Summary President Lee and PM Takaichi Hold First Summit in Gyeongju… United on Developing Shuttle Diplomacy Takaichi Emphasizes ‘ROK-US-Japan Coordination’… Possibility of Inviting President Lee to Japan Soon

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (left) shake hands before their summit at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting venue in Gyeongju on the 30th. Gyeongju | Reporter Kim Chang-gil

On the 30th, President Lee Jae-myung met with the new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and stated, “It is time for South Korea and Japan to strengthen future-oriented cooperation more than ever.” PM Takaichi also said, “The importance of coordination among Japan, South Korea, and the US is further increasing under the current strategic environment.” Held just nine days after Takaichi's inauguration, the summit saw both leaders agree to strengthen future-oriented cooperation on the foundation of the restored Korea-Japan shuttle diplomacy.

In his opening remarks at the Korea-Japan summit held at the Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO) in Gyeongju, President Lee stated, “It is time for South Korea and Japan to strengthen future-oriented cooperation more than ever,” adding, “By sharing experiences and cooperating, the two countries, which have so many commonalities domestically, can successfully resolve not only domestic but also international issues.”

PM Takaichi stated, “Japan and South Korea are important neighbors to each other, and the importance of coordination among Japan, ROK, and the US is further increasing under the current strategic environment.” She affirmed, “I am confident that it is beneficial for both countries to develop bilateral relations in a future-oriented and stable manner based on the foundation of Japan-ROK relations built so far.”

Both leaders agreed to maintain and develop the Korea-Japan shuttle diplomacy, which President Lee had restored through three summits with the former PM Shigeru Ishiba over four months. PM Takaichi said, “I hope to communicate well with the President, utilizing shuttle diplomacy effectively,” and proposed activating Korea-Japan shuttle diplomacy at various levels, including the ministerial level.

Before the inauguration of PM Takaichi, known for her strong conservative leanings, there were concerns about a potential deterioration in Korea-Japan relations. However, since taking office, PM Takaichi has publicly announced her stance on prioritizing Korea-Japan and ROK-US-Japan cooperation and coordination. Following a summit with US President Donald Trump in Tokyo on the 28th, she confirmed they would “further promote cooperation with friendly nations, including Japan, South Korea, and the US.” This was followed by her agreement with President Lee on a future-oriented cooperative relationship at the Korea-Japan summit.

The Lee Jae-myung administration's two-track practical diplomacy—‘look directly at the past, but cooperate for the future’ in relations with Japan—appears to have moved beyond a testing phase and established a foundation for stable maintenance and development. The rapidly changing international trade and customs order and the clear US-China conflict structure following President Trump's second term necessitate joint response and cooperation between South Korea and Japan. However, there remains a risk that historical or territorial issues could emerge as current issues, making friendly relations difficult to maintain.

As PM Takaichi expressed her commitment to shuttle diplomacy, it is anticipated that an opportunity to invite President Lee to Japan will arise in the near future. A potential ROK-China-Japan summit that might be held in Japan within the year is one of the occasions mentioned for President Lee's visit.