Japan and South Korea mark 60 years of ties despite lingering tension
and political uncertainty
[June 23, 2025] By
MARI YAMAGUCHI and KIM TONG-HYUNG
TOKYO (AP) — Japan and South Korea are marking the 60th anniversary of
the normalization of their diplomatic relations Sunday. The two Asian
powers, rivals and neighbors, have often had little to celebrate, much
of their rancor linked to Japan’s brutal colonial rule of Korea in the
early 20th century.
Things have gotten better in recent years, but both nations — each a
strong ally of the United States — now face political uncertainty and a
growing unease about the future of their ties.
Here’s a look at one of Northeast Asia’s most crucial relationships,
from both capitals, by two correspondents from The Associated Press.
The view from Seoul, by Kim Tong-hyung
South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, is determined to
break sharply from the policies of his disgraced predecessor, Yoon Suk
Yeol, who now faces a trial on charges of leading an insurrection over
his imposition of martial law in December.
Relations with Japan, however, are one area where Lee, who describes
himself as a pragmatist in foreign policy, may find himself cautiously
building on Yoon’s approach.
Before his removal from office in April, the conservative former
president tried to repair relations with Japan. Yoon wanted to also
tighten the countries’ three-way security cooperation with Washington to
counter North Korean nuclear threats.
In 2023, Yoon announced a South Korea-funded compensation plan for
colonial-era forced laborers. That decision caused a strong backlash
from victims and their supporters, who had demanded direct payments from
Japanese companies and a fresh apology from Tokyo.
Yoon’s outreach boosted tourism and business ties, but there’s still
lingering resentment in South Korea that Japan failed to reciprocate
Seoul’s diplomatic concession by addressing historical grievances more
sincerely.
While advocating for pragmatism and problem-solving in foreign policy,
Lee has also long criticized Japan for allegedly clinging to its
imperialist past and blamed that for hurting cooperation between the
countries.
Some experts say the stability of the countries’ improved ties could
soon be tested, possibly around the Aug. 15 anniversary of Korea’s
liberation from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II, when
Lee is expected to publicly address the nation’s painful history with
Japan.
Some in Seoul want Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to mark the
anniversary with a stronger statement of remorse over Japan’s wartime
past to put bilateral ties on firmer ground.
While wartime history will always linger in the background of
Seoul-Tokyo relations, Lee and Ishiba may face a more immediate concern:
U.S. President Donald Trump’s rising tariffs and other America-first
trade policies.
South Korea’s Hankyoreh newspaper in an editorial this week called for
South Korea and Japan to “collaborate immediately” on a joint response
to Trump’s policies, arguing that the proposed U.S. tariffs on
automobiles pose similar threats to both countries’ trade-dependent
economies.
[to top of second column] |
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, left, and South Korean
President Lee Jae Myung, right, shake hands ahead of a bilateral
meeting on the sidelines of the G7, in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June
17, 2025. (Kyodo News via AP)
 The view from Tokyo, by Mari
Yamaguchi
Ishiba, eager to improve ties with Seoul, has acknowledged Japan’s
wartime aggression and has shown more empathy to Asian victims than
his recent predecessors.
His first encounter with Lee seemed positive, despite worries in
Japan about South Korea’s stance under a liberal leader known for
attacks on Japan’s wartime past.
Lee, in that meeting with Ishiba at the G7, likened the two
countries to “neighbors sharing the same front yard” and called for
building a future-oriented relationship that moves beyond their
“small differences and disagreements.”
Ishiba and Lee agreed to closely communicate and to cooperate on a
range of issues, including North Korea’s nuclear and missile
development.
Under a 1965 normalization treaty, Japan provided $500 million in
economic assistance to South Korea, saying all wartime compensation
issues were settled.
However, historical issues including forced labor and sexual abuse
of Korean women during the war have disrupted ties over the decades,
while South Korea has become an Asian power and a rival to Japan,
and while Tokyo, especially during the late Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe 's rule, has promoted revisionist views.
Japan has since offered atonement money twice for the so-called
“comfort women,” an earlier semi-private fund and a second one
unilaterally dissolved by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s
liberal government.
Things have improved in recent years, and Japan is watching to see
whether Lee sticks with his conservative predecessor’s more
conciliatory diplomacy or returns to the confrontation that marked
previous liberal governments.
Cooperation between the two sides is “more essential than ever” to
overcome their shared problems such as worsening regional security
and Trump’s tariffs that have shaken free trade systems, Japan’s
largest-circulation newspaper Yomiuri said in a recent editorial.
At a 60th anniversary reception in Tokyo, Ishiba said that he sees
“a bright future” in the relationship. He expressed hope also for
cooperation in “common challenges” such as low birth rates and
declining populations.
___
Kim reported from Seoul, South Korea.
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