First meeting between Japan and South Korea leaders confirms restoration of ”shuttle diplomacy” without touching on ”historical issues” - South Korean media

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a summit meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who was visiting South Korea to attend the APEC summit, and emphasized the restoration of shuttle diplomacy and future-oriented Japan-South Korea relations.
Regarding this, it has been evaluated that "in order to avoid confusing historical issues with areas in which cooperation is needed, the first meeting was held in a cautious manner without touching on historical issues."
Tensions between Japan and South Korea have been rising due to the emergence of a right-wing Japanese prime minister who has been called the "female Abe."
However, the meeting between the two leaders created a framework for normalizing relations in a calm atmosphere. On the 31st, President Lee posted on social media about his summit with Prime Minister Takaichi,
"I want to develop Korea-Japan relations in a more future-oriented and stable manner," he said. "Because we have been so close and have known each other for so long, there have been times when we have suffered emotional wounds, just like family."
"However, we cannot deny that we are neighbors, nor can we let go of our cooperative relationship," he wrote. "I hope to continue shuttle diplomacy and carve out a new future for Korea-Japan relations."
Regarding the summit, Bong Yong-sik, a visiting professor at Yonsei University and a Korean expert, said, "It has only been nine days since Prime Minister Takaichi took office, and it is surprising that she has met with President Lee.
"He mentioned the restoration of friendly shuttle diplomacy," he said, and evaluated the meeting as "a significant achievement in that it confirmed the foundations of mutual cooperation."
One analysis states that the reason the summit was held in such a relaxed atmosphere was due to the importance Japan attaches to Korea-US-Japan cooperation.