Key points

On October 28, 2026, South Korea's Professor Yang Gi-ho, Emeritus at Sungkyunkwan University, pointed out that cooperation between South Korea and Japan is indispensable during this period of major transformation in the international order. On the same day, economic organizations from both countries shared the recognition that South Korea's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would contribute to strengthening regional supply chains, adopting a joint statement to continue efforts toward accession. Additionally, the defense ministers of South Korea and Japan exchanged views on regional security issues including North Korea's nuclear and missile development, agreeing to activate defense cooperation. These developments indicate strengthened collaboration between the two countries amid changing international circumstances. [2] [1] [4]

Major Changes in the International Situation and the Necessity of Korea-Japan Cooperation

On October 28, 2026, Professor Yang Gi-ho, Emeritus at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, stated in an interview with Yonhap News that the era of geopolitics has returned and the international order is undergoing a major transformation, making cooperation between South Korea and Japan indispensable. He pointed out that the new international political and security environment is shaped by factors such as the US-China bipolar system, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's military strengthening, and North Korea's advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities. To respond to these changes, he emphasized that while historical issues cannot be separated, a future-oriented relationship between the two countries is required. [2]

Professor Yang proposed that South Korea and Japan, as advanced countries sharing market economies and democracies, should share strategic interests and aim for a Korea-Japan economic community by seeking a new joint declaration based on the 1998 Korea-Japan Joint Declaration. He stated that sharing historical awareness is a prerequisite that leads to a future-oriented relationship aimed at growth and prosperity for both countries. This is expected to build a horizontal partnership between Korea and Japan in political, economic, and security fields. [2] [3]

Current Status and Prospects of Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation

On October 23, 2026, economic organizations from Japan and South Korea—the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and the Korea Economic Association—held a meeting in Seoul, sharing the recognition that South Korea's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would contribute to strengthening regional supply chain cooperation. Both organizations adopted a joint statement to continue efforts toward realizing accession. Keidanren Chairman Yoshinobu Tsutsui emphasized the importance of Korea-Japan economic cooperation in light of rising geopolitical tensions. The Korean side also stressed strengthening cooperation on common challenges such as economic security and demographic aging. [1]

Professor Yang Gi-ho stated that South Korea and Japan, as advanced countries sharing market economies and democracies, should share strategic interests and aim for a Korea-Japan economic community. He proposed deepening future-oriented cooperative relations based on the 1998 Korea-Japan Joint Declaration. This is expected to strengthen economic cooperation and contribute to the prosperity of both countries. [2]

Moves to Strengthen Security Cooperation

On October 28, 2026, the defense ministers of South Korea and Japan met during the 13th Expanded ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in the Philippines, exchanging views on regional security issues including North Korea's nuclear and missile development. Both ministers confirmed close cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States, agreeing to activate Korea-Japan defense cooperation. The progress in close communication at the high-level between Korea and Japan's defense authorities since early 2026 was also welcomed. These developments indicate strengthened cooperation to respond to changes in the regional security environment. [4]

Also on October 28, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held talks confirming strengthened cooperation in economic security and the defense industry. The two leaders discussed establishing a high-level dialogue on AI technology and cooperation on next-generation fighter development, agreeing to strengthen supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals. These cooperative efforts are positioned as contributing to the stability of security and economy in the region, including Korea and Japan. [5]