Key Facts
• South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visited Japan on August 23, 2025.
• This was Lee’s first visit to Japan since taking office in June 2025.
• The summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba lasted approximately two hours.
• Discussions included a small meeting followed by an expanded session.
• Both leaders agreed to strengthen ties based on the 1965 normalization treaty.
• Cooperation on North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats was confirmed.
• Agreements included expanding working holiday programs and cultural exchanges.
• A joint statement was issued for the first time in 17 years.
• The visit marked the revival of ‘shuttle diplomacy’ after a 12-year hiatus.
• Lee prioritized Japan over the U.S., an unusual diplomatic move.
• August visits by South Korean presidents are rare due to anti-Japan sentiment.
• Lee’s shift from a hardline stance to ‘pragmatic diplomacy’ was noted.
• Historical issues, including the 1998 joint declaration, were discussed.
• Japan reaffirmed its stance on colonial-era apologies and reflections.
• Lee emphasized separating difficult issues from areas of cooperation.
Summary
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s August 23 visit to Japan marked a significant step in Japan-South Korea relations. Meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the two leaders agreed to strengthen ties based on the 1965 normalization treaty and address shared challenges, including North Korea’s nuclear threats. The summit, lasting two hours, also revived ‘shuttle diplomacy’ after 12 years. Lee’s visit, unusual for prioritizing Japan over the U.S. and occurring in August-a month of heightened anti-Japan sentiment in South Korea-highlighted his shift from a hardline stance to pragmatic diplomacy. Agreements included expanding working holiday programs and cultural exchanges. Historical issues, such as the 1998 joint declaration, were addressed, with both sides emphasizing cooperation despite unresolved challenges. A joint statement was issued for the first time in 17 years, underscoring a future-oriented approach to bilateral relations.
