South Korean President Moon Jae-in (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
At an emergency Cabinet meeting, Moon described Tokyo's move to expand export restrictions as a "grave challenge" to bilateral relations and a "selfish" act that will heavily damage the global economy.
He said that Japan has flatly ignored efforts by South Korea and the international community to resolve the issue diplomatically.
Moon said Tokyo should take responsibility for worsening the situation. In response to Japan's "unjust economic retaliation," he added, the South Korean government will resolutely undertake "corresponding" measures moving forward.