The conference was organized to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and Japan, following the signing of the Treaty on Basic Relations in June 1965. It served as a timely platform to reflect on the two countries’ past and to discuss the vision and policy agenda for building a forward-looking partnership in the face of today’s global transformations.

In his opening remarks, President Siwook Lee of KIEP highlighted the growing need for cooperation among like-positioned countries such as Korea and Japan amid escalating geopolitical tensions and the intensifying U.S.-China strategic rivalry. He stressed the need for strengthened policy dialogue and joint responses to address the shared economic and social challenges facing both countries—such as low birth rates, aging populations, and regional imbalances—in order to drive economic growth across the two nations.

President Yul Sohn of EAI delivered the keynote speech, proposing the concept of “Kyul-Il (結日): A Vision for Korea-Japan Partnership for the Next Generation.” He stressed that the younger generations of Korea and Japan, sharing the identity of advanced nations and a sense of cultural affinity, will play a central role in shaping a future-oriented relationship. President Sohn added that the older generations should contribute to addressing global challenges posed by excessive dependence on the United States and China, climate change and other environmental crises, and artificial intelligence technology, among others.

In a congratulatory address, National Assembly Member Ho-young Joo, Chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians’ Union, remarked that the world order stands at a major turning point, and that the complex global challenges we face provide a compelling reason for South Korea and Japan to work together, while reflecting on the past, to shape a new era of peace and prosperity.

Experts from both countries engaged in in-depth discussions on the vision and policy tasks for bilateral cooperation in areas including diplomacy and security, economy, advanced technology, and the humanities and social sciences. The dialogue underscored the significance of acknowledging the past without allowing it to hinder future progress and reaffirmed the role of the younger generations in shaping a productive future for Korea-Japan relations.

- Title: KIEP-EAI Conference on the 60th Anniversary of Korea-Japan Diplomatic Normalization

- Topic: 60 Years of Korea-Japan Diplomatic Relations and the Path Toward a Future-Oriented Partnership

- Date & Time: Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 09:30–12:00

- Venue: 36F, Belle-Vue Suite, Lotte Hotel, Seoul

- Hosts: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), East Asia Institute (EAI)

- Contact: JungEun Lee, Senior Researcher, Japan and East Asia Team, Center for East Asian and Advanced Economy Studies (leeje@kiep.go.kr)