FM Cho: S. Korea, Japan should manage relations so as 'not to disrupt' mood in improving ties

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Japan should carefully manage their relationship so as "not to disrupt" the hardly achieved momentum in their improving bilateral relations, calling Tokyo a key partner at a time fraught with geopolitical challenges, Seoul's top diplomat said Monday,

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the remarks at a forum, pointing out that next year, which will mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the bilateral ties, should also serve as a "new milestone" in the relationship.

"We cannot stay here. Both South Korea and Japan are precious to each other, and we can and must be the cornerstones for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region," Cho said during a forum hosted by the foreign ministry.

"It is more than important that we understand each other and carefully manage the relationship so that there are no disruptions to the flow of the hard-earned improvement in bilateral relations," he said.

Cho's comments came as the recent row over Tokyo's implicit demand for LY Corp., the operator of the popular Line messaging app in Japan, to "review its capital relationship" in the joint venture with South Korea's Naver Corp. has emerged as a potential source of fresh tensions.

Some South Korean lawmakers called for Japan to take steps to resolve the issue, warning that the row could throw cold water on the improving bilateral relations.

Seoul has requested Tokyo ensure there are no "unfair discriminatory measures" against South Korean companies in Japan. Last week, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun told the deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to help ensure that Naver can make its "own decision without external pressure."

Cho emphasized that the future-oriented development of the bilateral ties is essential in addressing various regional and geopolitical challenges, including North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

"It's time to look towards the future of Korea-Japan relations with a broader perspective and a long-term approach," Cho said.

elly@yna.co.kr
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