Even with five days until the Olympics, inappropriate remarks by the Japanese minister ... President Moon's visit to Japan is a "red light" = Korean coverage

On the 18th, five days before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, President Moon Jae-in's visit to Japan was not materialized, there are observations that it may actually be 'unexploded'. As the two countries bargain on the agenda of the summit, Hironao Soma, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in Korea, even made an "inappropriate remark". He points out that President Moon's visit to Japan was accompanied by a 'red light'.

On the 18th, Cheongwadae is still making the same remarks in connection with President Moon's visit to Japan. "We are taking an open stance with all possibilities in mind until the end, and we have never confirmed it" they said. "We seek a sincere and positive response from the Japanese side to the outcome of the talks."

They have not disclosed thoughts on the use of the expression 'masturbation' for President Moon by Minister Soma. Internally 'anger' is perceived, in response to the Japanese minister's remarks at the meeting with the media. It is judged that it is not appropriate to respond publicly at the Cheongwadae level separately from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Perhaps, the last opportunity for a meeting between President Moon and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, it can be read that the minister's remarks should not be realized.

There are various 'obstacles' to President Moon's visit to Japan. First of all, the reaction of Japan is 'not so good'. Cheongwadae has emphasized that 'results' must be a prerequisite for the Japan-Korea summit. It means that we must find an agreement on the withdrawal of Japan's export control measures, the Japan-Korea Military Information Comprehensive Protection Agreement (GSOMIA), resumption, the comfort women issue, and the compulsory compensation judgment. However, Japan has postponed the reply.

The noise surrounding President Moon's visit to Japan has been reported through the media of both countries, and the worsening domestic public opinion has also become a burden. According to a survey conducted by RnSearch, a polling agency, on the 12th to 14th of this month at the request of Maeil Business Newspaper, 1060 adults aged 18 and over nationwide, 55.8% of the respondents said 'President Moon should not attend the Olympics unless the Japan-Korea summit is successful'.

Public opinion, which was already negative, could be exacerbated by the improper remarks of Minister Soma. Cheongwadae is watching the transition of public opinion, saying, "I will not answer whether the remarks (of the Japanese minister) will affect the Japan-Korea summit meeting."

President Moon's visit to Japan is expected to be decided within a day or two. On the 19th, a weekly meeting between President Moon and Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom and a meeting of the White House Chief of Staff, which is presided over by President Moon, are scheduled. There is an observation that there is a high possibility of organizing.