Core Viewpoint - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for Japan to acknowledge the "painful history" between the two nations and to maintain trust as they mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization [2][3] Group 1 - Lee Jae-myung called for a redefinition of bilateral relations to promote forward-looking cooperation between South Korea and Japan [3] - The President expressed hope that the Japanese government would recognize the historical grievances and work towards building trust between the two countries [3] - Lee plans to engage in active "shuttle diplomacy" to foster mutually beneficial cooperation with Japan [3] Group 2 - The remarks were made ahead of Lee's scheduled visit to Japan on August 23-24, where he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for a summit [3] - August 15 marks Korea's "Liberation Day," commemorating the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945 [3]

Group 1 - The normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan marks its 60th anniversary, with both countries emphasizing the importance of stable relations amid current international challenges [1][2] - Both nations have established dedicated entry lanes at airports to facilitate travel and enhance mutual understanding [1] - Former Japanese Prime Ministers expressed the significance of the 60-year relationship, highlighting the need for cooperation in the face of shared challenges [1][2] Group 2 - The relationship between South Korea and Japan has historically oscillated between conflict and cooperation, with recent years witnessing significant tensions due to historical grievances [2][3] - The deterioration of relations was exacerbated by a 2018 South Korean Supreme Court ruling demanding compensation from Japanese companies for wartime labor, which Japan disputes based on a 1965 agreement [3][4][5] - The political landscape shifted with the election of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol in 2022, leading to a thaw in relations as he sought to improve ties with Japan [2][3][5] Group 3 - Under Yoon's administration, there has been a notable shift towards a more pro-Japan stance, with discussions of a "Grand Bargain" that links historical issues with security and trade cooperation [9][10][12] - Recent agreements have included the restoration of military intelligence sharing and the establishment of economic cooperation mechanisms, indicating a significant diplomatic turnaround [12][14] - However, public sentiment in South Korea remains mixed, with a significant portion of the population opposing the government's approach to historical issues [15][19] Group 4 - The political dynamics in both countries are fragile, with potential shifts in leadership impacting the future of bilateral relations [19][20] - The recent election of a progressive president in South Korea could lead to a reevaluation of the current diplomatic approach, raising concerns about a return to previous tensions [19][20] - The ongoing historical disputes, particularly regarding wartime labor and comfort women, continue to pose challenges for sustained cooperation [5][19][20]