South Korean President Moon Jae-in is expected be excuse himself from the ceremony of enthronement of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito on Oct. 22, sending possibly Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon as his substitute amid ongoing stalemate between the two countries over past and trade issues.

Some has speculated a breakthrough if Moon met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in person on the sidelines of the landmark occasion in Japan.

Japan is scheduled to proclaim Naruhito’s enthronement to the world in Tokyo on Oct. 22 at the presence of about 200 leaders and representatives from different countries and international organizations.

The Blue House scrapped the idea of Moon attending as Tokyo has yet to make a formal proposal for a summit with just 10 days left before the ceremony.

Out of diplomatic civility, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon would be the best candidate to represent the country and seek a momentum to improve the bilateral relationship. Lee has built credentials in Japan during his correspondent gig in Tokyo.

On Oct. 4, Prime Minister Abe demanded Korea’s compliance with interstate promises under international law during a parliamentary meeting in Tokyo but at the same time he mentioned “Korea is an important neighbor” to imply room for dialogue, although the state has kept export curbs intact.

Japan’s NHK network earlier reported that Lee was likely to visit Japan for the ceremony, adding Abe was considering a brief meeting with Lee during his visit. Lee could deliver Moon’s message to Abe during his visit, according to a scenario.

There could be other options, but the government only said it will soon announce an envoy to the ceremony.

By Baek Sang-kyung and Minu Kim

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]