Japanese Media "Welcome Yoon's Future-Oriented Stance... Concerns Over Approval Rating Decline and General Election"

Japanese Media Praises Outcomes of Korea-Japan Summit
Focus on President Yoon's Remarks on Historical Issues
Kishida's Mention of Historical Issues and Yoon's Consideration
Attention to Approval Ratings Amid 22nd General Election Impact

Japanese media on the 7th focused on President Yoon Suk-yeol's remarks regarding historical issues during the Korea-Japan joint press conference, praising the South Korean government for pursuing a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship. However, they also expressed concerns that this meeting might negatively affect President Yoon's approval ratings and the upcoming general election, potentially causing Korea-Japan relations to deteriorate again.

◆Japan: "South Korea prioritizes security over historical issues... Kishida shows consideration for President Yoon"

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shake hands ahead of the expanded Korea-Japan summit held at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul on the 7th.

On the 8th, the Asahi Shimbun highlighted President Yoon's remarks on historical issues, analyzing that South Korea values solidarity with the democratic camp more than focusing on settling past historical grievances.

Earlier, during the joint press conference, President Yoon stated, "I believe that the issue of recognizing historical matters is not something that one side can demand from the other," emphasizing the need to move away from the perception that future cooperation is impossible because historical issues remain unresolved.

Regarding this, the Asahi Shimbun reported, "President Yoon has made the democratic camp a pillar of solidarity," adding, "With North Korea's military activities intensifying, strengthening the alliance with the United States and improving relations with Japan have become urgent tasks for the South Korean government."

The Mainichi Shimbun also positively evaluated President Yoon's decision not to demand an apology from Japan during this meeting. However, it analyzed that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's comment expressing that he "feels heartache" regarding historical issues was largely intended to show consideration for President Yoon. This was seen as an attempt to offer a more advanced apology than before, mindful of the criticism President Yoon faces over issues such as compensation for forced labor.

Mainichi stated, "By mentioning that he 'feels heartache' concerning the forced labor issue, Prime Minister Kishida has entered a delicate line," and "there is a possibility that this was done out of consideration for President Yoon, who is being criticized by the opposition."

◆Concerns over President Yoon's approval rating decline and impact on general election

While Japanese media gave a positive evaluation of this meeting, they also showed concern that criticism from the political sphere and public opinion might cause Korea-Japan relations to revert to square one.

The Sankei Shimbun reported, "There are still factions within the political sphere that prioritize cooperation with North Korea and China," and stated that the confrontation with forces seeking political gain by shouting anti-Japan slogans will be a hurdle President Yoon must overcome. Nevertheless, it praised President Yoon for showing a readiness to face this confrontation.

Mainichi reported that the Japanese government and the Liberal Democratic Party are expressing concern over the declining approval ratings of President Yoon.

Mainichi explained, "Within the political sphere, there are worries that if public backlash intensifies or the administration changes, the South Korean government might pull the ladder away for (progress in Korea-Japan relations)."

Japanese media also paid attention to the 22nd general election scheduled for April next year. This is because the ruling People Power Party must secure a majority of seats in the election to strengthen President Yoon's efforts to improve Korea-Japan relations. Mainichi reported, "President Yoon is struggling with approval ratings in the 30% range according to polls," adding, "The People Power Party hopes to regain a majority, but it is currently difficult to confirm whether this meeting will have a positive effect on President Yoon."

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