Japan-South Korea relations

After a meltdown in South Korea, what becomes of a thorny relationship?

South Korea’s diplomatic and security relations with Japan experienced a dramatic turnaround under Yoon. Tokyo fears that progress won't last under a new president.

The political chaos in Seoul is casting dark clouds over not only Japan-South Korea relations but also Japan-South Korea-U.S. trilateral security cooperation.

Under the leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, there is hope that recent momentum will continue.

South Korea's decision not to participate in what was envisioned an a moment of reconciliation highlighted the perceived lack of sincerity in Japan’s treatment of historical issues.

Integrating Japan’s counterstrike capability with South Korea’s Three Axis system could strengthen the security of both countries.

Before Kishida’s departure as prime minister, Yoon touted their efforts to restore stony relations between the two countries. The South Korean public is less enthused.

Seoul said that Kishida, who will step down after internal party elections in September, “actively expressed hope” to end his term on a high note in bilateral relations.

“The shared problem is that neither country sufficiently sought to convince its citizens of the importance of its neighbor.”

Arguments that it produced no results are misplaced.

The three leaders touched base on economic cooperation and trade revitalization, with an eye on reducing regional friction.

Despite obvious friction points, the three leaders are hoping to make progress on economic cooperation – especially a long-sought FTA.

It’s the first time that any South Korean newspaper has ever employed a Japanese reporter as a staff writer.

Two recent legal rulings in South Korea are once again threatening to unravel the relationship.

Deepened trilateral cooperation between the U.S. and its two key East Asian allies is a positive development, but the fragility of Japanese and South Korean leadership underscores the importance of long-term reconciliation. 

South Korea’s erratic court rulings and disharmony in the justice system are jeopardizing its bilateral relations with Japan.

Coordination on evacuations of their citizens from the Middle East is a seemingly small but symbolically significant step for Tokyo and Seoul.

So far, South Korea's President Yoon has been more proactive in advancing the relationship – and more willing to tolerate political risks at home.

The social media posts of South Korean, Japanese, and U.S. missions reveal what lies behind their recent public display of bonhomie.

The release of treated but still radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean has exacerbated tensions with neighboring countries.

Many foreign experts said the water discharge will have a negligible impact on the environment and human health, but Japan’s neighbors remain worried.

The two East Asian nations should take inspiration from landmark treaty in Europe.

South Korean government officials and scientists insist that contamination levels would be within acceptable safety standards. The public isn’t convinced.

In comments to The Diplomat, Prime Minister Kishida refrained from predictions about a second joint declaration to update one issued a quarter of a century ago.