Japanese media welcomes 'unwavering faith' in the position of President Yoon Seo-yue, who ``understands the ability to counterattack''

Japanese politicians are welcoming the content of an interview with the local media about South Korean President Yoon Seo-gyul, who is about to visit Japan. The Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan's largest daily newspaper that conducted an interview, highly praised President Yoon Seok-yeol for making a "big-picture decision based on an unwavering conviction."

On the 15th, the Yomiuri Shimbun published a series of related articles, including an interview with President Yoon Seok-yeol. President Yoon Seok-yeol reiterated his stance that the decision is for the benefit of both Japan and South Korea when asked about the resolution of compensation payments for former forced laborers, which has been the subject of domestic controversy. He also dismissed the possibility of a claim for reimbursement against a Japanese company, saying, "There is nothing to worry about. This is a solution that will make it impossible to claim recourse."

President Yoon Seok-yeol also answered "I understand" when asked about his opinion on strengthening the defense capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces, which is seen as a signal for Japan's rearmament. When asked, "The Japanese government has decided on three important security-related documents and clarified the possession of counterattack capabilities. Due to the security situation, I fully understand Japan's measures."

The three security documents referred to by the "Yomiuri Shimbun" are three revised proposals: the "National Security Strategy," the "National Defense Strategy," and the "Defense Buildup Plan," which were passed at the end of last year. It includes the expansion of the operational scope of the Self-Defense Forces, such as the clarification of "counterattack capability," and is being evaluated as a stepping stone for amending the "peace constitution" that denies Japan's war capabilities.

However, President Yoon Seok-yeol left room for restraint against Japan's remilitarization, stating, "The Japanese government adheres to the peace constitution and the principle of exclusively defensive defense (the defense principle of the Self-Defense Forces that eliminates active attacks)."

Nevertheless, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the Japanese political world welcomed President Yoon Seok-yeol's position. According to media reports, Toshimitsu Motegi, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), welcomed the move, saying, "(President Yoon's remarks) were taken as an indication of South Korea's understanding of Japan's policy of strengthening its defense capabilities."

The Yomiuri Shimbun highly praised President Yoon Seok-yeol's will to restore relations between Japan and South Korea. The Yomiuri Shimbun published an article titled "Unwavering Faith, 'Stiffness' President Yoon 'Deepening Cooperation with Japan is National Interest' Big Decision" about President Yoon Seo-yeol, saying, "Although there are voices concerned about his political skills, he is unwavering. He has a strong personality that sticks to his beliefs, and is demonstrating strong leadership." He also wrote, "I made a 'big picture decision' based on the belief that deepening cooperation with Japan in all areas, including the North Korea issue, would lead to national interests."

However, while the "Yomiuri Shimbun" introduced criticism of President Yoon Seo-yeol for being "dogmatic and one-sided" within South Korea, it said, "Since the president's inauguration, people have been dissatisfied with his personnel management, which has been filled with old acquaintances. It was leaked," he said, referring to the negative public opinion.