Diverging Public Perceptions of Progress in Korea-Japan Relationships
EAI conducted the 11th Korea-Japan Joint Public Opinion Poll in collaboration with Genron NPO, an independent think tank in Japan. On October 12th, EAI and Genron NPO jointly held a press conference in Tokyo to present the survey findings. This year's survey revealed both shared and contrasting views among South Korean and Japanese citizens regarding improved bilateral relations, as well as their differing levels of favorability toward each other. The results were also made available in the "EAI Public Opinion Briefing."
Furthermore, EAI released an Issue Briefing that explores the implications of the survey. Yul Sohn (President, EAI; Professor of International Studies, Yonsei University), Yang Gyu Kim (Principal Researcher, EAI), and Hansu Park (Research Associate, EAI) emphasized the divergence in how South Korean and Japanese citizens assess the significance of their bilateral relations and the efforts undertaken by the South Korean government to improve them, which, in turn, influenced respondents' perceptions of the other country. They recommended that Seoul and Tokyo should work together to promote functional cooperation and address historical perception gaps, with the aim of taking substantial steps toward advancing their bilateral relations.
South Korea’s Efforts and Role in Promoting Democracy
EAI publishes a Special Report Series to explore South Korea’s efforts and role in promoting democracy, with a focus on electoral integrity, anti-corruption, and foreign aid.
Woo Chang Kang (Professor, Korea University) suggests the establishment of non-partisan initiatives like the "Democracy Caucus" in the National Assembly of Korea for Seoul to take a more active role in promoting democracy and sharing its experience in democratic development with other emerging democracies.
Nam Kyu Kim (Professor, Korea University) argues that international support and cooperation for anti-corruption initiatives should align with the promotion of democracy to achieve "Sustainable Development."
Tae Kyoon Kim (Professor, Seoul National University) highlights the limitations of South Korea's fragmented democracy assistance initiatives and underscores the importance of establishing a sys-tematic framework for integrating and managing its various democracy aid projects.
“What South Koreans Want from the Global ROK-US Alliance”
[EAI Video Commentary] South Korean Citizens Want the Strengthening of the ROK-US Alliance, Along with a Sophisticated Response to Issues Related to China (in Korean)
