[EAI-API Conference] Korea-Japan Cooperation 2050: Addressing Common Challenges for Future Generations

YouTube Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6F7q--JU8g

Video Script

Good morning. I am Son Yeol, President of the East Asia Institute. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone in the audience for attending this meeting early in the morning. It is a great pleasure for us to host this conference titled 'Korea-Japan Cooperation 2050: Addressing Common Challenges for Future Generations,' organized by the East Asia Institute, co-hosted by Japan's API (Asia Pacific Initiative), and sponsored by the Korea Foundation. I am particularly grateful that many individuals from Japan's API are present for today's event, and especially thankful for the congratulatory remarks by Representative Joo Ho-young, Chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

The reason for establishing a forum for discussing Korea-Japan relations at the beginning of the new year is that, as you are well aware, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. Therefore, it will be a valuable opportunity to reflect on and assess the past 60 years, and to look ahead to the next 60 years. We are holding this conference at a time of considerable uncertainty for both Korea and Japan, with changes in government and other factors. As the title suggests, we are discussing the year 2050, which means that risks such as the 'Trump risk' immediately around us, and Japan's own domestic politics, which is not particularly stable, are relevant.

Redefining Future-Oriented Cooperation: The 2050 Generation and Challenges

There are certain domestic political risks in Japan, and South Korea is experiencing significant risks. However, looking towards 2050, we can overcome these risks and engage in broader discussions. The title of today's conference is 'Korea-Japan Cooperation 2050.' The reason for discussing 2050 is twofold. Firstly, when we speak of a 'future-oriented relationship' or 'future-oriented cooperation' in Korea-Japan relations, it often implies moving beyond disputes over historical issues and engaging in functional cooperation to progress towards the future, meaning a transition from the past to the future.

However, whether all discussions, not just those concerning historical issues, are future-oriented is another question. Therefore, the theme and overarching concept of this conference, which will continue until 4 PM today, is that the era where the current generation of 2030s, or what we call the 'MZ generation,' becomes the protagonist will be 2050, twenty years from now. Consequently, we believe that it is future-oriented to anticipate and prepare from now on for the major challenges that the generations entering the mainstream of our society and Japanese society in 2050 will face. Thus, we have conceptualized future-oriented cooperation in this manner. We have set the target year as 2050, but today's meeting is not intended to forecast what Korea-Japan relations will be like in 2050.

We need to identify the issues that the young generations of both countries will face in 2050 and prepare to address them starting now. This conference aims to discuss the directions for such preparation. I would like to express my gratitude to our partner, API, and especially to President Shinbo, for their active cooperation in making this conference possible. I also thank the Korea Foundation for their financial support, particularly from Chairman Kim Ki-hwan. I would like to conclude my opening remarks by expressing my hope that our research will yield excellent results through the insightful presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions with our distinguished speakers, moderators, panelists, and the audience.

The Necessity of Korea-Japan Cooperation and the Role of Future Generations

Thank you. Welcome to all participants from API, the Korea Foundation, Glob 2050, 2049, 100, and 50 Vision. I am Joo Ho-young, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union. While numerous seminars are planned to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations this year, this appears to be the first major seminar of the year. I thank EAI President Son Yeol and API Professor Shinbo for organizing this event. The governments and the National Assembly are preparing and discussing various future cooperation plans to mark the 60th anniversary of normalization. However, I am quite concerned that the recent leadership issues in Korea might hinder such in-depth events.

There are areas where the need for Korea-Japan cooperation for the future clashes with the necessity of resolving unfortunate historical issues, which has often impeded future-oriented cooperation. It is crucial to thoughtfully consider and research how to wisely set aside the past and ensure that future cooperation is not hindered. As global economic and security instability increases, the need for Korea-Japan cooperation becomes more critical than ever. Furthermore, future generations, those who will be active in 2050, are often less burdened by historical issues, which might alleviate some concerns. However, upon closer examination and in actual negotiations and cooperation, these concerns frequently arise. I hope that today's distinguished experts will effectively outline constructive cooperation plans for the future of Korea-Japan relations. The National Assembly will actively strive to realize these plans, and the outcomes of this seminar will be shared with all members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union.

Following the formation of a new leadership in late November, we had an introductory meeting with Chairman Koga of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union and Prime Minister Ibaraki. Today, three members of the Democratic Party from Japan are scheduled to visit and meet with me. From the 20th to the 22nd of this month, I will lead a delegation to the National Assembly of Korea to explain our domestic political situation. We will meet with Chairman Koga, Ibaraki Shoji, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to explain the current domestic situation and discuss ways to strengthen Korea-Japan cooperation and meaningfully commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I extend my special thanks to the participants from Japan and hope for a very meaningful and productive seminar.

Overview of Joint Research Projects and Key Tasks

Congratulations. Thank you. The next session will feature President Son Yeol and Representative Shinbo, who will introduce the overview and research findings of this project. Before we begin the main sessions, allow me to briefly explain our project. About a year ago, EAI and API Japan began a joint research project under the title 'Korea-Japan Cooperation 2050,' as mentioned earlier. We have since held two preliminary meetings and interim presentations, and today marks a kind of final presentation. Based on today's discussions, we will finalize our reports and plan to publish EAI's research findings around next month.

API will also utilize these findings later. Therefore, before the main presentations, we will briefly preview the major challenges that Korea and Japan will face in 2050, and then commence the sessions. Let us begin with Japan's perspective on the key challenges, followed by my follow-up on the Korean side. Mr. Shinbo, please proceed. 50, 50, 50, 2, 2, 3+3, DI, 3, CPTTP, 3, MAN, AI, AI, AI, 4, UR, UR, 베, 비, DI, ulive, ers. Thank you. To briefly summarize the topics for the Korean side, there are about six items. The first is security, focusing on security in 2050. Professor Jeon Jae-sung, Director of EAI's Center for National Security and Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University, has addressed this. The primary challenge identified is the nuclear issue.

Future Challenges in Security and Economy

However, this is not solely about North Korea's nuclear program but rather a significant shift in the future global nuclear order. Therefore, the challenge is how Korea and Japan will respond to this evolving nuclear order. The first challenge is the potential relative decline in the US's extended deterrence commitment or capability, and the projected enhancement of nuclear capabilities by China, Russia, and North Korea. The proposed cooperation items between Korea and Japan regarding this challenge are detailed, and it would be best to hear them directly, so I will not repeat them here. The core issue is the high likelihood of nuclear parity forming between the US and China, and how Korea and Japan should respond within that context. The second area is economics, handled by Professor Lee Jeong-hwan of Seoul National University. The main challenges are twofold. First, the retreat of globalization, which is expected to continue for the next two decades. This poses a significant challenge for South Korea, which achieved economic growth and joined the ranks of developed nations through globalization. Second, independent of external factors, both Korea and Japan are clearly entering a phase of low growth. Therefore, cooperation agendas are presented for these two challenges. First, cooperation plans between Korea and Japan regarding the retreat of globalization, and second, cooperation plans between Korea and Japan in response to the relative shrinking of their economies. One important aspect is how to uplift the North Korean economy, the only underdeveloped region in Northeast Asia, at least within the framework of 2050. The third area is advanced technology, addressed by Professor Paik Sung-in of Hanyang University. While there are many advanced technologies, focusing on AI, Professor Paik's assessment is that the greatest challenge for both Korea and Japan will be the strong pressure for decoupling within the global AI ecosystem due to the AI competition between the US and China.

Advanced Technology and Climate/Energy Cooperation

Consequently, Korea and Japan need a globally integrated AI ecosystem for their national strength to grow. The discussion will focus on what challenges they must overcome together to prevent this. The fourth area is climate and energy. Regarding climate change response, we have committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. This requires a massive energy transition while simultaneously ensuring energy security. The key challenge here is not only domestic response but also the necessity of green cooperation. Therefore, cooperation items related to green cooperation are being presented. The fifth area is demographics, addressed by Professor Han Joon of Yonsei University. Globally, population explosion is a concern, but for Korea and Japan, as mentioned by Mr. Shinbo earlier, the issue is declining populations, leading to a decrease in the labor force and changes in population structure. This is also linked to regional decline. Therefore, the demographic issue, connected to regional decline, presents a unique challenge that Korea and Japan share, and how to resolve it is the greatest challenge. Two specific tasks have been identified. First, pension reform. Japan has made considerable progress, but continuous reform is needed, and Korea requires comprehensive pension reform. Second, oh, yes. Second, in response to regional decline, cooperation among central government, local governments, and local private sectors is crucial. Japan is currently leading in this area, so Korea can learn from its experiences as a cautionary tale.

The sixth and final area is the identity of future youth generations, handled by Researcher Park Ji-soo. She argues that the mutual perceptions of future youth generations differ significantly from those of older generations. Specifically, future generations meeting each other are citizens of developed countries meeting citizens of developed countries. While my generation, the older generation, approached Korea-Japan relations with a national identity, the current younger generation, having reached the ranks of developed nations, must seek new ways to navigate Korea-Japan relations. Ironically, the greatest challenge stems from the older generation.

Demographic Issues and Response to Regional Depopulation

The issues of mutual perception among the older generation and the resulting historical conflicts must be resolved for a genuine new encounter between future generations. To assume that Korea-Japan relations will evolve into a new relationship driven by new generations without addressing these issues would be overly optimistic. In this regard, and concerning demographic issues, both speakers advocate for democracy in both countries. They emphasize the need for empowering the youth generation within the democratic political systems of both nations, ensuring their voices are reflected in the political process. This is essential for resolving issues such as identity and demographics. Therefore, political reforms are needed to better reflect the voices of the youth generation. This concludes my presentation. We have spent about 15 minutes on Korea-Japan. I will now conclude the overall summary and proceed directly to the sessions. Thank you.

Identity of Future Youth Generations and Political Reform

Japan has prior experience in this area, and Korea can learn from it as a cautionary tale to respond effectively. The last area is the identity of future youth generations. Researcher Park Ji-soo is responsible for this topic, highlighting that the mutual perceptions of future youth generations differ significantly from those of older generations. Particularly, when future generations meet, it is citizens of developed countries meeting citizens of developed countries. While older generations like myself approached Japan with a national identity, the current younger generation, having reached the ranks of developed nations, must seek new ways to navigate Korea-Japan relations. Ironically, the greatest challenge stems from the older generation.

The issue of mutual perceptions between older and younger generations, and how these manifest as historical conflicts, must be resolved for a genuine new encounter between future generations. If we leave things as they are and time passes, assuming that Korea-Japan relations will continue on a new path through new generations would be a rather optimistic outlook. Therefore, in these two parts, along with the reform of demographic issues, two speakers are discussing the democracies of both Korea and Japan with the same solution. Democracy, and the empowerment of the youth generation within the political systems of both countries, is necessary. The voices of the youth generation must be reflected in the political process to address issues such as identity and demographics. Consequently, political reforms that allow for greater reflection of youth voices are needed. This is the discussion they are presenting. Yes, I will conclude here. We have spent about 15 minutes on Korea and Japan, and with this, I will conclude the overall summary, and then we will proceed directly to the sessions. Thank you.