Newsletter

Seminar - 2020 Crisis in Korea-Japan Relations: Is there a solution to solving the issue of forced labor?

The Korea-Japan Future Forum is a private exchange organization established to promote intellectual exchanges, cooperation and mutual understanding between Korea and Japan. Since registering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in December 2005, we have held a forum involving experts, policy officers, researchers, journalists, citizens and college students in related fields on issues between Korea and Japan. In May 2007, the name was changed to the Korea-Japan Future Forum to collect more diverse agendas and contribute to the establishment of future-oriented Korea-Japan relations. The group has 1,400 Koreans and 800 Japanese members. There are 850 members who are active in SNS such as Facebook. It is the bridge connecting Korea and Japan, and is the most representative private organization in Korea.

Seminar - Dialogue and Communication between Korean and Japanese journalists and future generations

Signed by South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi in October 1998, 「The Republic of Korea-Japan Joint Declaration of 1998: A new Korea-Japan Partnership towards the 21 Century」 was a historic turning point in the future-oriented relationship between Korea and Japan. The Korean and Japanese governments and the people agreed on mutual respect and joint cooperation. However, there are still various issues between the two countries such as forced labor and the Sexual slavery victims for the Japanese imperial army. However, the two countries did not strive for mutual reciprocal development and prosperity. If the neighboring countries do not solve the infarction phase, it will be harmful to each other. In addition, the worsening relationship between Korea and Japan affects not only inter-Korean relations but also Korea-China relations. The Korea-Japan Future Forum tried to overcome the current challenges at the civil society level by sharing the worries of both countries and adding wisdom. So we have held more than 170 Korean-Japanese Media Forums, National Assembly Forums, Korean-Japanese Press Symposiums, and Korea-Japan University Student Forum over the past 16 years. In the future, we will actively carry out various activities as a private think tank and will work at the forefront of private exchanges.

Korea-Japan University Student Forum

Our organization consists of scholars, former diplomats, journalists, and experts from Korea and Japan, and has been sponsored by NAHF in the process of promoting cooperation between Korea and Japan civil society. In May last year, a seminar was held on the solution to the problem since the Supreme Court ruled against victims of forced mobilization by Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The issue of victims of forced mobilization was highlighted as the biggest issue of Korea-Japan relations, along with issues related to the Sexual slavery victims for the Japanese imperial army, Sakhalin compatriots, and victims of atomic bombs.

Kang Chang-il, the Korean ambassador to Japan and most of the Seoul bureau chiefs of the major Japanese media attended the seminar, listening to the presentation of Dr. Nam Sang-gu of NAHF and sharing opinions. Fortunately, the two countries shared a positive message that if we gather wisdom and find a solution, we can overcome this problem.

The second seminar held in August marks the 55th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. It was for the dialogue between Korean and Japanese college students living in Korea and older generations. Meanwhile, the 5th Korea-Japan University Student Future Forum in 2020 was held online as a regular project for students from Korea-Japan universities. A total of 40 people, including 15 college students from both countries and 10 related persons, held workshops on the theme of Korea-Japan global cooperation and sought ways to coexist and cooperate. The exchange of citizens and mutual trust between Korea and Japan is the most important infrastructure to stabilize bilateral relations. Moreover, Japanese students who like Korea and study in Korea are precious bridges between Korea and Japan. It is not a future-oriented direction for younger generations who have a liking for each other and who are not historically conflicted parties to fight because of past history. It is no wonder that the two countries should strive for communication and dialogue with future generations.

In addition, we held an international seminar on Korea-Japan relations with the Korea Studies Research Center of Tokyo University under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since Covid-19, conflicts between the US and China have intensified, US presidential elections have been held, and international politics on the Korean peninsula have changed. There were a lot of issues such as 70 years of the outbreak of the Korean War, 55th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, easing sanctions against North Korea and changing relations between North Korea and Japan. In this situation, it was meaningful to spread the legitimate claim of the Korean government on the necessity of cooperation between Korea and Japan and forced labor. Through this seminar, we are confident that we have established a network of major journalists between the two countries, contributed to resolving historical issues and spreading peace in Northeast Asia.

2020 International Seminar on Korea-Japan Relations Experts and Journalists 

(Jointly hosted by the Korea-Japan Future Forum and the Korea Studies Research Center of Tokyo University)

Now, Korea and Japan should make a new relationship as developed countries in East Asia. We should walk looking at the future rather than being entangled in past history. Even if there is a conflict between the two governments, dialogue and communication between citizens must be maintained. It is time to reflect on the achievements of diplomatic relations in the past 55 years and actively promote global cooperation beyond confrontation.

In the meantime, the Korea-Japan Future Forum has been trying to develop Korea-Japan relations by talking about the history and territory of Northeast Asia and establishing a platform for visionary cooperative discussions. We provided a forum for the research and open discussion of experts who are interested and affectionate about Korea-Japan relations. And we tried to enhance mutual understanding as a bridge between the two countries. In the future, we hope that the two countries will be freed from the past and can form a new Korea-Japan partnership. For that we will propose a variety of solutions and move forward looking at the future.