S. Korea's Lee urges Japan to sustain thaw for 'friendly new world'
Mar 1st 2026
In his first 1919 independence movement speech as president, Lee Jae Myung pushed for pragmatic cooperation with Japan, regional harmony, and steps toward a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.
- Lee urged Japan to maintain the recent thaw and promote reciprocal visits between leaders.
- He said closer ties are a pragmatic response to a rapidly shifting international landscape.
- Lee acknowledged enduring wounds from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule and the presence of surviving victims.
- He pointed to improving relations, including his January reciprocal visit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- Lee vowed to pursue talks with North Korea and work to convert the 1953 armistice into a peace regime.