‘Japan is worried': South Korea's new leader pledges warmer ties, but past tensions loom
South Korea's newly inaugurated President Lee Jae-myung has pledged to pursue warmer ties with Japan, but analysts caution that optimism may be premature, citing his past criticism of Tokyo's wartime actions and fears he could reignite anti-Japan sentiment to bolster domestic support amid economic challenges.
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Within hours of taking office, Lee struck a conciliatory tone, calling for collaboration in areas such as trade, security and culture.
'We can identify mutually beneficial areas in the economy, security, technology and cultural exchanges. Through this, we can pursue friendly relations and shared prosperity,' he said on Wednesday, according to Yonhap News.
'I hope the two countries will collaborate where possible and address differences as needed, without mixing up current issues,' he added.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday following the victory of Lee Jae-myung in the South Korean presidential election. Photo: Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba returned the diplomatic nicety the same day, telling reporters at his office that he hoped to be able to arrange a Japan-South Korea summit 'as soon as possible'.
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