Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up their last summit in Busan on September 30, 2025, promising deeper cooperation in spite of historical tensions. The 75-minute meeting was the third, and probably the last, meeting between the two leaders, with Ishiba seemingly facing departure from his coalition with an election defeat.
Historic diplomatic breakthrough strengthens regional security cooperation
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung convened in Busan on September 30, 2025, for what is likely their final summit as counterparts. The meeting lasted 75 minutes and capped a series of three summits between the two leaders, underscoring a shared determination to forge a new chapter in the often-turbulent relationship between their nations.
“I hope that (South) Korea and Japan can grow closer emotionally, economically, socioculturally, and in terms of security,” Lee said at the start of the meeting.
Ishiba, facing imminentย departure after offering to resign following his coalition’s election defeat, described the summit as “deeply meaningful” and emphasized strengthening relations while addressing common challenges.
Joint consultative body addresses shared demographic challenges
The two leaders issued a joint statement pledging to establish a consultative body addressing pressing social and economic issues common to both countries, including declining birth rates, aging populations, rural revitalization, agriculture, disaster management, and suicide prevention.ย This step reflectsย a strategic intent to formalize bilateral diplomacy and ensure dialogue continues even as political winds shift.
North Korean nuclear threat unites bilateral denuclearization efforts
Security was front and center at the summit, especially with North Korea’s nuclear ambitions looming ever larger. Despite recent statements by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signaling no intention to relinquish nuclear weapons, Lee and Ishiba reaffirmed their “unchanged will to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.” The leaders’ commitment was reiterated in their joint statement, signaling that Seoul and Tokyo remain united on this critical issue.
The leaders discussed plans to jointly establish an Arctic shipping trade route, which could have major ramifications for global commerce as melting ice opens new passages.ย They also agreed to coordinate their responses to shifts in global trade, addressing economic pressures both countries face from U.S. tariffs. Both countries stressed the importance of improving bilateral relations in the context of a regional security crisis, the nuclear threat posed by North Korea, and a shifting U.S. alliance situation under President Trump’s transactional approach.
Economic pressures drive unprecedented investment commitments
Economic pressures from the United States have played a significant role in drawing Seoul and Tokyo closer. Both nations have pledged massive investments in U.S. industries to avoid the highest tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.ย Japan has alreadyย inked a deal with the U.S., reducing tariffs on automobiles from 25% to 15% and committing $550 billion in investment.
Historical reconciliation efforts face an uncertain political future
The recent history between South Korea and Japan has been fraught with tension rooted in Japan’s colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945. Yet, relations began to thaw under previous leaders, and both current leaders have sought to build on that momentum.
Ishiba has been more open than many political peers about acknowledging Japan’s wartime aggression.ย “Ishiba acknowledged enduringย differences with South Korea over wartime history but stressed the need for Tokyo to maintain ‘sincerity and courage’ in confronting the past,” emphasizing hopes his successor will continue strengthening bilateral ties.
The Busan summit stands as an important diplomatic milestone, creating structures of cooperation beyond one’s term of office. Despite their history of animosity and political uncertainties, Japan and South Korea have shown remarkable progress in developing strategic partnerships. Leadership shifts threaten to derail the momentum in this important bilateral relationship, but the institutionalization of mechanisms for dialogue provides a basis for ongoing collaboration.