Historical Antagonism and the Future of Japan-ROK Relations

DEVELOPMENTS

Since his rise to the power in February 2008, South Korean president Lee Myung-Bak has significantly alleviated the historical political and social tensions between Japan and South Korea (ROK.) The newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has followed suit by encouraging cooperative efforts to build up an East Asian regional community. The two countries have enhanced cooperation through several channels, including their participation in the Six Party Talks, development assistance in Afghanistan, the combating of piracy in Somalia, as well as youth and academic exchanges.

Though these developments suggest healthier bilateral relations, the legacy of World War II still haunts the Japan-ROK relationship. After more than sixty years, the countries still engage in rows over visits to Yasukuni Shrine, sovereignty tussles over the Takeshima-Dokto Islands, controversial history textbooks, and the issue of Korean comfort women. Although the Japan-PRC-ROK trilateral summit has been institutionalized since December 2008, the institutionalization of bilateral cooperation intended to help build trust between Japan and South Korea has yet to materialize. Understanding the historical conflict helps contextualize current political developments in East Asia and sheds light on future prospects for and limitations of Japan-ROK relations.

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