Yoon Seeks Further Japan Rapprochement Ahead Of US State Visit

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has given aninterview to the Washington Postin which he seemingly seeks to offer an olive branch to Japan ahead of this week's state visit to the United States. In the interview he talks on the frequently difficult relations between Seoul and Tokyo relating to the Japanese occupation of Korea in the first half of the 20th C, saying that, "I can’t accept the notion that because of what happened 100 years ago, something is absolutely impossible [to do] and that they [Japanese] must kneel [for forgiveness] because of our history 100 years ago. And this is an issue that requires decision. … In terms of persuasion, I believe I did my best.”

• In March, the South Korean gov't agreed to compensate Koreans forced to work for Japanese companies during the period of colonial rule. This caused a notable backlash from the opposition, which demanded the gov't abide by a 2018 supreme court ruling that Japanese firms are responsible for paying those Koreans.
• However, the conservative gov't of Yoon has sought to improve relations with Japan, arguing that the security situation in the region is too severe to allow historical animosities to hinder cooperation.
• Developing closer ties with Japan will be well received by Washington, where Yoon holds a summit with President Biden on 26 April. On 27 April he will become the first South Korean president to address a joint session of Congress.