
Japan to study South Korean president-elect's foreign policy
The Japanese government plans to cautiously study the foreign policy of South Korean president-elect Lee Jae-myung, who has taken tough positions on Japan in the past.
The candidate of the largest opposition Democratic Party won the presidential election on Tuesday, bringing about a change of government.
During the campaign, Lee stressed that he will focus on cooperation with Japan, and the two countries' relations with the United States.
Some members of the Japanese government think that Lee will not drastically change South Korea's relations with Tokyo, as East Asia is facing a challenging security environment.
Japan hopes to build a stable relationship with the new administration to keep the momentum for improved ties that began under former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Officials will work to arrange a summit between Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Lee at an early date on the sidelines of an international conference.
However, there are concerns that Lee may take a tougher stance toward Japan. He has previously criticized the country on bilateral issues.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NHK
3 hours ago
- NHK
China tweaks its foreign policy tactics in Asia
China's low-key presence at the Shangri-La Dialogue and response to Lee Jae-myung's election win show how it is adapting its foreign policy approach in Asia.


NHK
4 hours ago
- NHK
South Korea's President Lee briefed by Yoon's ministers at 1st Cabinet meeting
South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung has convened the first Cabinet meeting and has been briefed by ministers over pending issues after he took office on Wednesday. The meeting on Thursday was joined by those from preceding Yoon Suk-yeol administration as the process to choose new ministers is still underway. Lee said he wants to hear from those ministers as they are most aware of issues that government ministries and agencies are facing. He also said that he wants them to listen to his opinions. Also on Thursday, South Korea's National Assembly passed bills to appoint special counsels to investigate Yoon over his failed martial law declaration and allegations about his wife Kim Keon-hee. The former First Lady allegedly accepted a luxury bag. The bills were approved by the assembly before, but vetoed by then President Yoon. The People Power Party, which is now on the opposition side, is accusing the ruling Democratic Party of leading the forcible passage of the legislation. The partisan divisions between the ruling and opposition camps have yet to be narrowed even after the presidential election.


NHK
5 hours ago
- NHK
Illegal drug detected in driver whose car plunged onto expressway in Japan
Investigative sources say the driver of a vehicle that fell onto the Tomei Expressway in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, tested positive for an illegal drug. The passenger car, driven by a 47-year-old man, broke through a roadside barrier in Hamamatsu City on Sunday afternoon and plunged onto the expressway about 10 meters below. The driver fled the scene, leaving two children inside the car. Police have arrested the driver on suspicion of driving a car without a license and abandoning the car on the expressway. Police are investigating why the suspect left the two children at the scene. Their mother and the suspect are believed to be in a relationship.