Despite differences of opinion and a history full of conflicts, Japan and South Korea will work more closely together. At a summit later today in Tokyo, Japan, both countries will discuss their common future. “A wise decision, but there is a lot of resistance.”
Japan colonized and exploited South Korea in the twentieth century. “But there was never an apology or compensation for it,” says Remco Breuker, a professor of Korean studies at Leiden University. Partly because of this, relations between the two countries have been bad for a long time. South Korean politicians have also often used anti-Japanese sentiment to win votes. “This escalated four years ago, resulting in a trade war.”
Beyond the shadow
Economically, the two countries cannot do without each other, but according to Breuker, neither has had the courage to improve political ties. The current South Korean president said in March that he wants to change that. He said Japan and South Korea need each other. We have to override the past and he went to Japan for this.”
‘South Korea must step over its own shadow’
Not everyone thanked him for that, more than half of the South Korean population disagrees. “But he took an important step to bring the two countries together,” says Breuker. The colonial past is a hindering factor in trying to bring the two countries closer together. ‘This is indeed a point, but South Korea must step over its own shadow. It’s been a long time coming and they need each other. This is a wise decision, but it is not well received by the population.”
United States
A new power bloc in Asia can count on strong US support. In the face of China’s growing power, Japanese-South Korean cooperation can bring balance to Northeast Asia. “Neither South Korea nor Japan will make it alone against China.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
