Pres. Lee's liberation day message sets stage for S. Korea-Japan, S. Korea-U.S. diplomacy

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

South Korea marked its 80th Liberation Day with a pointed message from President Lee Jae-myung — acknowledging Japan's efforts on historical issues, but firmly shifting the focus toward future cooperation.

Just days later, Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba referenced "regret" in a rare statement, though without offering a formal apology.

Now, with summits scheduled first in Tokyo and then in Washington, President Lee's diplomatic itinerary is drawing attention.

Meanwhile, issues like North Korea's nuclear threat, regional security alignments, and growing U.S. pressure on defense cost-sharing all come into play.

With the stakes rising, the question now is: where is South Korea headed in this evolving geopolitical puzzle?

For answers to this, we connect to Choi Hyun Jin, Professor of Political Science, Kyung Hee University. Welcome.

Also joining us is Christophe Gaudin, Professor of Political Science at Kookmin University. Good to see you.

1. (Choi) Let's start with President Lee Jae-myung's Liberation Day address on August 15th.

He acknowledged Japan's recent gestures on historical issues, while calling for future-oriented, mutual cooperation. What's the diplomatic strategy behind this message toward Japan?

2. (Gaudin) On the Japanese side, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba marked the anniversary of Japan's WWII defeat by mentioning "regret" — the first such reference by a Japanese leader in 13 years.

Still, he offered no apology for colonial rule nor a statement marking the war's 80th anniversary.

How should we interpret this approach?

3. (Choi) With both leaders sending signals of goodwill, attention now turns to the Korea-Japan summit scheduled for August 23rd.

What stands out is that President Lee will visit Japan before heading to the U.S. — an unusual sequence.

What strategic message is behind this itinerary?

4. (Gaudin) Then looking at the summit itself — what key issues should we expect to dominate the agenda?

And do you see the potential for meaningful progress on matters like joint responses to North Korea or cooperation in a changing trade environment?

5. (Choi) Since the Korea-Japan summit comes just ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit, trilateral coordination appears critical.

In particular, aligning with Tokyo may help reinforce the credibility of America's extended deterrence, including its nuclear umbrella.

Why is prior coordination with Japan so crucial — and could it yield actual strategic benefits?

6. (Gaudin) That said, historical tensions remain unresolved.

Issues like colonial history and the influence of Japan's far-right still pose obstacles.

In your view, is there any chance the two leaders could make headway on these long-standing disputes during their talks?

7. (Choi) Next, looking to the S. Korea-U.S. summit, with defense cost-sharing and the strategic flexibility of U.S. forces on the table, alliance modernization is likely to be a central theme.

How should South Korea navigate what many call Washington's "security invoice"?

8. (Gaudin) And regarding North Korea, denuclearization will no doubt be a key topic.

With both Seoul and Washington maintaining firm resolve, is there a realistic path to more advanced agreements this time around? What's your outlook?

9. (Choi) In the midst of all this, President Lee is reportedly sending a special envoy to China during the summit period.

As trilateral cooperation between Korea, the U.S., and Japan strengthens, what message does Seoul hope to send to Beijing and what's the broader diplomatic significance?

10. (Gaudin) Finally, as these back-to-back Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S. summits unfold, how might they shape the future of trilateral security cooperation?

And what kind of long-term shifts could we see in the broader diplomatic landscape across Northeast Asia?