[The Editors' Verdict] Yoon Should Lead Korea-Japan Relations in the 'Post-Abe' Era

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Jong-min] The death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is a megaton-level variable in the Korea-Japan relationship, which had seen little change even after the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. If former Prime Minister Abe was a politician who skillfully used South Korea and North Korea to succeed, President Yoon should do the same.

Former Prime Minister Abe utilized South Korea and North Korea at every turning point in his political career. The most decisive moment was in 2002 when he accompanied then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on a visit to North Korea for the North Korea-Japan summit. He gained favor with the Japanese public by insisting on a tough stance on the issue of Japanese abductees in North Korea. Subsequently, Abe became the youngest prime minister in 2007 but fell from power after just one year. Determined, he focused on criticizing North Korea even after his second term began in 2012. The abduction issue remained a staple topic. It was so prominent that the phrase "Abe of abductions" even emerged.

In 2017, Abe faced a crisis. As his approval ratings plummeted due to scandals and the impact of the consumption tax hike, he attempted a direct breakthrough through a snap general election. At that time, "North Korean nuclear threat" was his repertoire. Contrary to expectations, the result was a landslide victory. Although North Korea had no reason to be concerned about Japan, Japanese voters rallied behind Abe, who emphasized security. Naturally, nothing changed.

The Korea-Japan relationship, which had become strained following the controversy over the comfort women agreement Abe pushed and the South Korean Supreme Court's ruling on forced labor compensation, never improved until his death. It is probably accurate to say that Abe did not hope for improved relations. His hardline policy toward South Korea was also essential for maintaining his influence.

If Abe used South Korea and North Korea for political purposes, President Yoon should do the same. President Yoon, who pledged to improve Korea-Japan relations, must personally visit Japan to offer condolences. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's condolence visit is insufficient. Japan also has little justification to refuse the visit of neighboring country leaders who wish to pay respects. If relations are to improve, it is important for the president to send a clear message through a direct visit to Japan.

At last month's NATO summit, attended by both Korean and Japanese leaders, President Yoon and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida were inevitably awkward. The general view is that Prime Minister Kishida was reluctant to improve relations with South Korea ahead of the general election.

Prime Minister Kishida's situation has completely changed. There is no longer the "retired emperor" Abe to consider. The shocking news of Abe's death left stable seats for Kishida and the Liberal Democratic Party in the general election held on the 10th. This means Kishida can pursue a "post-Abe" policy.

Although it will be difficult for Prime Minister Kishida to immediately dismantle Abe's legacy, the need for a change in direction is higher than ever. "Abenomics," based on monetary easing and export expansion through a weak yen, which Abe promoted, is shaking the Japanese economy as it conflicts with the global trend of rising interest rates. The general assessment is that politicians cannot indefinitely prolong issues that increase public dissatisfaction.

Diplomacy is different. To divert internal dissatisfaction outward, a tougher stance may be taken. If we do not actively engage now, Japan might move in an unintended direction. True diplomacy is about preemptively blocking such problems.

If former President Moon Jae-in and former Prime Minister Abe ruined Korea-Japan relations, it is time for President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida to propose a new direction. New leaders do not need to waste time. Warnings are coming one after another that a global economic crisis based on inflation is imminent. Especially at times like this, it is right to increase allies.

Baek Jong-min, Opinion Editor

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