Main opposition party leader Sohn Hak-kyu says the ratification of the free trade agreement with the U.S. and further talks on signing an FTA with Japan are unlikely.

While visiting Tokyo, the chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) spoke with South Korean journalists stationed there.

Sohn said conditions must be fostered to induce public consent on the Korea-U.S free trade deal. He said he cannot agree to negotiations where the balance of interests has been lost. He also called for renegotiations with Washington.

Sohn also expressed his negative assessment on pursuing an FTA with Japan. He pointed out the bilateral trade partnership is lopsided in favor of Japan and the island nation refuses to make concessions in areas of agriculture and nontariff barriers.

He said he cannot accept FTAs that do not benefit Korea, adding that negotiations can be held if Japan makes concessions and allow conditions conducive to trade negotiations