Asahi Shimbun reported on the 28th that Korea and Japan are coordinating for Lee Jae-myung, the president, and Sanae Takaichi, the Japanese prime minister, to hold their first summit on the 30th.
According to the report, Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to visit Korea on the 30th to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that opens in Gyeongju on the 31st. The meeting with the president is likely to take place immediately after the arrival.
Earlier, the president said on Facebook shortly after Prime Minister Takaichi took office on the 21st, "I look forward to meeting in person in Gyeongju, where the upcoming APEC summit will be held, to have a constructive conversation."
Ahead of this, Office of National Security Deputy Minister Wi Sung-lac visited Japan for 2 Days & 1 Night starting on the 21st and met with newly appointed National Security Secretariat Director Keiichi Ichikawa, and former prime ministers Taro Aso and Yoshihide Suga. Wi said, "We will continue shuttle diplomacy to contribute to the development of mutual relations," and Aso was reported to have responded, "I will do my part in Japan-Korea relations."
Asahi reported that Prime Minister Takaichi, known for a hardline conservative stance, has also emphasized the importance of Japan-Korea cooperation since taking office. At her inaugural press conference, Takaichi said, "I like Korea's gim, cosmetics, and drama," and added, "I look forward to the opportunity to meet President Lee Jae-myung in person."
Prime Minister Takaichi has regularly paid respects at Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined, but it is known that during the autumn Reitaisai held on the 17th–19th of this month, she withheld a visit in consideration of diplomatic relations with neighboring countries such as Korea and China.
Asahi said, "In a grave international situation, both leaders appear to share a will to maintain the course of improving Japan-Korea relations," adding, "Attention is on what message will emerge from this meeting."
President Lee Jae-myung will hold a South Korea-U.S. summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on the 29th and is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 1st of next month. On the 30th, when the Japan-Korea summit is being coordinated, a U.S.-China summit that has drawn global attention is also set to take place.