President Lee to Hold Korea-Japan Summit in Andong on May 19... Office of the President: "Strengthening Practical Cooperation"

President Lee Previously Visited Takaichi's Hometown, Nara
This Time, Japanese Prime Minister Heads to Lee's Hometown, Andong
Discussing the Future of Korea-Japan Relations and Middle East Affairs

President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are taking a commemorative photo at Horyuji Temple, a representative cultural heritage site in Nara Prefecture, Japan on January 14, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung will hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is scheduled to visit Korea on May 19.

Kang Yoo-jung, Chief Presidential Spokesperson, announced in a written briefing on May 15 that Prime Minister Takaichi will visit Andong, North Gyeongsang Province from May 19 to 20 as part of the two countries' "shuttle diplomacy."

President Lee previously traveled to Nara Prefecture, Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown, for a Korea-Japan summit in January. This time, the summit will be held in Andong, President Lee's hometown. This marks the first time that the leaders of Korea and Japan have visited each other's hometowns.

On May 19, the two leaders will hold both small-group and expanded summit meetings, deliver a joint press announcement, and attend a dinner. They are also planning a separate friendship event. During the summit, they will discuss the future direction of Korea-Japan relations and seek ways to cooperate in the economic and security sectors, including ensuring a stable energy supply and strengthening supply chains in response to the situation in the Middle East.

In addition, the two leaders will work to strengthen practical cooperation in areas directly related to public welfare, such as social issues and the protection of citizens.

Chief Spokesperson Kang stated, "Shuttle diplomacy with Prime Minister Takaichi has expanded its stage from Gyeongju to Nara, and now to Andong and other regional cities," adding, "We expect this will serve as an opportunity to deepen the strong bonds and trust between the two leaders and further solidify the foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."

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