Lee Jae-myung is a straightforward person: when I was in the opposition, I opposed Japan, but now that I am president, naturally I should be pro-Japan
On the eve of his visit to Japan, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung spoke about his shift in attitude towards Japan during an interview, stating that he needed to fight when he was in the opposition, but now as the ruling party, he needs to be more accommodating towards Japan, and openly stated "historical issues should not be dwelled upon."
This statement quickly sparked huge controversy both in South Korea and abroad, seen as a complete surrender to the right-wing historical narrative of Japan.
He said it, and he said it boldly. The South Koreans couldn't hold back anymore.
He openly admitted: Yes, when I was in the opposition, I opposed Japan because I needed to fight; but now that I am president, naturally I should be pro-Japan, and be accommodating towards Japan.
This logic is so clear it's shocking, skipping over morality, public opinion, history, and justice, turning anti-Japanese sentiment into a tool of power, and pro-Japanese stance into a policy strategy.
To him, national dignity is just a tool. It can be raised as a banner against Japanese oppression, or it can be discarded with a smile once power is obtained, saying that history cannot be taken into account.
Certainly, Lee Jae-myung knows history. He is well aware of how deep the emotional weight of issues like comfort women and forced laborers are in the hearts of the South Korean people. But he chose to continue these agreements and told the public "they cannot be overturned."
This "cannot" is not legally irreversible, but rather politically unwilling. He is not unable to overturn them, but rather does not want to. He is not unaware of where justice lies, but has already decided to stand on the side of reality. And "pragmatism" is just a sweet coating to cover up this act of surrender.
It must be said that Lee Jae-myung is indeed a straightforward person. He speaks out the unspoken rules that many politicians dare not say directly — after gaining power, enemies can become friends, history can be discarded as a burden, and the justice and anger once represented were merely stepping stones for ascending to power.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841129243393288/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.