문 대통령, 일본 조치 "깊은 유감",.. "일본에게 다시는 안 진다, 단호한 상응조치"

President Moon Jae-in sternly responded to the latest trade measure by Tokyo.
He expressed deep regret over Japan's actions and warned the South Korean government will take corresponding measures.
Shin Se-min shares with us his remarks.
President Moon Jae-in took his criticism against Japan to a new level in a message during an emergency Cabinet meeting on Friday that was beamed live for the first time.

Describing Japan's decision to drop Korea from its whitelist of trusted importers as a "grave challenge" to the two nations' relations, and a "selfish" move that will damage global economy,... the president sent out a warning to Japan.
"The Korean Government will resolutely take corresponding measures in response to Japan's unjustifiable economic retaliatory measures. I unequivocally warn that the Japanese Government will be entirely held accountable for what will unfold going forward."
The top office revealed that Japan rejected various efforts to resolve the trade spat diplomatically, including the U.S.' proposal of a "standstill agreement" between Seoul and Tokyo.
President Moon however imparted a sense of confidence to the people of Korea saying that his administration has its own methods to counter Japan's attempt to damage the economy.
"We will never again lose to Japan. If we take the current challenges as an opportunity to make a new economic leap forward, we can triumph over Japan. Our economy can surpass Japan's."
The top office said it will set up a task force to work on countermeasures against Japan's unilateral trade curbs and help minimize the impact on Korean companies.
And as for part of South Korea's "comprehensive countermeasures" the presidential office confirmed that it will review whether to keep exchanging military information with Japan through the bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA.
"The government will take comprehensive response measures, such as reviewing whether it's right to continue sharing sensitive military information with a country that claims to have trust and security-related issues with us."
The pact is a key element for the tripartite Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation, and it awaits for its annual renewal on August 24.
The top office also reiterated that despite Japan's unjust moves, Korea is still keeping the option of resolving the matter diplomatically,... and called on Japan to return to the negotiation table.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News.