South Korea, Japan Foreign Ministers Stress Security Ties Amid Political Turmoil

On January 13, 2025, South Korea and Japan’s foreign ministers convened in Seoul to reinforce their bilateral security relations amid escalating regional tensions and political upheaval in South Korea. This meeting marked the highest-level diplomatic engagement since South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration on December 3, which resulted in his impeachment and subsequent political turmoil. Key topics discussed included the growing threat of North Korea’s missile tests, deepening security ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, and China’s increasing assertiveness in maritime disputes.

“The security situation in this region is becoming very severe, and in that strategic environment, the importance of Japan-ROK relations has not changed, and in fact has become increasingly important,” stated Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya at a joint press conference with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul. Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok, standing in for the impeached Yoon, affirmed Iwaya’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of trilateral security cooperation with the United States. Iwaya also visited the Seoul National Cemetery earlier in the day to pay respects to Korean veterans, signaling a diplomatic effort to ease historic tensions between the two nations.

In addition to the bilateral discussions, the meeting took place in the context of broader geopolitical developments. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently affirmed Washington’s support for South Korea’s democratic institutions while expressing “serious concerns” over Yoon’s martial law decree. Furthermore, a separate trilateral meeting between Japan, the Philippines, and the United States underscored their commitment to countering China’s maritime assertiveness in the South and East China Seas.

The critical question arising from the meeting is whether South Korea and Japan can sustain their security collaboration in the context of domestic political uncertainties and shifting global alliances. South Korea’s domestic political landscape remains fragile, with recent polls indicating a narrow lead for the opposition Democratic Party over Yoon’s ruling People Power Party (PPP). Despite widespread public disapproval of Yoon’s martial law move, the PPP’s support has rebounded to 40.8% according to the latest Realmeter poll, narrowing the gap with the opposition.

Historically, South Korea-Japan relations have been fraught with unresolved disputes stemming from Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. Efforts to mend ties have often been overshadowed by issues such as wartime forced labor and territorial disputes over the Dokdo/Takeshima islets. In recent years, however, strategic concerns over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s regional influence have pushed both nations to seek closer cooperation under U.S. leadership.

While the current political climate in Seoul presents obstacles, the shared strategic interests of both countries, particularly in countering North Korean and Chinese threats, could provide a foundation for continued collaboration. Observers argue that a long-term peace framework must prioritize dialogue, transparency, and inclusive governance to ensure stability in the region.

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