Farming authorities from South Korea, China, and Japan convene for their initial trilateral discussion in seven years.
In a significant step towards improving relations, South Korea and Japan are set to hold a summit later this month. According to reports, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to visit Japan on August 23-24, 2025, to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
The upcoming meeting follows a series of high-level engagements, including the June 2025 meeting between Ishiba and Lee at the G7 summit, where they agreed to increase communication through reciprocal visits. Lee's administration has signalled a shift towards stabilizing and future-oriented relations, despite his previous firm stance on historical issues with Japan.
The focus of the discussions is expected to be on fostering stable bilateral ties and strengthening trilateral cooperation with the United States, particularly concerning North Korea’s threat. This visit marks a significant milestone in the current status of relations between the two countries, which has been cautiously improving.
Public perceptions have evolved towards neutrality in bilateral relations. A recent survey shows that 65% of respondents rate Korea-Japan relations as neither good nor bad, and 61% expect stability in the future. The perception of Japan’s impact on South Korea’s economy, security, and inter-Korean reunification has shifted from threat to neutral, although positive influence ratings have not yet improved significantly.
Economic ties between the two countries remain strong and vital, with Japan remaining South Korea’s fourth-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade reaching $77.2 billion in 2024. However, political and historical conflicts pose risks to economic cooperation, which both countries consider essential to maintain amid uncertainties in the regional and global environment.
Defence chiefs from both countries have already agreed on continued security cooperation. This agreement was made during a phone call, highlighting the shared regional challenges and the need for cooperation.
The meeting between the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea, Song Mi-ryung, and her Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, occurred on August 11, 2023. A photograph of the meeting was provided by Song's office, showing Song and Koizumi shaking hands during the meeting.
The ongoing investigation into the TSMC leak, a significant enough trail to be a trail, is linked to Japan, intensifying the chip war. However, the details of this investigation are not yet clear.
This period of diplomatic activity between South Korea and Japan indicates a period of careful rapprochement, with meaningful discussions driving towards shared regional security concerns, yet tempered by historical complexities and the need for gradual trust-building.
- The international community has shown increased interest in the arts and culture, given the upcoming South Korean-Japanese summit, which may lead to a renewed exchange of artistic expressions.
2.Environmental concerns are becoming a central focus in the discourse of politics, with both South Korea and Japan addressing the impact of climate change on their relations and future cooperative efforts.
3.In the realm of general news, war and conflicts remain a pressing concern for South Korea and Japan, making defense a focus area for both nations, as demonstrated by the ongoing security cooperation agreements.
4.The cultural exchange between South Korea and Japan could have a positive influence on the environment, as the two countries come together to promote sustainable practices and green initiatives as part of their diplomatic agenda.
5.The South Korean-Japanese relationship is not only political, but also encompasses general relations and economic ties, with Japan being South Korea's fourth-largest trading partner, setting the stage for future economic growth and development.
