Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit South Korea from May 19 to May 20 for a summit meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Andong, Lee’s hometown [1, 2, 3]. The two leaders will hold talks aimed at advancing bilateral relations and practical cooperation across several areas including economic security and regional and global issues such as the Middle East conflict [1, 2, 3].
Andong, located about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul in North Gyeongsang Province, is a symbolic choice as it is President Lee’s hometown [3]. The summit will include a joint press statement, a dinner, and events intended to deepen solidarity and trust between the two countries [3].
The meeting continues a series of recent diplomatic exchanges. Takaichi and Lee first met in October 2025 at the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea [1]. In January 2026, Lee visited Takaichi’s hometown of Nara Prefecture in Japan, where they agreed to strengthen cooperation on economic security and regional and global challenges [1, 3].
Relations between South Korea and Japan remain strained due to historical grievances stemming from Japan’s occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, but both leaders aim to improve ties. Lee described their positions as "neighbours sharing a front yard," acknowledging the relationship might have been "a little awkward at first" [1]. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol also sought to improve relations prior to his removal in December 2024 [1].
The upcoming summit is part of ongoing shuttle diplomacy involving mutual visits between Japanese and South Korean leaders to strengthen bilateral ties [2, 3]. The two-day meeting will address enhancing protection for visitors from both countries alongside economic and security cooperation [1, 2, 3].
Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit will run through May 20, marking a key step in renewing dialogue between the neighboring countries.
