South Korean PM says relations with Japan ‘very important’

• South Korean PM Kim Min-seok emphasized future cooperation with Japan at the Korea-Japan Forum.

• President Lee’s upcoming visit to Tokyo aims to strengthen ties with Japan and the U.S. Historical tensions, like wartime issues, still challenge South Korea-Japan relations.

• Japan’s PM Ishiba expressed “remorse” for wartime actions, but omitted terms like “invasion.”.

• President Lee’s diplomatic tour seeks pragmatic cooperation, addressing both history and future.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok recently highlighted the significance of the relationship between South Korea and Japan, emphasizing the potential for mutual cooperation. This statement was made during a meeting with Japanese delegates in Seoul for the Korea-Japan Forum, an annual event established in 1993 to foster high-level discussions between the two nations. The timing of this meeting is particularly noteworthy as it precedes South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s scheduled visit to Tokyo for summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Prime Minister Kim stated, “With the launch of the new administration, South Korea and Japan are moving forward on a future-oriented path. The two countries have a very important relationship with many areas of mutual cooperation, and the president’s decision to visit Japan was made in that context.” The Japanese delegates echoed this sentiment, expressing Tokyo’s commitment to building “a more mature, robust and future-oriented” bilateral relationship. The delegation included notable figures such as former Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Yasumasa Nagamine and several Japanese lawmakers.

President Lee’s visit to Tokyo is part of a broader diplomatic strategy that includes a subsequent trip to Washington for his first summit with US President Donald Trump. This diplomatic tour underscores the strategic importance of South Korea’s relationships with both Japan and the United States. On August 15, during a speech marking the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula’s liberation from Japan’s colonial rule, President Lee emphasized the need for “forward-looking, mutually beneficial cooperation” with Japan. He advocated for active “shuttle diplomacy” and expressed hope that Japan would confront its historical wartime actions.

Historical Context and Challenges

The historical context of South Korea-Japan relations is complex and fraught with tension. The legacy of Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945 continues to cast a long shadow over bilateral relations. Issues such as wartime forced labor and “comfort women” have been persistent sources of friction. Despite these challenges, both nations recognize the strategic and economic benefits of cooperation.

In recent years, there have been efforts to adopt a “two-track” approach to the relationship, which involves addressing historical grievances while simultaneously pursuing forward-looking cooperation. This approach, however, does not imply disregarding the past. It is a delicate balancing act that requires both nations to engage in honest dialogue and mutual respect.

The current international political landscape adds another layer of complexity to South Korea-Japan relations. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, trade tensions between the US and China, and the broader geopolitical shifts in the Asia-Pacific region all influence the dynamics between Seoul and Tokyo. In this context, the restoration of trust and dialogue is crucial.

Prime Minister Ishiba’s recent remarks at a national memorial service for the war dead reflect Japan’s evolving stance on its wartime history. “We must never again repeat the horrors of war. We must never again lose our way. We must now take deeply into our hearts once again our remorse and also the lessons learned from that war,” Ishiba said. This was the first time in 13 years that a Japanese prime minister used the word “remorse” in a speech regarding Japan’s wartime actions. However, the omission of terms like “invasion” and “aggression” from his speech has raised questions about Japan’s sincerity in addressing its past.

Diplomatic Strategies and Future Prospects

The visit of Japanese political leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals are enshrined, further complicates the narrative. Such actions are often perceived as a lack of genuine reflection on Japan’s historical actions, which can hinder efforts to build trust with South Korea.

Amid these challenges, President Lee’s administration is committed to pursuing a pragmatic, national interest-focused diplomacy. This includes stabilizing supply chains, addressing trade-related issues, and collaborating on global challenges such as artificial intelligence and climate change. The goal is to create a framework for cooperation that transcends historical grievances while acknowledging and addressing them.

Historically, there have been similar efforts to mend South Korea-Japan relations. The 1965 Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea was a landmark agreement that normalized diplomatic relations and included economic aid from Japan to South Korea. However, the treaty did not resolve all historical issues, and tensions have periodically resurfaced.

In recent years, the geopolitical landscape has shifted, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. The rise of China as a regional power, the evolving security dynamics in the Korean Peninsula, and the changing nature of global trade all necessitate a reevaluation of South Korea-Japan relations.

As President Lee embarks on his diplomatic tour, the stakes are high. The outcomes of his meetings with Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump will have significant implications for South Korea’s foreign policy and its role in the region. The emphasis on “shuttle diplomacy” reflects a commitment to continuous dialogue and engagement, which is essential for building a stable and prosperous future.