Finding an Advocate: The Role of the Private Sector in Korea-Japan Relations

Relations between South Korea and Japan have been strained by historical issues and territorial disputes despite their shared interests. The potential for losing domestic support has limited politicians in each country from making more sweeping efforts to overcome these challenges. Business leaders have also been reluctant to take a stand because of preconceived risks of being targeted for backlash. An examination of economic data, however, shows these risks are minimal, and political tensions between Seoul and Tokyo do not affect business or consumer behavior.

Please join KEI for a presentation by Dr. Kristin Vekasi and Ms. Jiwon Nam on how the South Korean and Japanese business communities can take on more of a leadership role to not only improve a difficult bilateral relationship, but further their own bottom lines in the process.