[Japan]: Message to Korea

[Owen]

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Encrypted and Classified​

Konnichiwa Daejung-san, I was hoping to come into contact with your government. Second to Russia, you are our closest neighbours. We have many things to discuss and we want a fruitful relationship with Korea. I was hoping I could make a state visit to Seoul to demonstrate to the world that we are partners and not enemies. There are many areas that we can cooperate in. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

Jay

 

[Jay]

To: Junichiro Koizumi < Owen > CC: NamGwanpyo@mofa.kr.gov, KangKyunghwa@mofa.kr.gov, KimMinseo@mofa.kr.gov,

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: [Urgent] [Official Visit] Japan

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Dear Prime Minister Koizumi,

Thank you for your message Prime Minister Koizumi. We must apologize, however, President Kim is expected to travel on a state visit to Latin America sometime this week alongside a number of government officials. We are hopeful to see a Japan that puts aside its imperial past and warlike mentality and picks up the pen and paper and works with its neighbors in dialogue and partnership. President Kim is more than happy to host you after his visit to Argentina. Alternatively, our Prime Minister can visit Tokyo for these talks.

The Republic of Korea hopes that we can see a fruitful relationship where Japan recognizes and atones for its crimes against the Korean people, and one where we look forward to help humanity, not backwards to return to an era of the past. We look forward to hearing back from you as soon as possible. Please let us know what is an appropriate meeting venue for you.

Signed,
Foreign Minister Baek
Republic of Korea

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Owen]

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Encrypted and Classified​

Konnichiwa Baek-san, I was hoping if I could meet the Prime Minister in Seoul? Sincerely, Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

Jay

 

[Jay]

To: Junichiro Koizumi < Owen > CC: NamGwanpyo@mofa.kr.gov, KangKyunghwa@mofa.kr.gov, KimMinseo@mofa.kr.gov,

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: [Urgent] [Official Visit] Japan

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Dear Prime Minister Koizumi,

With regards to the meeting to take place between our governments, there have been a handful of internal deliberations. The Government of the Republic of Korea holds a number of reservations over extending an invitation, or sending a high-ranking government official, to Japan in its current state. As the current Japanese government attempts to emulate its imperial past, these actions have come at immense emotional and physiological pain to the victims of Japan’s acts of aggression and crimes against humanity. Neither would we feel it appropriate to host a high-level in-person meeting to be hosted until a framework of relations and cooperation is developed.

While our government seeks to engage with Japan as equal partners in East Asia and develop a health partnership, this can not be done at the current reversion of Japanese society in-line with its colonial past. We would like this relationship to be built on firm grounds, within the basic framework of bilateral relations, development, and as friendly neighbors. Atoning with the past as stated in earlier emails is apart of this process. We would like to have an agenda of items to be discussed. As well as an understanding of your governments current plans for East Asia. As well as what your government is doing with the 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea, the 1993 Kono statement, and other agreements made by previous Japanese politicians. Before any formal invitation can be extended, we would like to have these avenues of relations be addressed first.

Signed,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Baek Jeonghee
Republic of Korea

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Owen]

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Encrypted and Classified​

Konnichiwa Baek-san, We can discuss many of these issues in a meeting. We are offering our hand out for discussions and it is yours which is retreating. Rest assured, Korea does not need to see Japan as a threat. We have more common adversies in the region to be fighting one another. Putting Dokdo/Takeshima aside, we can have a prosperous relationship and be the envy of Asia. But if you are not willing to come to the table you are only hurting Korea's position and in turn, alienating us further where we might decide to take more drastic action on the Dokdo/Takeshima dispute. I'm sure both parties do not want to see that happen so we are extending our hand out, will you take it? We stand by all current agreements made by previous governments. Sincerely, Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

Jay

 

[Jay]

To: Junichiro Koizumi < Owen > CC: NamGwanpyo@mofa.kr.gov, KangKyunghwa@mofa.kr.gov, KimMinseo@mofa.kr.gov, ParkMinyoung@ChongriGonggwan.gov

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: [Urgent] [Official Visit] Japan

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Dear Prime Minister Koizumi,

Thank you for the clarification with regards to the agreements made by previous governments of the State of Japan. The Republic of Korea does not see Dokdo as an item of discussion or of relevance. Based on this, we hope your vision of a prosperous relationship, is achieved on the basis of previously stated items. Furthermore, I hope you could clarify common adversaries, as well as, prepare a form of an agenda so we can brief and prepare the prime minister.

We would like the technical agreements to be made prior to the official meeting. If required, based on the agreement on the agenda and items of discussion, I can confirm that the Prime Minister would be willing to host you and your delegation for a meeting in Busan between the Prime Minister and yourself as well as a delegation of ministers and aides as deemed appropriate. We would like to set the agenda of items to include addressing wartime crimes, comfort women, compensation for victims of Japanese crimes, a formal apology, trade and security relations including airspace coordination, trade and fishery regulations.

While the door for dialogue has never been closed by the Republic of Korea, we hope it is equally understood that that dialogue must be done in good faith and willingness by all parties. If Japan is genuine about hosting a meeting that results in actions, genuine remorse and compensation, actionable frameworks and agreements, and long-term cooperation, there should be no party that should attempt obstruct that process. I look forward to your response so we can arrange the technical aspects and arrange the agreement. Moving forward, Park Minyoung, the Chief Secretary for Prime Minister Jo will be able to coordinate with your office the technical aspects of the meeting.

Signed
Minister of Foreign Affairs Baek Jeonghee
Republic of Korea

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Owen]

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Encrypted and Classified​

Konnichiwa Baek-san, I'm sorry but you cannot go into this meeting with a list of demands for the agenda including "wartime crimes, comfort women, compensation for victims of Japanese crimes, a formal apology" There seems to be a running theme here and it seems you may only want this meeting to flesh out your grievances and not look at moving forward. Previous governments have addressed these issues and we do not need to see continuous addressing which will take up valuable time in actually moving forward and seeing a more prosperous relationship. We will be going into this meeting looking at key areas of COOPERATION, including trade, security, issues surrounding Russia and North Korea, areas where we can strengthen the people-to-people connections including discussions about a Korea-Japan railway tunnel. We are keen on looking into the future, whereas you seem more concerned about looking into the past. Sincerely, Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

Jay

 

[Jay]

To: Junichiro Koizumi < Owen > CC: NamGwanpyo@mofa.kr.gov, KangKyunghwa@mofa.kr.gov, KimMinseo@mofa.kr.gov,

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: [Urgent] [Official Visit] Japan

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Dear Prime Minister Koizumi,

While they may seem as being concerned with the past or fleshing our grievances, these are in reality the way the Korean people will move forward and heal. The crimes committed against our parents and grandparents are not the past, they are the continual present. We can not move forward to build a truly well built relationship iif we ignore the pain lingering. More than ever, it is important your government now clarifies these actions and sets the record clear. While we can move the discussion of compensation to a later issue, we can not enter any discussions with your government unless there is a clear statement issued on the issues of wartime crimes, comfort women, and a issuing of an apology. By invoking the imperial mantra of the Imperial era of Japan, your government needs to be able to set the tone of our relationship with a formal discussion and agreement.

You may see it as lingering, but we do not. You may also disagree, however, when we look towards the future, we are not looking at short-term relations but a long-term relationship. We firmly believe that . Our government is eager to discuss these avenues of cooperation including trade, tourism and transportation links, and other items, however, the foundation for this cooperation is a mutual reconciliation on our shared past. We can not separate this from the foundation of our bilateral relations. The door for dialogue is always open, and we will always be happy to discuss at different levels important aspects of our bilateral relationship. However, for the prosperous and long-lasting friendship and relationship that you aspire, we must make sure the ground is firm and able to weather any storm.

We are still willing to move the aspects of compensation to a latter date, and an agreement on the language of a formal apology to be discussed during a State Visit by President Kim to Japan also at a later date. However, the framework agreements must address the issues of wartime crimes & comfort women and in turn allow a fruitful partnership. This framework agreement would provide the basis for expanding cooperation and allow us to build up with future meetings and agreements.

Signed,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Baek Jeonghee
Republic of Korea

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Owen]

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Encrypted and Classified​

Konnichiwa Baek-san, I'm sorry but you cannot enter into these discussions starting off with demanding apologies. They will come from fruitful discussions but you cannot demand them off the bat. You are only hurting Korea here by grandstanding when we are being low-key about this and reaching out to cooperate. Your government did not contact us, we contacted you. Had we not contacted you, I do not think your Government would've been concerned about this relationship. When the rest of the world watches they will see Korea being on the wrong side of history here, deliberately trying to alienate itself from its closest neighbours. Sincerely, Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.

Jay

 

[Jay]

To: Junichiro Koizumi < Owen > CC: NamGwanpyo@mofa.kr.gov, KangKyunghwa@mofa.kr.gov, KimMinseo@cheongwadae.gov,

From: BaekJeonghee@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: [Urgent] [Official Visit] Japan

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Dear Prime Minister Koizumi,

Your attempts to frame this narrative is both counter productive and wrong. Neither have we demanded an apology a pre-condition for the discussion, or have we alienated your government. While we have been willing to move discussions and aspects of the discuss to a later date, you have been unwilling to compromise at all. We have also kept the avenue of discussion beyond this always open. This is the truth of the record, and while the world watches, that is for the world to decipher from. Your unwillingness to come to terms with your imperial past and willingness but embracing it as the official ideology of your state will speak to this truth. Make no mistake Prime Minister Koizumi, you are not dealing with the Korea that your Empire took advantage of, coerced, robbed, and pillaged. If this is your impression of the bilateral relationship, I hope that you have reassessed your impressions. When your government is willing to create an agenda of discussion that is comprehensive and considerate to both parties, then we will be willing to host you in the Republic of Korea. Until that time, the doors of discussion and cooperation as stated before, will remain open. Our proximity of neighbors and history means we can not ignore the concerns we both have. I hope that your government will recognize this and work towards a long-lasting partnership.

Signed,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Baek Jeonghee
Republic of Korea

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Owen]

The Prime Minister had had it with the South Koreans not cooperating on getting a simple meeting. The Government would have a temporary chartered Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 in Japan national colours livery and the Prime Minister would board. He would have his advisors and Tokyo Metropolitan Police security detail with him. They would fly out of Tokyo-Haneda bound for Seoul-Gimpo International Airport.

It wouldn't take long to get to Seoul, it was a short flight. The aircraft would contact Air Traffic Control at Gimpo.

"Gimpo this is Japanese Air Force One, requesting approach into Gimpo, 30 miles southeast."

Jay

 

[Jay]

ROK Air Force Radar Station, Incheon​

It was simply another day at Air Traffic Control in Seoul Gimpo international airport. Recent flight increases to the United Kingdom and Germany had left the airport very busy. Managing the growing demand and the limited facilities of Gimpo required willpower but also a tad bit of cunningness to survive the office politics of the airport. Still, the air traffic controllers had a relatively comfortable job, minus walking up the stairs after the elevator broke. At the top, the controllers would man their radar stations and monitor air traffic, a number of increased aircrafts from Japan had begun to grow over the past couple of weeks. As Air Traffic Controller Kim Jiyeon manned his station, he would see an unscheduled aircraft moving closer and closer. He would open a list of Japanese aircrafts scheduled to arrive...no JAF1. He would alert his superior of this who checked with other desks before calling the Japanese Airlines team at Gimpo asking what was going on. Even JAL staff would be confused and had no information. Mr. Hwan Minkyu would pick up the special telephone to contact the ROK Airbase Commander at Incheon Airbase and inform him of the development.

Seoul Gimpo Air Traffic Control would alert The ROKAF of an unscheduled and suspicious aircraft approaching ROK Air Space from the southeast without authorization. Confirming it was a registered aircraft, and displaying its code of JAF1, the Seoul ATC would signal an alert status to two of the F-16s of an emergency situation at Incheon Airbase. Alarms would wail across the airbase as the watchman quickly hit the button on his superior's orders. South Korean fighter pilots sitting on their couch in their barracks in the Airbase would quickly drop their meal on the couch as the alarms wailed of an in-air intrusion. On the tarmac, the aircraft engineers and technicians would quickly check the F-16 ensuring its weapons and fuel were secure and topped up. On the staircase, meanwhile the pilots rushed to change into their flight uniforms and get into their cockpits. The Pilots would begin taxing onto the airfield and push afterburners as they sped up and set a course towards intercepting the aircraft.

Seoul Gimpo Air Traffic Control: "Unidentified Japanese aircraft, you are approaching the airspace of the Republic of Korea on an unauthorized and unscheduled flight plan. Please identify yourself, destination, and purpose. Be advised, you are not granted permission to enter Korean airspace. State and identify yourself and destination."

Japanese Pilots: "Gimpo this is Japanese Air Force One, requesting approach into Gimpo, 30 miles southeast."

Seoul Gimpo Air Traffic Control: "Be advised Japanese Air Force One, you are not permitted to land in the Republic of Korea and do not have authorization to enter Korean airspace. Please maintain current path and altitude." Making sure other aircrafts in the air would also be alerted of the JAF1 location to avoid any in-air incidents or confusions. Meanwhile, the staff at Gimpo would prepare for an emergency landing if the aircraft would require it, while also frantically calling the Foreign Ministry in confusion.

Over international airspace at a safe distance from the Japanese aircraft​

The ROKAF F-16s would be given updates from their master controller who were coordinating with the Incheon ATC, given updates, the aircraft was possibly a Japanese governmental aircraft. Without clearance however, the F-16s were instructed to intercept and monitor first before doing anything. The F-16s would reach the aircraft, the two F-16s would fly behind the aircraft while the Seoul Gimpo ATC would contact the aircraft. Flying at a safe distance behind the aircraft and not directly obstructing it, the Japanese aircraft would still not be permitted to enter Korean airspace. Still, they were given orders to monitor the aircraft and not intercept at this stage. Reporting on the physical exterior of the aircraft and confirming it with the data received by the ATC.

Meanwhile at the Blue House where the Chief Secretary was conducting a morning briefing session with other secretaries and advisors would be interrupted when the Presidential Security Service and Director Moon walked in. Informing him of what was happening, the Chief Secretary would abruptly end his meeting and rush to the presidential emergency operational center. The Air watchman would inform him of the aircrafts location and it was true that the Japanese Prime Minister was on board...The Chief Secretary would be the point of contact as he was filled in by the ATC and F-16 Pilot, Liet. Kim Shiwon. Being updated, he would be listening to the ATC and waiting to hear the Japanese response.

Owen

 

[Owen]

The aircraft would respond back to Gimpo. "Roger that Gimpo, will maintain course to exit Korean airspace." It would continue its path across the southern part of Gyeonggi Province. The aircraft would head out towards the East China Sea, making sure not to go over North Korean airspace which could have drastic consequences. Upon out of Korean airspace over the East China Sea it would make a sharp turn south, towards Jeju before turning again between Jeju and the Peninsula, heading to Fukuoka as it needed refuelling.

Once refuelled it would head back to Tokyo-Haneda to deliver the Prime Minister back to the capital.

Jay

 

[Jay]

To: Embassy of Japan Owen

From: ChaeSongha@mofa.kr.gov

Subject: [Urgent] Request to visit Foreign Ministry

Security: Private and encrypted Protected by the NIS and MoFA DPB

Dear Ambassador Shintaro Yamashita

The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs requests that you attend a meeting at the Foreign Ministry to discuss the incident that occurred yesterday. This meeting shall take place in the afternoon at 3:00 pm at the Foreign Ministry and you are requested to bring any necessary staff to carry out the meeting. Please make the necessary arrangements to provide accurate information and be prepared to discuss a range of issues.

Signed,
Chae Songha
2nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Korea

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Republic of Korea
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
All information is protected from release by the Diplomatic Communications Security Act 1997
Authorized viewing is limited to those directly emailed, cc'd, and bcc'd​

 

[Owen]

The Ambassador would leave his residence and head to the Foreign Ministry building in Seoul. He would travel in a private car. Upon arrival he would let the reception know who he was. He would have two Embassy staff members with him who would have briefings for the Ambassador.

"Konnichiwa." He would say to the receptionist.

Jay

 

[Jay]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seoul, Republic of Korea​

At the Foreign Ministry, the front desk would be given a list of expected guests, items of importance, and daily tasks to be completed. The front desk would spend most of their early shift making sure everything was clean and tidy and the air clean and moderately cooled. The day would progress slowly as the front desk and offices were busy. Across the top portion of the building different legal and regional teams were going over treaties, agreements, negotiations, diplomatic relations, and other documents. The Asia Bureau would be briefing the Vice Minister on Japan and its current political policies, the incidents, and the email exchanges between the Foreign Minister and Japanese. After finishing the briefing the Vice Minister had a couple of minutes to spare, relaxing in her office as she took out a box of macaroons and snacked on them as she waited for the meeting to begin. Reading up on emails from the Polish Ambassador and updating the database on diplomatic standings and agreements waiting to be signed before her secretary walked in and let her know it was time. Adjusting her skirt and blouse and slipping on her heels as she got up and with her team of advisors and translator would get on the elevator to head to the conference room.

At the front gate, the Korean Police Officer would take the Ambassadors name and confirm it on the list of visitors for that day. Handing his aides three badges to be used to enter the building, they would be allowed to park inside the foreign ministry parking lot where they would then be escorted to the front desk. There the receptionist would confirm the Ambassador and welcome him. Leading the Ambassador and his staff to the elevator and going in with them to the conference room where the Vice Minister and her team were waiting. One of the Korean staffers would open the door for the Ambassador as he sat across the Korean Vice Minister, sitting closer to the door as the Korean Vice Minister sat on the side in front of the window.

"Thank you for taking the time Ambassador Yamashita, can we offer you and tea or water perhaps for yourself and your staff? The Vice Minister said as she opened a binder containing what looked to be handwritten notes, and some printed out items. Looking up at the Ambassador awaiting his response.

Owen

 

[Owen]

The Ambassador would bow to the Vice Minister, as was custom in Japanese/Asian cultures. He would then shake her hand.

"No that is perfectly okay, I am fine." He would take his seat, waiting for the Vice Minister to begin.

Jay

 

[Jay]

The Vice Minister would stand up as the Ambassador walked in, reciprocating a respectful bow after the Ambassador had bowed before extending her hand which the Ambassador took as they shook hands. While shaking she would initiate the conversation "Thank you for taking the time Ambassador Yamashita, can we offer you and tea or water perhaps for yourself and your staff? The Vice Minister said before motioning for the Ambassador to take a seat as she opened a binder containing what looked to be handwritten notes, and some printed out items. Looking up at the Ambassador and listening to him before nodding.

"Very well. Ambassador, please allow me to begin with expressing my governments disapproval of the inappropriate behavior of the Honorable Prime Minister when he attempted to force his way into Seoul unannounced. I hope you can convey to your government our disapproval and dissatisfaction in the incident that occurred yesterday. Her Excellency the Foreign Minister reiterates the basis for an official visit to occur when an agreement on the basic framework of an agenda of discussion is made. This of course shall be on the basis of a mutually agreed and negotiated agenda of items and developed to ensure a strong framework for bilateral relations to grow from. At the same time, His Excellency the President hopes the Prime Minister's health and wellbeing are well and that the incident had no personal affect on him. I hope our governments position on the incident that occurred yesterday is clear. His Excellency appreciates the cooperation of the Japanese Government in following the orders of the air traffic control and hopes this is also conveyed to the Prime Minister." The Vice Minister would finish her statements and turn her binder to an empty page as she picked up a pen and listened to the Ambassadors response and statements.

Owen

 

[Owen]

"It was quite an unfortunate incident. However the aircraft was taking the Prime Minister on a trip to ....." He would pause to think for a bit. "Kazakhstan, on an official trip to Astana to meet with their President. The aircraft had onboard, several Japanese diplomats who were being transported to the Embassy here in Seoul. You know, kill two birds with one stone? That is why the aircraft tried to land, to deliver those diplomats, before continuing onwards to Astana. Unfortunately, seeing as Korea did not want to cooperate with meeting the Prime Minister he decided to visit other more important nations instead, notably Kazakhstan. Of course they would follow the orders of the ATC, they do not wish any harm as they are Japan Airlines pilots. However the aircraft did not continue to Kazakhstan, instead returning to Japan because it was clear it is just too dangerous to fly the Prime Minister anywhere until the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service get their own VIP planes which are modified and equipped."

The Ambassador would sit there and smile.

Jay

 

[Jay]

The Vice Minister would be listening to the Ambassador before scoffing mentally...these are the tricks they pull then. "That is unfortunate to hear, I am certain that the President of Kazakistan will be disappointed...However...if this was the case...she would open a separate page on her binder. "Why didn't the Japanese Foreign Ministry make the necessary procedures in requesting diplomatic visas, approving them, and agreeing on the exchange through the proper channels at the Ministry and why was the Japanese Aircraft carrying the Prime Minister unwilling to state this when...reading directly from the binder. Nonetheless, I believe that the Foreign Ministry was clear that the door of dialogue was open and while an official visit is not possible, bilateral relations can be conducted by other representatives...Seeing as you had these diplomats ready, could you please give me their names and information to review for approval by our protocols agency? As you said, there were several of them. I assume you would be aware of your staff changes...if you would be kind enough to share their information, we can expedite this process to get these hardworking staffers to their post. Additionally, when the Japanese Prime Minister deems fit to follow international protocols, once your government submits necessary flight paths, as in line with the GA resolution on international diplomacy, we shall do our part to ensure the smooth travel of the Prime Minister. I know he must not want to keep other nations such as Kazakistan...waiting." The Vice Minister would have a glass cup and water placed in front of the delegations in the event any one would need a drink, with a tray of pastries and tea set near the Japanese side.

Owen