During their 12th and likely final meeting in office, the leaders of South Korea and Japan met in Seoul before Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio steps down. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party in Japan will soon elect a new leader as Kishida opts not to seek a second term.
Yoon Suk-yeol, the South Korean President, highlighted the need for both countries to prepare for potential challenges that may arise in their relationship. Yoon emphasized that developing South Korea-Japan relations is a historical responsibility rather than a choice.
Kishida acknowledged the cooperation between the two nations in addressing international challenges and expressed gratitude for the warm reception from Yoon and his wife. Notably, Yoon’s approach to the relationship differs from his predecessor Moon Jae-in’s more contentious stance with Japan.
Yoon’s efforts to navigate past historical disputes, such as the issue of forced labor compensation, have paved the way for improved ties between the two countries. However, there are ongoing demands from victims of Japan’s colonial abuses for additional apologies and resolutions.
While some environmental concerns have been raised over Japan’s plans to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, the Yoon government has maintained a stance of transparency and scientific basis for such actions.
Despite endeavors to strengthen cooperation on regional challenges, disputes like the one over the Dokdo Islands persist. The Yoon government has remained firm on its stance against Japan’s claims on the territory, signaling unresolved tensions between the two countries.
The approval of Japan’s Sado Island gold mines as a UNESCO World Heritage Site elicited criticism from South Koreans, given the site’s history as a forced labor location. The exhibition hall commemorating Korean workers, while a gesture from Japan, has also been scrutinized for its location away from the main site.
Reflecting on the shifts in approach between South Korea and Japan, questions arise regarding the gains made in the relationship. Despite efforts to mend historical disputes, unresolved issues like Dokdo and perceived concessions to Japan have left some doubts about the progress achieved.
As Japan transitions to a new leader, the legacy of Kishida and the dynamics of Yoon’s compromises may shape the future relations with South Korea, with implications for ongoing challenges and unresolved disputes between the two nations.