This article analyzes the content of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's speech at the Liberation Day ceremony on August 15, regarding future prospects for Korea-Japan relations.
Basic Policy for Korea-Japan Relations
President Lee clearly stated regarding Korea-Japan relations: "Based on the principle of national interest-centered pragmatic diplomacy, we will frequently engage through shuttle diplomacy, accumulate frank dialogue, and explore a future-oriented path of coexistence and co-prosperity with Japan." This statement indicates an intention to shift from the traditional confrontational structure centered on historical issues toward constructive relations emphasizing practical benefits. While acknowledging that "there are still those around us who suffer from historical issues and opposing positions exist," he positioned Japan as "a neighboring country sharing the same yard and an important partner for economic development."
Significance of 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Normalization and Expansion of People-to-People Exchanges
Recognizing that 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization, President Lee stated: "While facing historical issues directly, this is the time to demonstrate wisdom in moving toward the future." He cited specific data showing the development of bilateral relations: annual exchanges between the peoples of both countries have expanded 120-fold from 10,000 people 60 years ago to 12 million today, emphasizing the deepening of civilian-level exchanges. This figure symbolically demonstrates the expansion of mutual understanding and exchanges between the peoples of both countries beyond political confrontations.
Direction for Technological Cooperation and Future Co-creation
President Lee reflected on the history of cooperation in industrial development between the two countries, stating: "Just as Korea and Japan have grown together in the process of industrial development, when both countries cooperate toward the future based on trust, they can work together to overcome challenges in the era of super-gap artificial intelligence (AI)." This statement envisions building new cooperative relationships in cutting-edge technology fields such as AI and semiconductors, moving beyond traditional manufacturing-centered cooperation.
Prospects for Summit Meeting and International Assessment
Yonhap News reported on the speech: "President Lee emphasized future-oriented Korea-Japan relations in his address, and Prime Minister Ishiba also made changes to history-related content in his memorial address. The Korea-Japan leaders are expected to discuss various cooperation proposals in a relationship-strengthening atmosphere at the summit meeting scheduled for next week in Japan," indicating positive influence on the Korea-Japan summit scheduled for August 23.
Comprehensive Strategy for Domestic and Foreign Policy
Beyond Korea-Japan relations, the speech also addressed the pursuit of tension reduction and trust-building between South and North Korea, fostering cutting-edge science and technology including semiconductors and AI, energy transition, and strengthening culture and soft power, presenting a comprehensive national vision: "Fellow citizens, let us walk together toward a Korea that leads the world, a country full of peace and prosperity, a nation where the light of people's sovereignty continues to shine."
The article concludes that this was an important speech marking a turning point toward a new stage of bilateral relations, with President Lee clearly demonstrating a stance that maintains historical awareness while emphasizing practical Korea-Japan cooperation on the 80th anniversary of liberation.