Meeting in Gyeongju marks the first talks between the two leaders as Seoul and Tokyo seek to balance historical sensitivities with regional cooperation
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday in Gyeongju, marking their first summit since Takaichi became Japan’s first female leader. The 40-minute meeting, held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, focused on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and build stable, forward-looking ties between the two nations.
Both leaders underlined the importance of building upon the 60 years of diplomatic normalization since 1965. President Lee emphasized that the current regional and economic challenges demand deeper collaboration between Seoul and Tokyo, while Prime Minister Takaichi said that a “future-oriented relationship” would be mutually beneficial, particularly as both countries navigate shared concerns such as trade and security.
Lee Calls for “Future-Oriented” Cooperation
During the meeting, President Lee highlighted that South Korea and Japan, as close neighbors with shared values and intertwined economies, must strengthen cooperation amid global uncertainty. “If Seoul and Tokyo share their experiences and work together, they can address not only bilateral but also broader international challenges,” Lee said.
Prime Minister Takaichi echoed his comments, noting that while the two countries have differences “precisely because we are neighbors,” both leaders agreed to exercise restraint and demonstrate leadership to ensure a stable and constructive relationship.
Lee’s Pragmatic Approach to Japan Relations
Since taking office in June, President Lee has worked to dispel concerns that his administration might take a confrontational stance toward Japan. His past criticisms of Japan’s handling of historical disputes, as well as his predecessor’s pro-Tokyo policies, had fueled speculation of renewed tensions. However, Lee’s recent diplomatic gestures suggest a more pragmatic approach focused on stability and cooperation.
Earlier this year, Lee held three meetings with former Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru within four months, signaling his willingness to revive “shuttle diplomacy” — a concept both nations endorsed to maintain regular high-level exchanges. Ishiba’s moderate stance on historical issues allowed Lee to push forward with dialogue aimed at easing long-standing friction between Seoul and Tokyo.
Takaichi’s Moderate Tone Eases Early Concerns
Prime Minister Takaichi’s election initially triggered unease in South Korea due to her conservative background and past visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals. However, since assuming office, she has taken a softer tone — sending symbolic offerings instead of visiting the shrine in person — and has publicly expressed a desire to stabilize ties with Seoul.
In her meeting with Lee, Takaichi said she was confident that building a “future-oriented and stable” relationship would benefit both countries. Her comments were viewed as a signal of continuity with the diplomatic progress achieved under her predecessor Ishiba, who had established a functional working relationship with Lee.
Focus on Cooperation, Not History
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the APEC Summit, served as an introductory dialogue rather than a negotiation session. No joint statement was issued, and both leaders avoided sensitive historical issues that have often strained bilateral relations. Instead, the discussions centered on trade, technology cooperation, and regional stability — areas where both sides see potential for pragmatic collaboration.
According to the South Korean presidential office, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation with the United States, especially in addressing North Korea’s growing missile threat and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Symbolic Gestures and Cultural Diplomacy
At the meeting, President Lee presented Prime Minister Takaichi with Korean seaweed and cosmetics — a symbolic gesture of goodwill. The exchange followed Takaichi’s previous remarks that she enjoys Korean dramas and uses South Korean beauty products. Such cultural diplomacy, analysts noted, plays an important role in softening public perception and rebuilding mutual trust at a personal level.
Challenges Ahead for Both Leaders
Despite the cordial atmosphere, observers caution that deepening ties will require patience. Takaichi faces political constraints at home, particularly from conservative factions that expect her to maintain a strong nationalist stance. Lee, meanwhile, must balance his diplomatic outreach with domestic expectations for accountability over unresolved historical grievances from Japan’s colonial rule.
As South Korea prepares for high-profile diplomatic engagements with both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC Summit, President Lee’s meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi represents an early test of his leadership in managing regional diplomacy. For both leaders, the challenge now lies in translating cordial words into lasting progress, maintaining stability in a region where historical tensions and geopolitical rivalries remain deeply intertwined.
