The reason why South Korea's new foreign minister visited Japan before the US: Reports say it was ”unusual”

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun visited Japan on the 29th and met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cho was appointed by President Lee Jae-myung and became the first foreign minister of the Lee administration this month.
He was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He chose Japan as his first overseas destination after taking office. Regarding this, Japanese and Korean media reported, "It is unusual for a Foreign Minister to visit Japan before the United States after taking office" (JoongAng Ilbo), "It is a rare visit for a Foreign Minister to visit Japan before the United States after taking office" (JoongAng Ilbo),
"By choosing Japan as his first overseas destination since taking office, he has demonstrated his stance of placing importance on Japan," Kyodo News reported. At the start of the first Japan-Korea foreign ministers' meeting between the two, Iwaya said, "The Lee Jae-myung administration's initiative
Since then, close communication has been taking place between the governments of Japan and South Korea. The two countries should work closely together to address a wide range of issues, including those in the Indo-Pacific region."
The administration is thinking about strengthening ties with friendly countries. In the midst of a tough international situation, if we can work out a strategy together through close cooperation and communication with friendly countries, we can overcome the crisis.
The two foreign ministers reportedly agreed to create concrete results on the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea and to aim for a future-oriented relationship.
In addition, according to a report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) by the news agency Yonhap News, the two foreign ministers held a working dinner following the meeting.
The two leaders reportedly exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the development of bilateral relations and regional and international situations. Cho was appointed foreign minister by Lee, who took office as president on the 4th of last month.
After passing a personnel hearing in the National Assembly, he was recently appointed as the first foreign minister of the Lee administration. In South Korea, personnel hearings are a system in which the National Assembly examines the qualifications and abilities of high-ranking public officials. At the hearings, candidates for public office are asked to
The attending lawmakers will review whether the candidate is suitable for the position, and if they are deemed suitable, the confirmation hearing report will be adopted. Cho appeared at the confirmation hearing on the 17th of this month. At the hearing,
Regarding the Sado Island Gold Mine in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, which was registered as a cultural heritage site, a member of parliament in attendance pointed out that Japan has not kept the promises it made at the time of registration.
"I think it's impossible to completely sort out past historical issues," he said, adding, "It's difficult to resolve historical issues all at once. If we reach an agreement too easily, Japan may say later, 'Move the goalposts.'
"Even if we convey our wishes to Japan or make strong demands, I don't think Japan's response will change easily. We need to be patient.
"We should strongly encourage Japan to change little by little by continuing to raise these issues in bilateral and multilateral fora," he said, adding, "We should take wise measures that do not damage our future-oriented public relations."
"We will proceed on that premise," he emphasized. Following the adoption of the confirmation hearing report, Cho was recently appointed as the first foreign minister of the Lee administration. Cho is from Gimje City, North Gimna Province in the southwest.
Born in South Korea. A former member of the diplomatic service, he served as second and first vice minister of foreign affairs from 2017 to 2019 during the Moon Jae-in administration, which was also a progressive leader like Lee. Since 2019, he has served as ambassador to the United Nations.
Cho was involved in negotiations for the Japan-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), among other things. After taking office as foreign minister, Cho chose Japan as his first overseas destination. This marks the first visit of a South Korean foreign minister to a country other than the United States after taking office.
This is an unusual move. The Asahi Shimbun reported that it "shows the importance of Japan-Korea relations." Cho is scheduled to travel from Tokyo to Washington to meet with Secretary of State Rubio on the 31st (US time), but
Prior to Cho's visit to Japan, the Ilbo published an article titled "Why South Korean Foreign Minister Stops in Japan Before Visiting the U.S." The biggest issue between the U.S. and South Korea at present is tariff negotiations, and the U.S. has been in talks with South Korea since August 1st.
The two countries will impose a reciprocal tariff of 25% on imports from the two countries. The Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported, "Following Japan's recent agreement on tariffs with the United States, Minister Cho appears to be seeking advice from Japan on the negotiations."
Prior to his appointment as foreign minister, Cho was asked by reporters about his plans to visit the US, and he said, "Once I take office, I need to break away from the stereotype that I have to visit the US."
According to the Chosun Ilbo, Cho has instructed senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prioritize strategic flexibility and practical benefits when deciding on his first destination.
He said that he was there.