South Korea, Japan eye deeper ties after Takaichi’s landslide win. But is it feasible?

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation after Japan’s ruling coalition secured a landslide victory in the lower house election, even as analysts warn that sharpening China-Japan rivalry and unresolved historical disputes could complicate Seoul’s regional diplomacy.

The result, which consolidates the Liberal Democratic Party’s grip on power, has strengthened Takaichi’s political position – but also revived concerns in South Korea that the stronger conservative mandate could embolden more nationalist policies, reopening sensitive historical and security disputes between the two neighbours.

Referring to the South Korea–Japan summit held in Nara in January, Lee said the two countries had “taken a confident step forward towards a new 60 years of relations”, adding that he hoped both would continue to expand cooperation based on mutual trust and solidarity. He also said he looked forward to welcoming Takaichi to South Korea soon.