ED Look to the future
President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are all smiles ahead of their meeting at the G7 Summit venue in Kanaskis, Alberta, Canada, Tuesday (local time). Yonhap
Japan should take responsibility for the past
The recent summit between Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, held on June 17 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, marks a cautiously hopeful turn in the long and often turbulent history of Korea-Japan relations. Their meeting — just two weeks after Lee’s inauguration — represents more than just a diplomatic courtesy. It signals a renewed willingness by both sides to seek common ground and move beyond decades of mistrust. Yet while this step forward is welcome, it must be accompanied by a frank reckoning with the past and a commitment to practical, results-driven cooperation in the present.
Lee’s remarks were carefully calibrated. Referring to Korea and Japan as “neighbors who share the same front yard,” he emphasized the importance of looking past minor differences and building a cooperative relationship that benefits both nations. Ishiba responded in kind, highlighting the depth of people-to-people ties and expressing hope that bilateral cooperation would contribute not only to regional security but also to global stability. These are the right sentiments, but translating them into lasting progress requires more than warm words.
It is important to recognize the significance of the early timing of this summit. In the past, Korea-Japan summits were often delayed for years over unresolved historical grievances. The decision by Lee to engage early — along with symbolic gestures such as his message to the Japanese Embassy on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization — demonstrates a forward-leaning approach. Similarly, Ishiba’s attendance at the Korean Embassy’s reception in Tokyo reflects a willingness to reciprocate. But goodwill alone is not enough. The deep fissures of history remain unresolved, and ignoring them will only ensure they resurface.
Japan’s continued reluctance to fully acknowledge and address its wartime actions remains a critical obstacle. Issues such as the forced mobilization of Korean laborers, the sexual enslavement of women during World War II and territorial disputes over Dokdo continue to stir resentment in South Korea. Moreover, Japan has often failed to follow through on promises, as seen in the mishandling of UNESCO-related obligations regarding historical industrial sites. For reconciliation to take root, Japan must take genuine, responsible steps to confront its past — not as a concession to Korea, but as a moral obligation and a prerequisite for trust.
At the same time, Korea and Japan face a shifting geopolitical and economic landscape that demands closer cooperation. One area where their interests clearly align is trade — particularly in response to protectionist measures from the United States. The so-called “Trump tariffs” impose high duties on car imports, threatening key sectors in both economies. Japan has already engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with Washington, and Korea should actively coordinate with Tokyo to present a united front. A joint effort not only strengthens their bargaining position but also reinforces the principle of open, rules-based trade — something both nations have long championed.
Reconciling history with cooperation is not a contradiction. In fact, they are mutually reinforcing. Honest reckoning with the past lays the foundation for enduring trust. Meanwhile, visible achievements in areas such as trade and technology can generate the momentum necessary to tackle even more sensitive issues. The Lee administration must avoid repeating the missteps of past governments — whether excessive deference or inflexible posturing. A principled yet pragmatic approach is the only viable path forward.
Ultimately, progress in Korea-Japan relations depends on reciprocity and mutual respect. Korea has once again extended a hand. It is now Japan’s turn to respond not just with polite diplomacy, but with meaningful, responsible action. The next chapter of Korea-Japan relations must be written not in denial of the past, but with clarity about its lessons — and with shared determination to build a future rooted in both justice and common purpose.