Japan Boycott Movement… Experts Warn "Could Hurt Korean Companies Linked to Japanese Firms"

[News S = Reporter Kim A-hyun] In response to Japan's retaliatory export restrictions, domestic internet users have begun countering with a 'Japan boycott movement.'

Primarily online, a 'Japan product boycott campaign' targeting around 90 Japanese companies in electronics, automobiles, clothing, games, and other sectors is gaining enthusiastic support.

Many internet users are also calling for people not to travel to Japan. In fact, online communities are seeing successive posts from people who have canceled planned trips to Japan.

However, experts point out that internet users' Japan boycott movement could further deteriorate emotions between Korea and Japan and could also hurt Korean companies associated with Japanese firms.

Professor Huh Yoon of Sogang University's Graduate School of International Studies told the Dong-A Ilbo, "If a boycott is conducted against Japanese products, Korean companies and employees involved in the manufacturing and distribution of those products will also suffer damage. Rather than approaching this from an emotional perspective, we should find solutions aimed at maximizing national interests."

Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan expressed concern on the 4th regarding Japan's export restrictions, saying "It feels like this is not the end, but just the beginning."

Lee made these remarks at a plenary meeting of lawmakers held at the National Assembly that morning, adding, "There are also reports that this was due to the House of Councillors election, but it seems that's not the only reason. I believe there are complex ulterior motives at play. I hope we can all recognize that this is a beginning, not an end," calling for urgent countermeasures.