Korea-Japan Summit Talks in Korea After 12 Years... 'Shuttle Diplomacy' Fully Launched (Comprehensive)

Presidential Office: "Prime Minister Kishida to Visit Korea for Working-Level Talks on 7-8"
Kishida: "A Good Opportunity for Open and Candid Exchange of Opinions"
Attention on Whether 'Sincere Response' Will Lead to Apology and Reflection

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit South Korea from the 7th for a 1-night, 2-day trip to hold a Korea-Japan summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol. Through Prime Minister Kishida's visit, shuttle diplomacy between the two leaders will be fully activated, drawing attention to whether Japan will take additional measures in response to the South Korean government's decision on solutions such as forced labor compensation.

The Presidential Office announced on the 2nd, "Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to make a working visit to South Korea from the 7th to the 8th for 1 night and 2 days." President Yoon had invited Prime Minister Kishida to visit Seoul during his trip to Japan in March, and the Presidential Office explained that shuttle diplomacy between the two leaders will be activated through this visit. Prime Minister Kishida's visit to South Korea is the first bilateral visit by a Japanese prime minister in 12 years since Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's visit to Seoul in October 2011. Mrs. Kishida Yuko is also expected to accompany him on this visit.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Prime Minister Kishida mentioned to reporters on the ground the day before, "We are coordinating to visit South Korea on the 7th and 8th." If the visit is realized, Kishida expressed expectations that "it will be a good opportunity to accelerate Korea-Japan relations based on deep trust between the leaders and to openly exchange views on the rapidly changing international situation." Local media reported that he also showed enthusiasm to further promote 'shuttle diplomacy' involving mutual visits between the leaders following President Yoon's visit to Japan in March.

Previously, the two leaders focused on discussing export regulations, restoration of the whitelist, and normalization of the Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) during the summit held in March following President Yoon's visit to Japan. However, there have been criticisms that the forced diplomatic approach toward Japan without national consensus has left some missteps. Even after President Yoon's visit to Japan, Japan did not show a 'sincere response,' as Prime Minister Kishida offered offerings at the Yasukuni Shrine without an apology. Therefore, attention is focused on whether Prime Minister Kishida will mention an apology and reflection on colonial rule and forced labor as a 'sincere response' to the South Korean government's solution to forced labor during this visit.

The earlier-than-expected reciprocal visit by Prime Minister Kishida clearly signifies a gesture of goodwill toward the Yoon administration, which has shown a willingness to improve Korea-Japan relations. Japanese analysts also interpret this as an intention to accelerate relationship improvement in response to President Yoon's proactive stance on improving Korea-Japan relations by visiting South Korea soon after his visit to Japan in March.

The United States' intentions also appear to be a significant factor. It is said that the Japanese government intends to demonstrate Korea-Japan unity, which is important to its ally, the United States. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), also expressed gratitude for President Yoon's leadership regarding efforts to improve Korea-Japan relations during his recent visit to the U.S. in connection with the Korea-Japan summit. He emphasized, "I want to express my gratitude for the leadership shown in improving bilateral relations with Japan. We are seeing significant improvements not only between the two countries but also in the region," adding, "This aligns with President Biden's desire to strengthen the trilateral relationship among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan."

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