{"id":2201017,"date":"2023-05-16T20:03:24","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T11:03:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2201017"},"modified":"2023-11-20T18:03:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T09:03:34","slug":"why-the-japanese-public-is-skeptical-of-south-koreas-push-to-improve-ties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/05\/why-the-japanese-public-is-skeptical-of-south-koreas-push-to-improve-ties\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the Japanese public is skeptical of South Korea\u2019s push to improve ties"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is charting a new course in his nation\u2019s relations with Japan, veering away from his predecessor’s strategy of weaponizing Korean nationalism and elevating historical wrongdoings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Seoul\u2019s new focus is on mending frayed ties by pursuing a future-oriented relationship rather than one anchored in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n This strategy, largely driven by geopolitical factors and national security interests, is intended to foster closer ties with the only other democracy and U.S. ally in the region. Yet, the ultimate success of this initiative remains uncertain. It hinges heavily on achieving tangible outcomes, creating compelling incentives, and effectively navigating the ever-changing political landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n In a <\/span>comprehensive summit<\/span><\/a> that lasted a little over an hour and a half, Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed an array of topics pertinent to both nations. These ranged from the Fukushima <\/span>radioactive water<\/span><\/a> issue to Tokyo\u2019s reinstatement of Seoul on a preferential trade partner list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kishida notably mentioned that his \u201cheart ached\u201d for the Korean victims of Japanese colonialism, a seemingly plotted expression of sentiment <\/span>added late<\/span><\/a> to his agenda. Despite this personal statement and the symbolic visit to the Seoul National Cemetery, the <\/span>summit<\/span><\/a> primarily sidestepped any in-depth discussion of historical disputes between the two nations.<\/span><\/p>\n Recent polling data suggests <\/span>cautious optimism<\/span><\/a> among the Japanese public regarding the overtures between the two leaders. However, experts stress the need for concrete results if any positive shift in relations is to be sustained.<\/span><\/p>\n