코리아포스트 모바일 사이트, President Moon makes nice remarks for the future of Korean-Japanese relations
기사승인 2019.08.16 14:17:23
http://m.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=9835
- It the midst of ‘narrow-minded, harsh unfriendly steps taken by Premier Abe
President Moon Jae-in made some nice words about Japan on the Liberation Day of Korea from Japan on Aug. 15, 2019. This was sheer surprise to many Koreans, if not all of them, because most had Koreans had anticipated some scathing criticisms against Japan as Prime Minister Shintaro Abe had continued bringing heavy pressure on Korean-Japanese relations cutting off Japan’s sale of key electronic and other parts and components which Samsung and other major Korean Jaebeol companies were importing almost entirely relying on imports from Japan.
Some Koreans even called Prime Minister Abe’s acts, Abe Chisa Hada! It meant, “Abe is really playing low!”.
The Liberation Day of Korea on August 15 is a day when Korea was liberated from Japan after forced slavery from them for the duration of 36 years.
As was mentioned at the beginning, Moon made remarks that were far from criticism against Japan.
Moon said: “We have not dwelt on the past. Instead, we continued to engage in security and economic cooperation with Japan. Together with Japan, we have tried to practically assuage the suffering of victims from the Japanese colonial period. We have consistently maintained the position that we should learn from history and steadily work together.
Then he continued: “Reflecting on the past does not mean clinging to the past but overcoming what had happened and moving toward the future. We hope that Japan will play a leading role together in facilitating peace and prosperity in East Asia while it contemplates a past that brought misfortune to its neighboring countries.
“Only when we work together will we be able to achieve joint growth that is sustainable. The world has achieved common prosperity through a highly sophisticated division of labor. Japan has made progress by engaging in the division of labor upon the platform of the free trade order as well.
“Within the international division of labor, if any country weaponizes a sector where it has a comparative advantage, the peaceful free trade order will inevitably suffer damages. A country that achieved growth first must not kick the ladder away while others are following in its footsteps.
President Moon Jae-in (second from left) greets the descendants of those who have risked their lives to accomplish the liberation of Korea.
“Better late than never: if Japan chooses the path of dialogue and cooperation, we will gladly join hands. We will strive with Japan to create an East Asia that engages in fair trade and cooperation.”
Excerps from the Liberation Speech of President Moon follows:
President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech to honor the 74th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, on Aug. 15, 2019.
President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jong-sook entering the event hall and greeting the participants at the 74th Liberation Day celebration held at the Cheonan Independence Hall in Chungnam, South Korea.
Ignite the furnace, This is a country that expands our lives and imagination beyond the Dumangang River onto the continent, and across the Pacific to the ASEAN region and India. This is a country that cooperates and prospers with its neighboring countries, going beyond the limited scope of economic activities within the southern half of the Korean Peninsula.
Now, after 74 years have passed, Korea has proudly become an economic powerhouse renowned as the world’s sixth-largest manufacturer and exporter. It has embarked on the era of per capita income of 30,000 USD and is on the road to becoming a country of thriving culture, which was the dream of independence activist Kim Gu.
The surviving Patriots, descendants of the independence merit, and our future generation students are celebrating the 74th anniversary of the National Liberation Day on Aug. 15, 2019 at the Cheonan Independence Hall, Chungnam.
Today, I renew my commitment to meeting the aspirations of the people to build an unshakable nation by reminding myself of our people who have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of a series of crises.However, we have yet to become an unshakable nation. That is because we still lack sufficient strength and remain divided.
Commemorative photo of representatives from Korea and China after the Liberation Ceremony of the General Command of Korea Liberation Army.
The day after Japan's unconditional surrender, Seoul citizens shouted together with joy to greet independent fighters who flew to Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on August 16, 1945.
Better late than never: if Japan chooses the path of dialogue and cooperation, we will gladly join hands. We will strive with Japan to create an East Asia that engages in fair trade and cooperation.
Korean flag made with the desire for independence.
The two Koreas and the United States have engaged in dialogue for the past 20 months. In spite of a series of worrying actions taken by North Korea recently, the momentum for dialogue remains unshaken– which is a significant result of my government’s peace process on the Korean Peninsula. Compared to the past when the whole Peninsula experienced turbulence whenever North Korea engaged in provocation, the situation has definitely changed.
This will be possible if South and North Korea join forces and commit themselves to decide the fate of the Korean Peninsula. When we overcome division, our liberation will finally be completed and Korea will become a country that cannot be shaken.
The unified strength of people is essential. I ask the people to pull together as one.