Japanese Foreign Minister "hope for quick stability in South Korea's political situation"

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said he hoped the political situation in South Korea would stabilize as soon as possible, a day before the second round of impeachment votes by the South Korean National Assembly against President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Asked about the situation in Korea at a regular briefing, Foreign Minister Iwaya said, "I understand that the impeachment bill is scheduled for the 14th, and frankly, I think it is difficult to predict how it will unfold."

"I would like to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of other countries," he said. "The Japanese government would like to continue to pay close attention to the situation in Korea."

Foreign Minister Iwaya said, "It remains unchanged that South Korea is an important neighbor to pursue several tasks together," adding, "We reaffirmed that we will secure close cooperation between South Korea and Japan, and between South Korea and the U.S. and Japan."