Busan: Yoshiko Ishiba, the wife of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, sent a message wishing a speedy recovery to first lady Kim Hea Kyung after she was diagnosed with an ear disease, the presidential office said Tuesday. Kim was unable to accompany President Lee Jae Myung to his summit with Ishiba in the southeastern port city of Busan later in the day, following her diagnosis with otolithiasis, a condition that causes dizziness.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim conveyed her absence through the Japanese side and asked for their understanding, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing. "Yoshiko Ishiba delivered a message wishing first lady Kim a speedy recovery," Kang said. The two spouses previously met in Tokyo last month and bonded during a traditional knot-tying.