What does Japan's new Prime Minister mean for Korea?

On September 16, 2020, Yoshihide Suga assumed office of Prime Minister of Japan, succeeding Shinzo Abe who stepped down due to health conditions. What does this mean for the rest of the world?

The new Prime Minister could be a chance for a new start between the Koreas and Japan. Suga stated he would like to establish better relations with the Moon administration for coronavirus measures and a trilateral security agreement including the US. This is a stark contrast with Abe, who took an offensive stance against the South in 2019 during a trade war with South Korea; the already weakened relationship between Moon and Abe due to disputes regarding Korea’s colonization in WWII and comfort women was worsened as economic tensions rose. South Koreans boycotted and protested against the Abe administration, and the two countries were strained once again after the war. The new administration could turn a new leaf and improve the long-standing hatred between the two nations.

However, if Prime Minister Suga really does plan on taking a similar stance as Abe in regards to foreign policy, there is a high chance South Korea and Japan will not find a new start.

The relationship between Japan and South Korea is extremely essential for North Korea. Whether a strong military or economic alliance threatens or aids North Korea, a weak South Korean military state will not change anything. Therefore, bettering relations with Japan is the first step towards any potential strategy and outcome.

Sydney P