's lives, is a brilliant achievement created by our compatriots.”

The luncheon meeting was attended by Sakamoto Sachiko, the granddaughter of the late Seo Gap-ho, who donated the land for the Korean embassy, Shin Dae-young, senior vice chairman of the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association, and Choi Kang-ija, who has been leading the movement against hate speech in Japan, as well as other Korean residents in Japan who have contributed to the Korean community in various ways.

In his congratulatory speech, President Lee said, “As we mark the 80th anniversary of liberation and the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan, the path that our compatriots in Japan have walked is an integral part of South Korea's modern history, sharing the pain, twists and turns, and growth of our homeland.”

He also expressed gratitude for the dedication of Korean residents in Japan to their homeland, saying, “Despite discrimination and difficulties in a foreign land, you have maintained your identity and served as a strong supporter and pillar of strength for your homeland.”

President Lee said, “There is a shameful and painful history that must be faced,” adding, “During the great journey toward democratization, many Korean residents in Japan suffered as victims of fabricated espionage cases.”

He then bowed his head and said, “As the President of the Republic of Korea, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the victims of state violence and their families, and I would like to apologize once again.”

Finally, President Lee promised to “create a beautiful society centered on humanity” and urged, “I ask that you, our compatriots in Japan, fulfill your role by participating in the election here as citizens of the Republic of Korea.”