Japan and South Korea are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations amid a complex backdrop of historical grievances, political changes, and ongoing regional security challenges. The milestone occasion highlights both progress and persistent tensions between two Asian neighbours whose relationship has long been marred by Japan’s colonial rule over Korea in the early 20th century.

South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, has taken a cautious yet pragmatic approach to relations with Japan, signalling a subtle shift from his predecessor’s policies. While former president Yoon Suk Yeol, now facing a trial over his imposition of martial law, had begun to repair bilateral ties through outreach efforts and a South Korea-funded compensation plan for colonial-era forced labour victims, Lee aims to build on this cautiously, balancing pragmatism with sensitivity to historical issues. Lee has criticized Japan’s lingering imperialist attitudes, which he blames for complicating cooperation, but he has also underlined the strategic necessity of working with Japan on security and economic matters. Ahead of the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan on 15 August, some South Koreans hope for a stronger expression of remorse from Tokyo, while experts warn that historical wounds will continue to test the relationship.

From Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sought to promote a forward-looking partnership with South Korea. Unlike some of his recent predecessors, Ishiba has acknowledged Japan’s wartime aggression and expressed greater empathy towards the victims of Japan’s colonial past. His recent meeting with Lee at the G7 summit marked a milestone, with both leaders describing their countries as “inseparable” neighbours and committing to deepen trilateral security cooperation with the United States, especially to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats. The renewed dialogue reflects a desire to overcome historical discord and address common challenges such as regional instability and the impact of U.S. trade policies, notably amid concerns over proposed tariffs on automobiles that threaten the trade-dependent economies of both nations.

Historical disputes, such as those over forced labour and the issue of “comfort women” — women subjected to sexual slavery by Japan’s military during its occupation of Korea — remain sensitive points. Japan’s 1965 treaty with South Korea included $500 million in economic assistance, which Japan argued settled wartime compensation issues, but these topics have continued to disrupt diplomatic ties. While Japan has twice offered atonement funds for comfort women, these efforts were complicated by South Korean administrations’ differing stances, including the unilateral dissolution of a Japan-established fund under the previous liberal government. Despite this fraught history, there is cautious optimism that the pragmatic diplomacy of Lee and Ishiba, supported by encouragement from the United States, can sustain and deepen bilateral ties.

The recently departing Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, also played a key role in stabilizing relations during his tenure, holding multiple summits with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and urging his successor to maintain the diplomatic direction. Kishida’s efforts culminated in agreements to enhance cooperation against North Korea’s growing threats, deepen economic and technological exchanges, and promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Ahead of the 60th anniversary, the two nations affirmed their commitment to elevate bilateral relations further, including through people-to-people exchanges and shuttle diplomacy aimed at maintaining close communication and mutual understanding.

As both nations mark this diplomatic milestone, the relationship between Japan and South Korea remains a delicate balancing act. Past wounds and nationalist sentiments continue to cast shadows, yet the evolving geopolitical landscape — marked by North Korean nuclear risks, China’s regional ambitions, and shifting global economic dynamics — compels Seoul and Tokyo to seek common ground. How Lee Jae Myung and Shigeru Ishiba, alongside their respective administrations, navigate this balance will be crucial in shaping the future of one of Northeast Asia’s most vital and historically fraught bilateral relationships.

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Source: Noah Wire Services