Japanese favorability toward South Korea also rose 10.5 points, attributed to cultural exchanges and political stabilization

Graphics by Jeong Da-un

South Koreans' favorability toward Japan reached 54.3%, marking the highest level since the survey began in 2013. Japanese favorability toward South Korea also rose by 10.5 percentage points over the past year, indicating improved mutual sentiment between the two nations.

The East Asia Institute (EAI), a South Korean think tank, and the Japan International Cultural Hall (IHJ), a Japanese research institute, jointly announced the results of the "13th Joint Perception Survey of South Korean and Japanese Citizens" during a press conference on the 3rd.

South Koreans' favorability toward Japan increased by 1.9 percentage points from 52.4% last year. The favorability rate has been rising since hitting a record low of 12.3% in 2020, marking the second consecutive year it has exceeded 50%. Negative impressions of Japan stood at 38.5%, while neutral responses were 7.2%.

The rise in South Korean favorability toward Japan was attributed to expanded grassroots exchanges, including travel, shopping, food, and pop culture. Reasons for positive evaluations included "the friendly and orderly nature of the people" (66.9%) and "appealing food culture, shopping, and travel" (43.9%). Conversely, negative perceptions were linked to "insufficient historical reflection" (74.9%) and "the Dokdo issue" (46.8%).

Japanese favorability toward South Korea surged from a record low of 24.8% last year to 35.3% this year. Negative impressions decreased to 44.1% from 51.0% last year, while neutral responses were 20.6%.

Last year's record low was interpreted as a result of political instability and perceptions of democratic regression in South Korea following martial law and impeachment, as well as negative perceptions stemming from President Lee Jae Myung's critical remarks toward Japan during his tenure as opposition party leader. The improvement this year was attributed to the swift stabilization of South Korean politics and enhanced public perception of President Lee Jae Myung through shuttle diplomacy between the two countries, according to the East Asia Institute. Increased Japanese engagement with South Korean travel, shopping, and pop culture was also seen as a contributing factor.

The survey targeted 3,099 people aged 18 years or older in South Korea and Japan and was conducted online from July 17 to 21.

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