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South Korean politics is so polarized that “turning on anti-Japanese sentiment won’t win him new voter recognition,” said Bong Yongshik, an expert on South Korean-Japanese relations at Yonsei University in Seoul.
The loudest criticism in South Korea comes from activists who have long argued that Japan has not done enough to atone for its atrocities in 35 years of occupation of the Korean Peninsula.
But given the urgent need for South Korea and Japan to cooperate in combating geopolitical threats, “the South Koreans should let their government take charge,” said Katherine H.S. Moon, professor emeritus of political science at Wellesley College.
During Mr. Yun’s visit, Tokyo will lend a helping hand to the message of reconciliation by putting on a kind of welcoming and friendly show that Japan specializes in official diplomatic meetings. Local media reported that in addition to a formal work lunch at his residence, Mr. Kishida will invite Mr. Yun for an afternoon drink and snack of “omu rice,” a popular Japanese version of the fried rice omelet, which Mr. Yun says he enjoys. .
If the visit does mark more than a brief respite from tensions, it is likely to cause concern in China, said Victor Cha, a professor of government and international affairs at Georgetown University and director of the Korean department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. in Washington.
“China is counting on Japan and Korea to hate each other,” Mr. Cha said. “This is part of their strategy to divide and weaken the US position in Asia.”
Hikari Hida presented a report from Tokyo.
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