[EAI] The 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue Held <Korea-Japan Cooperation Amidst a Changing World Order: Is Building a Future-Oriented Korea-Japan Relationship Possible?>

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa57qce5e40

f2e34dd1a320d063f2e34dd1a320d063f2e34dd1a320d063.a_wrap {font-family:Nanum Gothic, Sans-serif, Arial; line-height:1.6em;}

The East Asia Institute (EAI), headed by President Son Yeol, jointly hosted the 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue with the Choi Soon-young Foundation and Japan's Genron NPO (言論NPO) from October 16 (Fri) to October 17 (Sat) at the Korea Foundation Conference Hall. Based on the results of the 2020 Korea-Japan mutual perception survey, private sector panelists were formed from various fields including politics, academia, business, culture, and youth representatives. Discussions were held under the theme <Korea-Japan Cooperation Amidst a Changing World Order: Is Building a Future-Oriented Korea-Japan Relationship Possible?>. The event was conducted in a hybrid online and offline format, connecting Korea and Japan via video conference, with on-site attendees who had pre-registered and live online audiences from both Japan and Korea.

Public Session Program 10/17

f2e34dd1a320d063

f2e34dd1a320d063

f2e34dd1a320d063

Summary of Key Discussions (File Attached)

• Does Public Sentiment Dictate Korea-Japan Relations?
• Focus on Keywords of Korea-Japan Youth Generation: Anti-Elder Sentiment, Cultural Content, and Media Literacy
• Korea and Japan on the Same Boat Under the Name of 'Strategic Interest'
• Will Korea Participate in the Quad Security Cooperation Framework?
• Decoupling from Historical Issues and a Phased Approach for Gradual Progress
• Korea-Japan Relations: Extremely Personal and Cultural, from the Perspective of Youth

Watch Video

Opening Remarks

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Participant List

Korean Side

Kim Hyun-ki, Editor-in-Chief, JoongAng Ilbo

Kim Ho-sub, Former President, Northeast Asian History Foundation

Nam Ki-jung, Professor, Seoul National University

Noh Woong-rae, Member of the National Assembly, Democratic Party of Korea

Seo Eui-dong, Editorial Writer, Kyunghyang Shinmun

Son Yeol, President of the East Asia Institute; Professor, Yonsei University

Park Young-jun, Professor, Korea National Defense University

Park Won-gon, Professor, Handong Global University

Park In-gook, President of the Choi Soon-young Foundation; Former UN Ambassador

Park Chul-hee, Professor, Seoul National University

Yang Ki-ho, Professor, Sungkonghoe University

Yang Mi-gang, Former Executive Director, Asia Peace and History Education Network

Wi Sung-lac, Former Ambassador to the Russian Federation

Lee Ki-ho, CEO, Sharp Electronics Components Co., Ltd.

Lee Sook-jong, Senior Fellow, East Asia Institute; Professor, Sungkyunkwan University

Lee Jeong-hwan, Professor, Seoul National University

Lee Won-deok, Professor, Kookmin University

Lee Hong-koo, Former Prime Minister

Lee Hoon-sang, Professor, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University

Jeon Jae-sung, Director, East Asia Institute; Professor, Seoul National University

Jeong Jae-jeong, Professor Emeritus, University of Seoul; Former President, Northeast Asian History Foundation

Cho Tae-yong, Member of the National Assembly, People Power Party

Cho Hyung-jin, CEO, Chorokbaem Media

Ji Young-mi, Member, WHO COVID-19 Emergency Committee; Special Representative for Health Diplomacy, Korea Foundation

Choi Sang-yong, Former Ambassador to Japan; Ha Young-sun, Chairman, East Asia Institute; Professor Emeritus, Seoul National University

Japanese Side

Koda Yoji, Former Commander, Maritime Self-Defense Force Escort Flotilla

Katori Teruyuki, Professor, Faculty of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Chuo University; Former Director, Pension Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Kojo Yoshiko, Professor, Aoyama Gakuin University

Kondo Seiichi, Representative, Kondo Institute for Cultural Diplomacy; Former Commissioner, Agency for Cultural Affairs

Kudo Yasushi, Representative, GENRON NPO

Kwon Yong-seok, Associate Professor, Hitotsubashi University

Nishino Junya, Professor, Keio University

Sakamoto Haruka, Project Researcher, Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo

Soeya Yoshihide, Professor Emeritus, Keio University

Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi, Member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party

Ogura Kazuo, Senior Advisor, Japan Foundation; Former Ambassador to Korea

Oshitani Hitoshi, Professor, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine; Member, Expert Meeting on Novel Coronavirus Response

Okanogi Masao, Professor Emeritus, Keio University

Okuzono Hideki, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Graduate School of Global Studies, Shizuoka Prefectural University; Deputy Director, Center for Contemporary Korean and North Korean Studies

Ito Abito, Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Furukawa Yoshihisa, Member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party; Former Vice-Minister of Finance

Video Script

We will now begin the 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue. Attendees present here, please wear your receivers. Press button 5 for the Korean channel and button 6 for the Japanese channel. Before we commence, we will have opening remarks from Director Son Gi-ho of the East Asia Institute. Please welcome him with a round of applause. Hello, I am Son Gi-ho, introduced just now as the Director of the East Asia Institute. First, I would like to express my gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have attended the 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue. I also extend my thanks to everyone watching this broadcast via YouTube.

I would like to express my particular gratitude to former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo, as well as to our distinguished guests, the Korean and Japanese panelists, and all other attendees. And from the Japanese side, I thank Ambassador Ogura, Representative Kudo of GENRON NPO, and all other participating members. This year, due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, the Korea-Japan Dialogue has faced considerable challenges. The Future Dialogue has traditionally involved conducting joint public opinion surveys between Korea and Japan, and based on the survey results, intellectuals from both countries would engage in dialogue through forums. The opinion surveys were typically conducted in May and June.

However, this year, due to the COVID-19 situation, we were unable to conduct the opinion surveys in May. They were postponed, and fortunately, we were able to complete the surveys in both countries in September. Based on these results, we are able to hold this dialogue between Korea and Japan today. Personally, I feel a great sense of relief and gratitude. I believe that holding this conference despite these various difficulties is highly significant.

In terms of Korea-Japan relations, over the past year and four months, since the announcement of export restrictions by then-Prime Minister Abe on July 1st of last year, relations have repeatedly deteriorated, reaching their worst state, as is well known. We have exchanged trade retaliations, and there have been disputes over issues of comfort women and security. This year, due to the COVID-19 emergency, even though both countries have been in a state of quarantine, there have been various disputes and conflicts between the two nations, both large and small, some of which have appeared to be emotional arguments.

Behind these issues lies the most significant challenge: the dispute over the Supreme Court's ruling on forced labor compensation and how to resolve the export restrictions. Negotiations have been ongoing between Korea and Japan, but they have been in a stalemate for over a year. We can see that sentiments at the civilian level have also significantly worsened. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, opportunities for people from both countries to meet are extremely limited. In that respect, it is extremely important for both countries to meet, even if it is through this video conference. I would like to highlight this as the first significance of today's meeting.

To break the current stalemate in relations between the two countries, it is crucial to accurately gauge public sentiment in both nations. Regarding the various issues in Korea-Japan relations, public opinion is complex and cannot be simply reduced to commonly perceived sentiments such as anti-Japanese sentiment or anti-Korean sentiment; it requires a closer examination. This is what we have learned through the recent opinion surveys. When looking at the public opinion in Korea and Japan regarding the immediate solutions for the forced labor issue and export restrictions, the results of this opinion survey show a certain gap from our general expectations and the current government's position.

Therefore, I believe it is extremely important for private individuals to accurately read and analyze public opinion and to voice their opinions to the government. There is a significant reason why both countries must meet at this juncture. The current world order is at a moment of great change, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strategic competition between the United States and China is intensifying, escalating from trade disputes to technological warfare, and further extending to competition over systems and norms, and ultimately to security competition.

Korea and Japan, which rely on the United States for security and cannot afford to lose the Chinese market for their economies, are in the same boat. While alliance with the United States is essential, it is a reality and the future that national interests cannot be pursued solely through anti-China policies. In this regard, both Korea and Japan must put their heads together to devise norms, systems, and order that allow them to coexist with these two giants.

Another variable is the change brought about by COVID-19. The COVID-19 variable is accelerating the ongoing competition between the US and China, while simultaneously dealing a significant blow to the leadership and reputation of both the US and China. China faced international criticism for its initial response failures to COVID-19, and has lost international reputation due to its authoritarian leadership, coercive actions regarding Hong Kong, and forceful diplomatic policies. Neighboring countries, feeling insecure about this, are looking to the United States, but the US appears to be heading towards a reduction of its hegemony.

The United States is currently exhibiting the worst performance in its COVID-19 response, and its economy is in the worst state since the Great Depression. American politics are mired in division and conflict as the presidential election approaches. In terms of foreign policy, American global leadership is eroding due to "America First" and unilateralism. Therefore, in the context of the US-China competition, which is being exacerbated by COVID-19, Korea, Japan, and other regional powers need to join forces and move forward together.

In other words, we are at a critical juncture where we must seek a strategy of alliance to protect the interests and values of Korea and Japan, and further, to draw China into a network of peace and common prosperity. Thus, in 2020, Korea and Japan are facing immense challenges, while also having the opportunity to contribute to the world. I sincerely hope that today's meeting will serve as a forum to find solutions to immediate issues, embrace the changes in the world order, and contemplate creative cooperation models.

I will conclude my remarks here. Thank you very much. Thank you for your insightful words. Next, we will hear opening remarks from Ambassador Ogura Kazuo, former Ambassador to Korea and Japan. Please welcome him with a round of applause. Hello everyone. Thank you very much to everyone participating in this joint seminar hosted by GENRON NPO and EAI. I believe there are those who may have felt skeptical about holding such a forum at this particular time. However, there are at least three reasons for holding it.

First, there is the saying that persistence is a great strength. This means that continuing this dialogue itself holds significant meaning. Another point is that the international order is currently in great turmoil. Everyone is looking inward, and anxiety and egoism are spreading widely. In such times, it is important to open one's heart. Therefore, it is crucial for Korean and Japanese intellectuals and young people to gather and open their hearts. This is what I believe is very important.

Furthermore, as revealed in surveys, Korea-Japan relations are currently in a dark phase. There is no blue sky in sight. However, perhaps precisely because of this, dialogue may be even more necessary. So, what should we discuss? We are not government officials, nor are most of us in business, although some are. Therefore, we believe the role of citizens is important, and the purpose of this forum is to discuss the role of ordinary citizens together.

What has become particularly clear due to the coronavirus is how important solidarity is in society. Solidarity in civil society—this includes the significant role of civil movements, NGOs, and other civil society organizations. Currently, around the world, those in power are trying to make all decisions based solely on political intentions. This is a major problem. Therefore, civil society organizations must discuss how social solidarity, mutual understanding, and ethical principles are possible and what we can do.

There is authority, such as academia and the media. In English, it is called "authority," but in Chinese characters, it can be translated as "power." However, authority and power are very difficult to reconcile. From the perspective of a newcomer, in this internet age, they oppose power but do not necessarily oppose authority, which is fundamentally different. I believe we must properly understand this difference. We must check power. Is this not the role of civil movements?

Authority and power, power and kingship are being misused, and citizens must think carefully about these aspects. What has become clear due to the coronavirus is that we must once again think clearly about the relationship between power and authority. Another issue is the international order. This is not just about COVID-19; the anti-globalization movement is becoming increasingly serious worldwide. Human security, infectious disease countermeasures, environmental conservation, response to large-scale disasters, peacebuilding, and drug eradication—various issues exist.

In what ways can citizens be involved in ensuring the security of each individual? Has the time not come for us to seriously discuss this at this level? Regarding Korea-Japan relations, recent opinion surveys reveal various issues, but I believe it is necessary to distinguish between short-term phenomena and long-term plans. While short-term discussions are necessary, I believe we must discuss with a long-term perspective. We must not overlook the long-term perspective.

Another term is "future-oriented." I believe this term is somewhat outdated. It has become a cliché, overused to the point of being worn out. We need to re-examine the meaning of the term "future-oriented." Of course, working hard for the future is important in the present. However, only those who understand the past can speak about the future.

Young people certainly have the strength for the future and the obligation to carry it forward. However, those who have diverse experiences can also speak about the past and the future. The problem is that those who do not have a proper understanding of the past do not have the right to speak about the future. That being said, in the process of discussing the future, we must also understand the differences in perceptions related to the past. In that sense, speaking about the future is, in a way, consistent with speaking about the past.

We need to think about these aspects when we discuss. Both Korea and Japan have performed remarkably well in dealing with the COVID-19 issue, even if it is difficult to call it a complete success. Both countries have performed well. This is true not only for Korea and Japan but also for Taiwan and Vietnam. Given this success in dealing with the pandemic, I hope we can have more dialogue within East Asia. However, globally... I apologize, I have caught a cold and am not feeling well.

I apologize. Globally, there is a movement to dislike China. What we must consider due to the coronavirus is that a movement to dislike China is spreading worldwide. However, Japan and Korea should not simply join this trend and say they dislike China. I believe that under these circumstances, Korea and Japan must discuss and respond together on how to deal with China. When discussing Korea-Japan relations, we need to look not only at Korea and Japan but also at the world and have a dialogue.

I will conclude my remarks, although there may be parts that are difficult to hear. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we will hear welcoming remarks from Park In-koo, President of the Choi Soon-heon Foundation. Please welcome him with a round of applause. I would like to extend my gratitude and welcome to all of you who have gathered here today for this valuable opportunity to take stock of the current complex state of Korea-Japan relations and to seek a more future-oriented direction. I also extend my thanks to those watching via YouTube online.

For the past two years, the Choi Soon-heon Foundation has focused its research efforts on analyzing geopolitical risks surrounding the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and developing response strategies, as well as the impact of changes in the science and technology sector, which has emerged as a new variable in geopolitical uncertainty, on the international relations of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. Simultaneously, recognizing the need to move beyond the past and strengthen future-oriented exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Japan, the Choi Soon-heon Foundation, under the overarching theme of "Shaping the Future," co-hosted the first Tokyo Forum with the University of Tokyo in December of last year.

At that time, a wide-ranging discussion was held on various future-oriented agendas. Today, with significant external changes occurring around Korea and Japan, there is interest in whether new momentum for change will emerge between Korea and Japan. Will the export restrictions imposed by Japan this year, after an eight-year hiatus, serve as a new turning point for Korea-Japan relations, which have been strained? Furthermore, as seen in the intensifying US-China confrontation, exemplified by the Hong Kong security law, the response to the novel coronavirus, and the technological hegemony competition for TikTok, will Korea and Japan be able to strategically cooperate to address the major challenge of the changing geopolitical landscape between the US and China, or will they continue to be passively drawn into it? This remains a significant question.

I pray that this meeting will serve as an opportunity to revitalize Korea-Japan intellectual exchanges, which were temporarily halted due to COVID-19, and to actively discuss various opportunities and methodologies for cooperation. Thank you. Thank you. Next, former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo will deliver congratulatory remarks. Please welcome him with a round of applause. It is a great pleasure to offer congratulatory remarks at the 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue meeting today. I recall attending a meeting hosted by Director Son a few years ago in Seoul, and although I could not attend the entire session, I remember offering brief congratulatory remarks and greetings.

I am truly pleased that such efforts have continued, leading to this 8th meeting at such a crucial time, and I commend your hard work. Moreover, this video conference format, different from past methods, is a new experiment. I am delighted that many friends and individuals interested in Korea-Japan relations in Japan have gathered to participate. I would like to extend a warm welcome to each of you through this opportunity. While I do not need to elaborate extensively on congratulatory remarks, given the importance of Korea-Japan relations, I would like to share a few thoughts.

As my friend Ambassador Ogura mentioned earlier, he has accurately highlighted major issues. First, regarding COVID-19, it is a challenge that humanity is facing together, and we are in the midst of it. However, I cannot help but hope that Korea and Japan, along with all global citizens, can cooperate to effectively resolve this crisis for the entire global civilization.

Furthermore, as mentioned by Ambassador Ogura, although it is not on the same scale as the COVID-19 situation, when we read newspapers and watch news reports daily, it seems that democracy worldwide is facing a crisis. It appears that few countries, including the United States, are experiencing robust democracy. In this sense, I believe this meeting provides an opportunity to consider whether democracy in Japan and Korea is functioning soundly.

Perhaps with the departure of Prime Minister Abe, who strived for this dialogue, a turning point in Japanese politics is becoming visible, making this a good opportunity. In fact, democracy, while practiced since ancient times, has been systematically developed and successfully experimented with in Japan and Korea since the end of World War II. The late 19th century was an era of imperialism, which brought about various pains that we also experienced in Korea-Japan relations.

In the 20th century, after World War II, there was an era of international order led by the United States and the Soviet Union. As a continuation of that, there is currently a very difficult confrontation between the United States and China. While there is no need to delve into all these situations here today, if we examine how democracy has been managed in such circumstances, particularly between Korea and Japan, I, as a political scientist who has taught for many years, do not give high marks.

Foreign scholars, including third-country scholars, who are interested in Japanese and Korean politics almost invariably point out that democratic politics are not actively progressing in either Japan or Korea. Consequently, a major reason why Korea-Japan relations have not developed well can be seen as a result of the lack of active democratic politics in both our countries. The most critical issue in this context is that in both Japan and Korea, decisions are primarily made around the Prime Minister's official residence or the Blue House, respectively. However, the extent to which public opinion, public will, and public sentiment are considered and reflected in policy is truly questionable.

In this sense, civil society organizations, intellectuals, and journalists interested in Korea-Japan relations must voice their opinions more actively. In that process, a space for constructive and creative discussions between Korea and Japan must be created. Today's Korea-Japan Future Dialogue is a prime example of such potential. Therefore, those gathered here today deserve congratulations, and I hope for fruitful discussions.

Indeed, while American democracy faces challenges, it is very actively functioning. However, the democracy in Korea and Japan is so lacking in vitality that it is almost despairing. Years ago, the late American Asian studies expert Professor Sklar and I criticized Japanese politics and party politics as "1.5 politics," meaning not a two-party system, but rather a system where the government is dominant and opposition parties and civil society are marginal. However, we have not moved far from that criticism.

Korea achieved democratization in 1988, but all decisions are still made centering on the President and the Blue House. The role and contribution of the public and civil society are not well-integrated. Therefore, for our bilateral relations to progress optimally, we must work together to create a political environment in both countries where democracy is more active and the voices of civil society and the public are better reflected. By doing so, we hope that Korea and Japan can serve as models of democracy.

Although we are handling the COVID-19 situation well, I hope we can also achieve success in addressing the issue of democracy. One more point I would like to add, since the topic has come up: Japan has a unique position to exercise global leadership on an issue where it can truly lead, and that is the issue of nuclear proliferation. No other country in the world has the capacity and qualification to exercise leadership on this issue. Japan alone has been directly attacked by nuclear weapons and suffered many casualties.

Therefore, we expect Japan to take the lead in advocating that nuclear proliferation must never be tolerated. In Korea, we are deeply concerned about North Korea's continued development and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, ballistic missiles have already been launched twice, some of which have landed in Japanese waters. In this situation, Japan's quiet response is quite frustrating from the perspective of its neighbor, Korea.

We believe that Japan and Korea must continue to engage in dialogue on the principle that nuclear proliferation must never be allowed in our region, East Asia. It is time for China to clearly state its position on this principle. Does China believe that nuclear proliferation is unacceptable in our region, or will China join forces with Japan, Korea, and many UN member states to resolutely prevent nuclear proliferation? In that vein, we hope that China will take a proactive stance to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, thereby opening new possibilities for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in our region, East Asia. We expect China to play a leading role in achieving this goal, working with Korea, Japan, and China to create a world free from nuclear proliferation and COVID-19, where global citizens actively participate. I expect the Korea-Japan Future Dialogue to serve as a major catalyst for generating such new energy in our region. I offer my sincere congratulations on this occasion. Thank you for your insightful words. Next, Mr. Ando Kazuya, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will deliver congratulatory remarks. Please welcome him with a round of applause. I am Kazuya Ando. I would like to offer a few words. First, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the Asian Affairs Bureau, I sincerely congratulate you on the convening of the 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue. I also pay my deepest respects for the fact that this dialogue, which addresses the challenges facing Korea and Japan and the future of Asia, has been steadily held each year.

We expect this to be a major driver in generating energy within our region, and I offered my congratulations to you all personally. Thank you. Thank you for your kind words. Next, we will hear congratulatory remarks from Mr. Ando Koji, Director of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please welcome him with a big round of applause. I am honored to be here today. First, I sincerely congratulate the opening of the "Future Dialogue on Overcoming Regional Crises," a dialogue that will be held in a spirit of shared joy. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the Bureau of Asian and Oceanian Affairs, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations. Furthermore, I pay my deepest respect to the fact that this dialogue, which addresses the pending issues between Japan and Korea and the future of Asia, is being steadily held every year.

Korea and Japan are very important countries for each other, and coexistence, including the North Korean issue, is crucial. Since Prime Minister Suga took office, a phone summit was held with President Moon Jae-in on September 24th, during which discussions were held on various issues between Korea and Japan, including the abduction issue and people-to-people exchanges. Despite the difficult issues between the two countries, we intend to move forward with various challenges, including response to the novel coronavirus, in cooperation with the Korean government. I believe it is meaningful that leaders from various fields in both Korea and Japan, who hold influence and possess high expertise, are engaging in frank dialogue online despite the COVID-19 situation.

I believe that the current difficult Korea-Japan relations should not continue as they are, and I am confident that all participants in this meeting share this view. I look forward to a broad discussion on how we can move towards a better direction, what kind of future awaits Korea-Japan relations and cooperation for the citizens of both countries, Asia, and the world. I will conclude my brief opening remarks here. Thank you.

Thank you for your remarks.

Attachment: [EAI] 8th Korea-Japan Future Dialogue Pamphlet.pdf