Government`s recall of Korean ambassador to Japan

The Korean government changed its policy Monday to take a hardline stance on the question of Japan`s distortion of history in a newly written middle school textbook. The government`s temporary recall of Korean ambassador to Japan Choi Sang-Yong means that it has changed its cautious diplomatic approach to the issue. It is believed that the government decided to adopt the new tack in the face of strong protests from the public and the political parties about its seemingly lukewarm attitude.

Some government officials pointed out that the government retreated from its basic position to maintain the framework of Korea-Japan relations due to the domestic political burden.

Foreign Minister Han Seung-Soo ordered high-ranking ministry officials in a meeting to thoroughly prepare for projected questions in the National Assembly about the textbook issue. Officials said that it originally intended to explain the cautious attitude of the government on the matter.

However, the government stance changed abruptly and the temporary recall of Amb. Choi was promptly made. ``Cheong Wa Dae abruptly changed to a tough position Monday morning, apparently because it couldn`t stand up to the criticism from the general public,`` said a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Previously, Cheong Wa Dae had remained calm on the textbook issue, simply saying that the Foreign Ministry would properly handle it. Amid mounting criticism, however, the government changed itsposition when a flurry of censure was expected in the National Assembly.

Until recently, the government was reluctant to take tough measures, which include opposition to Japan`s membership on the U.N. Security Council, suspension of the further opening to Japanese culture, a change in the way Korea addresses Japan`s emperor and the recall of the Korean ambassador to Japan. The reason: Seoul could lose something big by pursuing what was seen as a trivial matter. As for the temporary recall of Amb. Choi, government officials said that it wouldn`t be more than a short-term matter.

The recall means that the ambassador won`t return unless the diplomatic issue is settled. When the government takes such a measure, it is even toying with the idea of severing diplomatic ties, since there isn`t likely to be any concession on sensitive diplomatic issues.

Whenever there is a serious problem in relations between Korea and Japan, the government recalls the Korean ambassador to Japan on a temporary basis, thus obtaining the desired result.

The temporary recall of Amb. Choi is the third of its kind. It demonstrates that Korea is unsatisfied diplomatically with Japan. Once the matter is discussed in due course, however, the ambassador is required to return to the country regardless of the relevant country`s action.

Boo Hyung-Kwon bookum90@donga.com