"Mutual Favorability Between Korea and Japan Only 20%, but Many Hope for Improved Relations"

Hankyung Research Institute, Public Perception Survey on Korea-Japan Relations

Data provided by Korea Economic Research Institute

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] A survey revealed that only about 2 out of 10 people in South Korea and Japan have a favorable view of the other country, indicating poor perceptions, but a significant number still desire improved bilateral relations.

The Korea Economic Research Institute under the Federation of Korean Industries commissioned the polling agency Mono Research to conduct a survey titled "Perceptions and Prospects of Korea-Japan Relations" targeting 1,431 people from South Korea and Japan (714 from South Korea and 717 from Japan), and announced the results on the 25th.

According to the survey, 16.7% of South Korean respondents answered that they have a "favorable or very favorable" view of Japan, while nearly half, 48.1%, chose "unfavorable or very unfavorable."

Japanese respondents' views of South Korea were also more negative, with 42.8% selecting "unfavorable or very unfavorable," more than twice the 20.2% who chose "favorable or very favorable." Those who answered "neutral" toward the other country were 35.2% (South Korea) and 37.0% (Japan), respectively.

Data provided by Korea Economic Research Institute

Nevertheless, 78.0% of South Koreans and 64.7% of Japanese respondents said that their governments should strive to build cooperative relations. Despite the frozen state of Korea-Japan conflicts, a considerable portion of both populations hopes for a cooperative relationship.

Regarding areas for cooperation, South Korean respondents selected "joint research on historical issues" (23.5%), "trade and commerce" (21.7%), and "cultural and tourism exchange projects" (20.4%). Japanese respondents prioritized "cultural and tourism exchange projects" (23.2%), "trade and commerce" (21.0%), and "military and security" (17.2%).

When asked if they would be willing to visit the other country once exchanges normalize after the end of COVID-19, 58.4% of South Koreans and 28.3% of Japanese said yes. However, both countries viewed the other as a second to fourth priority travel destination rather than their top choice (South Korea 24.2%, Japan 19.7%).

The majority of South Koreans and Japanese believe there has been no change in Korea-Japan relations since the inauguration of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Those who chose "no change" accounted for 64.7% in South Korea and 68.3% in Japan. There was also a prediction that relations would not improve due to efforts by the Biden administration in the United States, with 49.7% of South Koreans and 63.7% of Japanese expecting this.

Both South Korean and Japanese respondents identified the biggest negative effects of bilateral conflicts as "increased distrust between the peoples of the two countries" (South Korea 29.3%, Japan 28.0%) and "contraction of Korea-Japan trade" (South Korea 22.2%, Japan 16.2%). South Koreans also cited "expanded supply uncertainty of key materials and components" (12.3%) and "contraction of private cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan" (12.3%) as side effects, while Japanese respondents pointed to "potential benefits to third parties such as China" (12.9%) and "increased security concerns due to weakening of the Korea-US-Japan military alliance" (12.5%).

The Korea Economic Research Institute stated, "There is a possibility of a meeting between the Korea and Japan leaders at the upcoming G7 summit next month," and added, "We hope both governments will take a proactive approach to building cooperative relations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.