Articles

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Historical Antagonism and the Future of Japan-ROK Relations

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.