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President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. / Source: Yonhap News

Ahead of their August 23 summit, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have exchanged positive messages marking Korea’s Liberation Day, raising hopes that the meeting could produce a breakthrough agreement comparable to the landmark 1998 Kim Dae-jung–Obuchi declaration.

In his Liberation Day address on August 15, Lee urged Japan to resolve historical issues but emphasized that the two nations are “important partners.” He said, “Just as Korea and Japan grew together during the course of industrial development, if our two countries cooperate based on trust, we can overcome the challenges of the hyper-competitive AI era.”

That same day, Ishiba stated at a memorial marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II: “We will never take the wrong path again. We must once more deeply engrave in our hearts the reflection and lessons of war.”

Although not a direct apology to South Korea, Ishiba’s remarks were seen as a forward-looking gesture of reflection that responded to Lee’s speech.

A senior official in Seoul’s presidential office said of Ishiba’s comments, “The fact that he mentioned reflection itself is significant. When responsible Japanese leaders face their painful history and work to ensure that trust between nations is not damaged, it serves the shared interest of building a better future.”

While it is unusual for a Korea-Japan summit to precede a Korea-U.S. summit, some observers say this sequencing could benefit Seoul and Tokyo in their upcoming tariff negotiations with Washington. Close coordination may not only strengthen the trilateral framework among Korea, the U.S., and Japan but also allow Seoul and Tokyo to present a unified voice on trade issues.

Separately, deputy presidential spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo said in a written briefing that the presidential office will focus next week on follow-up measures for national policy tasks and preparations for overseas visits. He added that a roundtable with business leaders is planned to express appreciation for their support during tariff negotiations with the U.S. and to hear concerns regarding American investment and purchasing plans ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit later this month.