▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with ethnic Koreans at a hotel in Nara, Japan, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Yonhap)

Lee-ethnic Koreans-Japan

Lee holds meeting with ethnic Koreans in Japan

By Kim Eun-jung

NARA, Japan, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung held a meeting with ethnic Koreans in Japan on Wednesday as part of his two-day visit aimed at seeking deeper relations with Tokyo.

During the meeting, Lee expressed gratitude to ethnic Koreans for their support at a time when South Korea was in political turmoil following a failed martial law bid by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

"During the illegal martial law crisis, you joined in lighting countless beacons to protect the Republic of Korea's democracy," he said, referring to South Korea's official name, at the meeting with Korean communities in Japan's Kansai region.

"I offer my deepest respect and gratitude for your hard work and dedication," Lee said.

Lee also issued his apology to ethnic Koreans who were falsely accused in past espionage cases.

"There were instances in which Koreans living in Japan were falsely accused and framed as spies. We must never forget that painful history," he said. "I once again offer my apologies and words of comfort to all those who suffered and to the bereaved families who were hurt by our country's tragic past."

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