Lee’s rhetoric stirs speculation

By Kang Hyun-kyung

Of late, President Lee Myung-bak has been tougher than ever on Japan, prompting speculation about his motives.

Political analysts speculate that Lee sharpened his message against Japan as the lame duck President strives to turn the tide on the negative domestic political situation. Lee’s ratings fell after prosecutors questioned his aides and relatives for their involvement in bribery scandals with some of them being put behind bars.

His ratings showed signs of going up early this week after he played the nationalism card, analysts said.

Meanwhile, insiders note that Lee said what he had in mind, although his rhetoric might not sound diplomatic.

Asking for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, a Cheong Wa Dae official told The Korea Times that Lee toughening his stance on Japan was not politically motivated.

Rather, he said, Lee was frank and straightforward, as he didn’t hide his feelings. According to the official, Lee’s recent messages targeted the incumbent Japanese government, as people there were not handling diplomatic issues adroitly.

President Lee was the first South Korean leader to visit the easternmost islets of Dokdo near Ulleung Island, North Gyeongsang Province, last Friday. His surprise visit angered Japan as it claims the islets are part of its territory.

Immediately after the visit, Japan summoned Shin Kak-soo, South Korean ambassador to Japan, and recalled its ambassador to Seoul. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda called President Lee’s trip “unacceptable.”

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba further said Japan was considering referring the territorial issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a move to threaten Seoul.

Gemba stirred up the Korean government, saying Seoul has sought to be a “Global Korea” and therefore has to respond to Japan’s call to let the ICJ handle the territorial issue.

Global Korea is the slogan of President Lee’s initiative aimed at making South Korea an active player in the international community by contributing more foreign aid and playing a constructive role in security and other areas of global concern.

Gemba’s remarks appeared to hurt the feelings of President Lee and his aides as the Japanese foreign minister was seen as seeking to discredit Lee’s legacy.

After Japan’s furious reaction, Lee showed no signs of backing off from his stance on the territory and history issues involving Tokyo.

Speaking at a luncheon with a National Assembly delegation held at Cheong Wa Dae Monday, Lee said Japan was not as influential in the international community as it used to be.

His playing hardball on Japan with unusually strong rhetoric continued the next day.

In a meeting with teachers on school bullying held at Korea National University of Education Tuesday, Lee said he had never made a state visit to Japan.

“I will take the possible offer to make a state visit to Japan, if given an opportunity to speak whatever I want to say in the Diet.”

Lee also called on Japanese Emperor Akihito to offer a sincere apology for independence fighters who lost their lives or were victimized when Japan cracked down on them during the colonial period.

“If Akihito is prepared to do this, he will be welcomed,” he said.

If he is going to deliver a message of regret with such diplomatic rhetoric as condolences, Lee said, he would say “no thanks” to his visit.