The opposition in South Korea won the election by attacking the ruling party as "pro-Japanese." Despots in China, Russia, and North Korea would welcome that.
Relations are better between Japan and South Korea but for an enduring partnership the two must overcome historical issues and the 2018 radar lock-on dispute.
Tsutomu Nishioka, a Korean Peninsula expert, assesses Yoon Suk-yeol's presidency and the issues at stake for the region in a revealing 2-part interview.
Anti-Japanese sentiment is easily aroused in South Korea. It would work against the Camp David summit agreement to bring security cooperation to "new heights."
If South Korea isn't willing to address issues, such as the radar lock-on incident, relations may not fully improve despite the currency swap agreement.
Mutual trust is missing between the supposed security partners. The South Korea Navy committed a dangerous hostile act against Japan's maritime force in 2018.
Russia's attack on Ukraine has emboldened Kim Jong Un and destabilized Northeast Asia's security environment, realize the leaders of both Japan and South Korea.
Kishida and Yoon recognized at the Japan-South Korea summit that they should work together, given the region's deteriorating security environment.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, the Japan, South Korea, US leaders declare they are "more aligned than ever" in responding to North Korea's provocations.
