South Korea, Japan eye deeper ties after Takaichi’s landslide win. But is it feasible?

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation after Japan’s ruling coalition secured a landslide victory in the lower house election, even as analysts warn that sharpening China-Japan rivalry and unresolved historical disputes could complicate Seoul’s regional diplomacy.The result, which consolidates the Liberal Democratic Party’s grip on power, has strengthened Takaichi’s political position – but also revived concerns in South Korea that the stronger conservative mandate could embolden more nationalist policies, reopening sensitive historical and security fault lines between the two neighbours.In a social media post on Sunday, Lee said he “sincerely congratulates” Takaishi on her election victory and wished Japan continued development under her leadership.Referring to the South Korea–Japan summit held in Nara in January, Lee said the two countries had “taken a confident step forward towards a new 60 years of relations”, adding that he hoped both would continue to expand cooperation based on mutual trust and solidarity. He also said he looked forward to welcoming Takaichi to South Korea soon.Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sees off South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung at the Horyu-ji Temple on January 14. Photo: Jiji Press/AFPIn response, Takaichi thanked Lee for his “warm, congratulatory words”, emphasising the need for bilateral cooperation between the two nations.