Lee and Ishiba aim for renewed ties at G7 summit

In June 2025, South Korea and Japan made a notable step toward improving their strained relations during a meeting at the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met for their first bilateral summit, focusing on the importance of future-oriented cooperation in light of ongoing global trade challenges. President Lee emphasized that Japan and South Korea are inseparable neighbors and expressed a desire for collaborative efforts to navigate issues posed by unilateral tariffs from the United States. The backdrop to this meeting is a complex history between the two nations, particularly regarding unresolved matters such as wartime forced labor that casts shadows over their diplomatic ties. While the previous South Korean administration had achieved substantial progress in bilateral relations through enhanced security and diplomatic coordination, the current administration views Japan through a more cautious lens. Observers were keenly interested in how President Lee, whose earlier comments had faced backlash from Japanese conservatives, would navigate this relationship. During their discussions, both leaders conveyed optimism about establishing a future-oriented partnership, though the concrete outcomes from this meeting remain uncertain. Lingering historical grievances continue to influence public perception and national sentiment in both countries. Lee reiterated the importance of acknowledging these historical issues while striving for a more balanced diplomatic approach. The meeting, while symbolically significant, will depend on whether these expressions of goodwill can transition into fruitful diplomatic engagement. As both governments proceed, the coming months will be critical in determining whether this summit marks a permanent shift in relations or a temporary reconciliation. Observers are watching closely to see if President Lee can successfully cultivate public support for a more collaborative approach with Japan while also addressing the sensitive historical disputes that have long strained the association between the two nations.