S. Korea, Japan to mark 60 years of ties despite political crisis
The top diplomats of South Korea and Japan on Monday pledged to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization this year, building on renewed momentum in their relationship despite the ongoing political upheaval and a potential leadership change in South Korea.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met in Seoul at a critical moment, as South Korea grapples with political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s fleeting martial law declaration on Dec. 3, which led to his suspension from office through an impeachment vote by the National Assembly on Dec. 14.
“First, we have agreed to steadfastly advance Korea-Japan relations under any circumstances. Korea and Japan are close neighbors that share the universal values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” Cho said during a news conference following the 95-minute bilateral meeting in Seoul that was followed by a dinner banquet.
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“We also agreed to work together to maintain and strengthen the momentum for improving Korea-Japan relations, which has been painstakingly achieved, based on our shared values and interests.”
Article continues after this advertisementIwaya underscored that the bilateral relationship between Japan and South Korea would continue to advance regardless of the political situation in South Korea.
Article continues after this advertisement“Japan and Korea are important neighboring countries that must continue to cooperate as partners in addressing various challenges within the international community,” Iwaya said.
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“The importance of the relationship between Japan and Korea will remain unchanged and is expected to grow even greater in the future. With this understanding, we hope to see further advancement in the bilateral relationship.”
The two top diplomats affirmed that events marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations would proceed as scheduled.
Cho said Seoul and Tokyo “aim to promote a variety of commemorative projects that will help the people of both countries recognize and feel the importance of their relationship and how much closer the two countries have become.”
Cho and Iwaya also addressed ongoing historical disputes stemming from Japan’s colonization of Korea, which continue to strain bilateral relations despite efforts at reconciliation through summit-level diplomacy. Such efforts have been paused since Yoon’s suspension from office.
Both ministers emphasized their commitment to discussing ways to resolve these issues and minimize the impact on bilateral ties, while striving to build a forward-looking partnership for the sake of the future of both countries and future generations.
However, Cho said, “It is very important that the Japanese government sincerely addresses historical issues based on its previously expressed views on history, and engages in open discussions on all matters to reach a mutual agreement between the two countries.”
Trilateral cooperation
The two foreign ministers pledged the sustainable development of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan following the bilateral meeting that occurred a week before the inauguration of the second Trump administration.
“If circumstances allow, I am coordinating plans to attend the US presidential inauguration scheduled for January 20,” Iwaya said. “During this occasion, I aim to clearly convey to the new administration that strategic cooperation among Japan, Korea and the US is more critical than ever.”
Cho echoed the sentiment.
“While it is difficult to predict the policies of the second Trump administration, I expect that the trilateral cooperation between Korea, the US and Japan will continue, as it was a key diplomatic priority during the first Trump administration,” Cho said.
“What is clear is that there is bipartisan support across the US political spectrum for this trilateral cooperation, and a strong consensus exists among the three countries on its necessity.”
Iwaya’s trip notably came a week after a visit by outgoing US State Secretary Antony Blinken to Seoul on Jan. 6.
Significance of Iwaya’s trip
Iwaya’s visit to Seoul marks his first trip as foreign minister, a position he assumed in November 2024. It is also the first time in nearly seven years that a Japanese foreign minister has visited South Korea solely for a bilateral meeting, the last instance being in April 2018.
The Korea Herald learned from a diplomatic source familiar with Iwaya’s visit that his inaugural trip to Seoul, despite the ongoing political turbulence in South Korea, underscores his dedicated commitment to strengthening ties between Seoul and Tokyo.
Monday marks the first joint press conference between the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan in over 13 years, last held in October 2011 when then-Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan and Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba of the Democratic Party of Japan addressed the media together.
Iwaya also paid his respects at the National Cemetery in Seoul ahead of his meeting with Cho, making it the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister to the cemetery in nearly seven years, since then-Foreign Minister Taro Kono’s visit in April 2018.
The National Cemetery honors Korea’s independence activists who made significant contributions to the country’s liberation through diplomacy, resistance movements, and cultural efforts from Japan’s illegal occupation.
Iwaya held a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik ahead of his talks with Cho and is reportedly scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to acting president Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday.