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Seven specialists gathered in the Concert Hall of DSU’s Cultural Center to discuss unresolved historical matters and territorial disputes between Korea and Japan in a forum hosted by DSU President Jekuk Chang. The discussion aimed at reaching a solution for the restoration of relations between the two countries.

In attendance were Gong Roh-myoung, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Jeong Gu-jong, Managing Editor of the Dong-A Ilbo; Jo Sae-young, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Northeast Asia; Muto Masatoshi, Former Japanese Ambassador to Korea; Okonogi Massao, Former Professor at Keio University; and Wakamiya Yoshibumi, Former Journalist at the Asahi Shimbun AJW.

Gong Roh-myoung, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs said, “I know it is not easy to have a summit talk about these difficulties, but both Korea and Japan had better do it. I hope South Korean President Park Guen-hye will create an environment conducive to discourse, and I hope that Japanese Prime Minister Abe will address historical matters in a manner that will be satisfactory to the Korean people. National leaders should consider long-range projects of their countries.”

Muto Masatoshi, Former Japanese Ambassador to Korea said, “One of the top priorities should be mutual respect and understanding between the countries. Only with respect and understanding can Korea and Japan overcome the huge differences in their regard for one another. As a leader, Japanese Prime Minister Abe should think seriously about relations between Korea and Japan with the goal of improving the atmosphere between the two nations.” He also added, “There must be a point of contact which can help resolve the historical issues. It is crucial that we have a summit talk to address actual matters and to solve the problems of national security and current economic difficulties.”

Jeong Gu-jong, Managing Editor of the Dong-A Ilbo said, “Korea hasn’t changed the manner in which it regards Japan. Japan is also guilty of the same narrowness of thinking. After Korea became one of the leading economic powers in the world, Japan was awestruck and somewhat wary of Korea. Currently, the international relationship between the two countries is worsening, but our two nations cannot stand alone. Problems and concerns should be addressed, and resolutions reached through bilateral consultation.”

Okonogi Massao, Former Professor at Keio University said, “The issue of comfort women must be dealt with as soon as possible. If this issue is addressed and resolved, the relationship between Korea and Japan will improve. It will be an opportunity to ameliorate the connection between Korea and Japan. This is an opportunity we must grasp for strengthening this connection will have positives effect for both sides. An important step in the process involves the holding of summit talks.”

Jo Sae-young, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Northeast Asia said, “we should judge this situation with objectiveness, not prejudice. The two countries must set aside narrow-mindedness and enter new circumstances. The Korean government should distinguish between right and wrong, with national interests serving as a primary consideration.”

Wakamiya Yoshibumi, Former Journalist at the Asahi Shimbun AJW said, “North Korea is complicating matters in Northeast Asia. Smog in China poses a serious health threat. Those working there are going back to Japan because they can’t raise their children in that toxic environment. The Japanese nuclear power disaster is causing its neighbors anxiety. These are a few of the myriad problems that demand discussions and solutions right now. Historical problems and conflicts are minor things compared to the challenges we are currently facing. It would be ridiculous not to have a summit talks. Both Korea and Japan can succeed if they approach their situations strategically. National emotions need to be set aside so that the summit talks can bring about a dramatic reversal in the relationship between the two countries.”