Public sentiment toward Japan has improved significantly in South Korea, especially among younger generations, but bilateral ties remain exposed to political volatility and unresolved historical disputes. While polls show a record-high favorability rating, the durability of this goodwill depends on whether both governments can institutionalize cooperation and insulate diplomacy from domestic shocks.

A joint survey by South Korea’s Hankook Ilbo and Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspapers released in June found that 55.2% of South Korean respondents view bilateral relations as “good,” the highest figure since polling began in 1995.

Favorability among Japanese respondents stood at 52%. This marks the first time