청와대 "일본 백색국가 배제 조치 강한 유감,... 역사 바꿔쓰는 건 일본"
Seoul expressed deep regret over Japan's removal of South Korea from its whitelist.
The presidential office stressed while it's still possible to mend bilateral ties,... the ball is now in Tokyo's court.
Shin Se-min has more from Cheongwadae.
South Korea "deeply regrets" Japan taking away its fast-track export status.
Presidential Deputy National Security Advisor Kim Hyun-chong, standing before the press, called out Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by name and pointed out that it was Japan that decided to link security with trade controls.
"Prime Minister Abe commented twice that Korea cannot be trusted, and he is treating us like an adversary. We want to point out once again that it was Japan that actually linked security issues with export restrictions in the first place."
He was referring to GSOMIA, a military-information sharing agreement... that South Korea decided last week to withdraw from in view of Japan's claim that Seoul can't be trusted.
And he responded to Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono's remarks Tuesday that "rewriting history is impossible."
"In fact, it is actually Japan who is trying to rewrite history."
But he left the door open,... saying it's now up to Tokyo to take actions that reverse the sharp deterioration of ties.
And he echoed remarks from the South Korean Prime Minister a day ago, that Seoul could reconsider quitting GSOMIA if Japan takes back its measures,... saying the ball is now in Japan's court.
There have been concerns that not renewing GSOMIA could create a rift with the U.S.
Addressing those, a Blue House official said its remarks that Washington "understands" does not mean Washington agrees with Seoul's decision, but that it recognizes the situation Seoul is in.
The official noted that soon after the end of GSOMIA was announced,... Seoul's national security chief Chung Eui-yong exchanged views with his American counterpart John Bolton on ways to further enhance trilateral cooperation with Japan.
"The presidential office called the U.S. alliance a 'great tree with deep roots stretching back 66 years,...' Its view unchanged that the alliance stands strong and that it will not be shaken by the issue of GSOMIA.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News. "
