Joint statement by the Republic of Korea and Japan on the successful hostage recovery mission

Leaders of Japan and South Korea gathered to mourn the loss of 11 people in the port of Busan. Yonhap News

The Republic of Korea and Japan have reaffirmed their strong friendship and commitment to regional security through the recent joint operation to recover the Kyushu BEETLE ferry. Noting the strong public support in both countries, the two nations have agreed to deepen the partnership into a full comprehensive alliance, expanding into the economic and sociocultural level.

South Korean police escorting the surviving hijacker. Yonhap News

Acknowledging the tragic deaths of 11 victims (10 Japanese and 1 South Korean), the two governments have agreed to establish a joint fund for the families of the deceased and also erect a monument in Busan and Fukuoka facing each other across the Korea Strait.

A joint naval patrol between the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces and the ROK Navy. Yonhap

Finally, in close communication with Japan, the ROK will promptly move into interrogations of the surviving rogue agent of North Korean nationality. Seoul is committed to preserving the security of its borders, while also maintaining cordial relations with all neighboring countries.

Lee Ye-Joon, K-pop star and former hostage of the Kyushu BEETLE, performing at a military concert in Jinhae. Yonhap News