It is reported that during a closed-door meeting on the 23rd, President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dedicated considerable time to sharing their experiences with 'U.S. tariff negotiations.' Evaluations have emerged that President Lee's choice of Japan as the first country to visit instead of the U.S. has created a positive strategy for the U.S., suggesting that, unlike in the past, Korea is taking the lead in strengthening Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.
On the 24th, Deputy Minister Wi Sung-lak noted at a local briefing in Japan that 'ahead of the visit to the U.S., the two leaders engaged in strategic communication regarding Korea-U.S. relations, U.S.-Japan relations, and ways to cooperate among Korea, the U.S., and Japan,' adding, 'Significant time was dedicated to the U.S. relationship and tariff negotiations during the small group discussions between the two leaders.' He specifically mentioned that Prime Minister Ishiba, who had previously engaged in U.S. tariff negotiations before Korea, shared relevant experiences and insights with our side.
Deputy Minister Wi mentioned, 'There were many discussions regarding negotiations with the U.S. and tariff-related discussions. It was primarily a matter of relaying the Japanese side's experiences and perceptions encountered throughout the negotiation process in a helpful manner,' and added, 'As we are leaving today for that path (Korea-U.S. summit), we are thankful for the many references and assistance.' It is also said that President Lee asked Prime Minister Ishiba several follow-up questions regarding the U.S. negotiations during this process.
The Presidential Office evaluated that this Korea-Japan summit showcased the realization of 'Korea-led strengthening of Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation.' Deputy Minister Wi stated, 'In the past, whenever Korea and Japan had a bad relationship, the U.S. often took the lead in facilitating Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, but this time, the appearance was made that we are leading with a visit to Japan first, followed by a visit to the U.S.' According to Deputy Minister Wi, the Japanese side expressed that this schedule 'demonstrated the importance of the Korea-Japan relationship' and 'made it possible to understand President Lee's strategic perspective.'
◇Andong soju and jjimdak, 'curry' that Ishiba said he ate for four years
The so-called 'Ishiba-style curry' was served at the friendship dinner held the previous day at the Prime Minister's residence. Prime Minister Ishiba introduced himself on his official website, saying, 'I am confident in making curry' and 'I ate nothing but curry for four years during college,' earning him the reputation of being a 'curry enthusiast.' The curry recipe recommended by Ishiba is widely known online. Deputy Minister Wi remarked, 'Prime Minister Ishiba likes curry so much that he reportedly primarily consumed it during his four years in college,' noting that 'Ishiba-style curry' was included in the dinner menu.
Andong soju, a specialty of Andong, and jjimdak were also served, considering the menu for President Lee, who is 'from Andong.' It is said that beer from Ishiba's hometown in Totori Prefecture was placed alongside Andong soju. Additionally, Korean-style grilled eel topped with kimchi and white peaches cultivated in Okayama, Japan, were served. Peaches are known to be President Lee's favorite fruit. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung recently visited the mayor of Gyeyang District in Incheon to use consumption coupons, stating, 'My husband likes peaches the most.'
Deputy Minister Wi said, 'Several aspects were observed that Japan is trying to consider Korea through the dinner,' adding, 'We had conversations on various topics, including the sorrows and joys as a family of politicians, how politicians communicate with the public, including through social media, and the working styles between leaders and ministers.' After the dinner, the two leaders and their spouses moved to another location for a private time together. Deputy Minister Wi stated, 'The leaders of both countries enjoyed drinks in a Japanese-style tatami room, called 'washitsu' in Japanese, further strengthening their bonds.'
◇'Historical issues as philosophical discussions, no agreement on expanding Japanese seafood imports'
The sensitive historical issues between the two countries, such as comfort women and forced labor, were only mentioned at a theoretical level. Deputy Minister Wi stated, 'There was discussion, but it was more about 'how to approach this issue' and 'how handling it can promote cooperation in the present and future,' indicating that the discussion was based on a philosophical understanding.' He also noted that regarding the likelihood of Japan showing a proactive stance on historical issues, 'it is not easy to see immediate visible results. Political landscapes in both Japan and Korea need to be considered,' he added, 'and we will strive to achieve positive results while taking various conditions into account.'
Regarding 'the relaxation of restrictions on imports of Japanese seafood,' which is said to have been requested by the Japanese side, no concrete discussions took place between the two countries. Deputy Minister Wi stated, 'Overall, there were comprehensive discussions, but specific seafood issues were not discussed during the Korea-Japan summit.'