President Lee: “The Hallyu Ban Will Be Resolved... Requested China to Act as a Mediator for Peace”

(The Financial News Seoul/Beijing, China = Choi Jong-geun, Sung Seok-woo)On the last day of his four-day state visit to China, President Lee Jae-myung held a press conference in Shanghai and shared his thoughts on the summit with President Xi Jinping. The press conference was an unscheduled, surprise event initiated at President Lee’s suggestion. During the session, President Lee stated that the ban on Korean Wave (Hallyu Ban) would be resolved in an orderly and gradual manner. He also explained that he had requested China to play a mediating role on issues concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear program and the Korean Peninsula. Regarding the Yellow Sea structures, President Lee mentioned that China would remove some of the installations.
At the luncheon in Shanghai, President Lee remarked, “This visit to China seems to have achieved more progress than expected.” He added that although the Chinese government has consistently denied the existence of the Hallyu Ban, there was a notable difference in their expression this time.
President Lee quoted President Xi Jinping from the summit, saying, “Just as three feet of ice does not form overnight, it will not melt all at once. Fruit falls when it ripens.” He commented, “That seems to be the most accurate way to describe the situation. If things change suddenly, it would contradict their previous statements that the ban does not exist. I believe it is important for both sides to understand this perspective.”
He further emphasized, “Within the possible scope, the issue will be resolved gradually and in an orderly, beneficial, and healthy manner, as they put it. I believe this is not just a sign but a clear expression of intent.”
President Lee specifically explained that he had asked President Xi to act as a mediator regarding the DPRK nuclear issue and matters concerning the Korean Peninsula. During their summit on the 5th, President Lee told Xi, “All communication channels with the DPRK are blocked. Not only is there zero trust, but only hostility remains. Despite our efforts, communication is completely cut off, so it would be helpful if China could serve as a mediator for peace.”
He added, “It is only natural that China also shares the view that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are of great importance to them. For the Republic of Korea, it is clearly a matter of national survival and a key agenda affecting growth and development.”
According to President Lee, President Xi responded by saying, “Your efforts so far are appreciated, and patience is needed.” Some analysts interpret President Lee’s request for a more active role from Xi as being mindful of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to China in April.
President Lee also stated that working-level consultations with China would take place regarding the Yellow Sea structures. He addressed concerns about the Yellow Sea, saying, “Some claim that we have ceded the Yellow Sea, but we have agreed to discuss practical matters, such as drawing a clear boundary, between the authorities of both countries.”
He explained, “Each side has its own exclusive economic zone in the Yellow Sea, with a jointly managed area in the middle. The structures in question are located near the Chinese boundary of the joint area, not on our side. There are reportedly two fish farms and additional management facilities. China has agreed to withdraw the management facilities, so they are likely to be relocated.”
Regarding tensions between China and Japan, President Lee stated, “When the time and circumstances are right, we will look for ways to play a role. For now, we are closely monitoring the situation and carefully assessing what challenges we may face. I hope for a positive resolution.”
The press conference in Shanghai on the last day of the state visit to China was an unscheduled surprise event. It is said that President Lee’s strong commitment to communication led to the event being arranged.
During the session, President Lee answered questions from reporters about the achievements and impressions of his visit, as well as details of his summit with President Xi. The live broadcast, initially scheduled for 45 minutes, was extended by 20 minutes at President Lee’s suggestion, lasting about 65 minutes.
The luncheon, like previous cabinet meetings or briefings, was broadcast in its entirety. After the conference, President Lee dined with reporters for about an hour, discussing key state affairs.

cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun, Sung Seok-woo Reporter