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Kim Hyun-chong

Kim Hyun-chong, second deputy chief of the Blue House National Security Office, said after a recent visit to the US that Washington “expressed ample support for our position” on Japanese export controls, adding that he “believe[s] the US will play the necessary role as needed.”

Kim also said he “did not request the US’ direct meditation” in the conflict between South Korea and Japan.

“I feel that the US effectively gave its answer in a briefing yesterday when a State Department spokesperson said they would make ‘every effort to strengthen the trilateral relationship among South Korea, the US, and Japan,’” he added.

Meeting with reporters at the Incheon International Airport arrival hall on July 14 after a four-day visit to Washington, DC, Kim said, “We explained in detail about the unfairness of Japan’s measures, and the Americans unanimously supported our position.”

Kim explained that he had “met this time with a range of White House figures, Senators, and Representatives.”

“All of them voiced concerns about the effects that Japan’s measures would have on security cooperation in North Korea, and I feel personally satisfied [with the outcome of the US visit],” he continued.

“They were particularly concerned about South Korea-US-Japan cooperation being undermined and the potential blow to American businesses as the effects extend to semiconductors, displays, and the global supply system, and they very much understand our position,” he added.

“One thing I would like to add is that while there is a tendency to view South Korea-US relations solely through the frame of the North Korean nuclear issue, our two sides are cooperating closely not just on the North Korean nuclear issue, but on a range of issues concerning the stability of peace in the region and the international community,” Kim also said.

In addition to South Korea-Japan relations, Kim exchanged views with the US on a broad range of topics including the North Korean nuclear issue, US-China relations, and the situation in the Middle East during his US visit, he said.

By Lee Wan, staff reporter

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