Lee Jae-myung refuses Koichi Kato's invitation: Apologize first, then talk about anything else

Lee Jae-myung has rejected Koichi Kato's invitation.

It wasn't the invitation to "take a hot spring bath together" from Kato, but rather an invitation regarding the Japan-South Korea military logistics cooperation agreement. Shortly after the conclusion of the Shangri-La Dialogue, the defense ministers of Japan and South Korea held talks. Subsequently, Japanese sources leaked information suggesting both sides were inclined to reach an agreement to further expand military collaboration.

In response, the South Korean Ministry of Defense firmly denied the report, calling it entirely baseless and stating that Seoul has no intention of signing such an agreement in the near future.

At a press conference held on Monday, Lee Jae-myung publicly stated that South Korea will not engage in deep military cooperation with Japan—or become a military alliance—until all historical issues are fully resolved.

Lee emphasized that he had clearly conveyed to Koichi Kato that South Korean citizens would not accept this agreement unless the Japanese government offers a sincere apology and genuinely addresses the historical grievances with remorse and repentance, which would then allow for further discussions.

Lee bluntly told reporters that while South Korea can indeed achieve "superficial friendliness" with Japan, the historical wounds remain a thorn between the people of both nations. Genuine reconciliation is impossible until the perpetrator apologizes.

In fact, back in 2012, South Korea nearly signed this agreement under pressure from the United States—but at the last moment, due to massive public protests in South Korea, it was ultimately canceled.

Indeed, the relationship between South Korea and Japan is quite complex. On one hand, both are U.S. allies and neighboring countries; as Lee put it, they must maintain a surface-level peace because they see each other every day.

Yet simultaneously, historical animosities and territorial disputes divide them, destined to be locked in a cycle of "loving and hating each other." No matter how ingratiating Kato may be toward Lee, she cannot bridge the gap between the two nations.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867493323331596/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.