The “1st Korea-U.S.-Japan Public Opinion Poll / 12th Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll,” released on August 28 based on a joint poll by EAI, API, and KEI, serves as a barometer showing shifts in the public opinion landscape surrounding Korea-Japan relations. Amidst rising favorability toward Japan, notable trends include the spread of cultural exchanges centered on younger generations, increased interest in practical cooperation, and a strong will to establish a future-oriented relationship. These results suggest a turning point in Korea-Japan relations and point to the direction the relationship should take going forward. This study analyzes these changing patterns and presents policy recommendations for sustainable Korea-Japan cooperation.

Shift in Public Opinion Landscape Regarding Korea-Japan Relations: Favorable Views Toward Japan Led by the 2030 Generation

Traditionally, South Korea's perception of Japan has been negative. In polls of South Korea's perception of Japan conducted over the past 30 years since the 1990s, negative perceptions consistently outnumbered positive ones,[1] and these results were long taken for granted. However, with the major shift in Korea-Japan relations in 2023, mutual perceptions between the two countries also began to change positively. And at the center of this change is the 2030 generation.

This trend is even more pronounced in the latest EAI opinion poll. Figures 1 and 2 below graphically illustrate mutual perceptions between Korea and Japan from 2013, when EAI first began conducting these polls, to the present year of 2025.

[Figure 1] South Koreans' Impressions of Japan (2013-2025)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2013-2025)”.

[Figure 2] Japanese Impressions of Korea (2013-2025, 2024 not conducted)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2013-2025)”.

As shown in [Figure 1], South Korea's perception of Japan has steadily improved since 2023, with this year's poll marking the first occurrence of a ‘golden cross’ phenomenon where positive perceptions (52.4%) surpassed negative perceptions (37.1%). Conversely, [Figure 2] shows that Japan's perception of South Korea has deteriorated compared to the 2023 poll: positive views dropped from 37.4% to 24.8%, while negative views rose from 32.8% to 51.0%. This decline is believed to reflect domestic instability stemming from last December's 12.3 martial law incident and concerns over South Korea's recent change in administration. Considering the poll period was August 19-20, it is reasonable to conclude that the effects of President Lee Jae-myung's recent visit to Japan (August 23-24) and the Korea-Japan summit meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba have not yet been reflected.

Meanwhile, a notable aspect of the shift in South Korea's perception of Japan is that this change is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural shift rooted in generational perceptions. Analysis of a public opinion poll conducted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies has also revealed this structural change in South Koreans' perception of Japan,[2] and this poll once again confirmed this pattern of change.

[Figure 3] Koreans' Impressions of Japan (2025) (by Age Group)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2025)”.

[Figure 3] shows Koreans' impressions of Japan broken down by age group. The 18-29 age group exhibited the highest favorability rating (62.7%) among all age groups, followed by the 30-39 age group (57.9%). Notably, in terms of unfavorable impressions, this age group also showed the lowest unfavorable ratings across all age groups (18-29: 22.3%, 30-39: 26%). These results indicate that the rising favorability toward Japan in Korea is being driven by the 2030 generation. So, where does this high favorability toward Japan among the 2030 generation originate?

The younger generation's ‘Japan through the lens of culture’, the older generation's 'Japan within historical relations'

What do people in their 20s and 30s think of first when they see Japan? The following [Figure 4] shows responses to what comes to mind first when thinking of Japan (up to 3 items), broken down by age group. Overall, responses frequently mentioned Japanese culture and historical conflicts. Younger generations tend to associate Japan with ‘cultural consumption, hobbies, and sources of enjoyment’ like culture and sports, while older generations more often see Japan as a ‘source of conflict in Korea-Japan relations’ tied to issues like the Dokdo dispute and historical grievances.

[Figure 4] Things that come to mind first when thinking of Japan (Up to 3 selections) (By age group)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2025)”.

Generations in their 20s and 30s show significantly higher differences than older generations in cultural elements such as Japanese food culture (sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, etc.) (70.8%) and popular culture (J-POP, manga, anime, etc.) (50.1%). Looking at the difference between the highest and lowest percentages of images associated with Japan by the younger and older generations, the gap reaches 44.6 percentage points for food culture and 45.3 percentage points for popular culture. While it is true that members of the 2030 generation also frequently recalled conflict issues such as the Dokdo dispute and historical issues, the fact that the age-group differences based on cultural elements are much more pronounced is highly significant.

This indicates that while conflicts between Korea and Japan significantly influence the perceptions of Japanese culture among the 2030 generation, the impact of human and cultural exchanges with Japan is overwhelmingly greater. This also demonstrates the effectiveness of cultural and human exchanges that began in earnest following the 1998 ‘Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration’. Younger generations, born after the opening of Japanese popular culture or who spent their childhood after Japanese culture became established in Korea, inevitably hold different perceptions of Japanese popular culture compared to older generations who grew up during a period when Japanese culture was considered taboo. Indeed, as shown in [Figure 5], examining the degree to which Japanese popular culture is enjoyed by age group reveals that the percentage increases significantly with younger age groups.

[Figure 5] Level of Enjoyment of Japanese Popular Culture (by Age Group)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2025)”.

In fact, such cultural preferences lead to favorable impressions of the other country. Looking at [Table 1] below, we can see that for the 20s and 30s generation, the primary reason for having a favorable impression of Japan is “Japanese food culture, shopping, popular culture, etc.” In contrast, as age increases, the emphasis shifts away from cultural factors toward national identity—such as national character, shared values of liberal democracy, and other universal and normative aspects.

[Table 1] Reasons for Having a Favorable Impression of Japan (by Age Group) (Select 2)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2025)”.

While the presence or absence of Japan visit experience shows little difference across age groups, it is noteworthy that the 2030 generation has accounted for the highest proportion of repeat visits over the past five years compared to other age groups. Specifically, over the past five years, the 18-29 age group recorded the highest number of 2-4 visits, while the 30-39 age group recorded the highest number of 5 or more visits compared to other age groups.

In this way, younger generations, relatively free from historical burdens, freely visit each other and naturally embrace each other's cultures, leading to increased favorability toward the other country. This shift in perception among future generations is interpreted as an important signal heralding positive changes in future Korea-Japan relations. So, what kind of Korea-Japan relationship do future generations desire?

The 2030 Generation Seeking Balance Between the Past and the Future

While the younger generation, which shows high favorability toward Japan, may appear to be neglecting historical issues, their awareness of these matters is no less than that of older generations. Although their sensitivity to historical issues may be lower than that of older generations, their recognition of the seriousness of the issues and the necessity of resolving them is not significantly different. As shown in [Figure 6], when asked about the most important goal for Korea-Japan relations, the 2030 generation cited ‘resolving historical issues between the two countries’ as the top priority.

[Figure 6] Goals South Korea and Japan Should Aim For in Their Relationship (2 Responses) (By Age Group)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2025)”.

Similarly, as shown in [Figure 7], the most frequently cited measures needed to advance Korea-Japan exchanges were “expanding exchanges among the younger generation” and “civilian dialogue between Korea and Japan to reduce differences in historical perception.” The established generations should take note of the significance revealed by this result: the 2030 generation, who are most aware of the positive effects of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, hope not only for a quantitative increase in exchanges but also for a qualitative improvement in them.

[Figure 7] Measures Most Needed to Promote Korea-Japan Exchange (Up to 3, Multiple Responses)

Source: EAI. Prepared by the author based on the results of the “Korea-Japan Public Opinion Poll (2025)”.

The vision of Korea-Japan relations held by the 2030 generation seeks a balance between the past and the future. While expressing a thirst for more exchanges through the numerous interactions already taking place with the youth generation, it also carries the meaning that qualitative exchanges for mutual understanding are needed, rather than a simple quantitative increase. Taking a step further, this can also be seen as the younger generation's resolve to confront the uncomfortable historical issues between the two countries directly, without evasion or postponement. This aligns with the aspiration of future generations, echoing the 1998 promise made by the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi summit between South Korea and Japan to move forward in a future-oriented manner while facing the past. Amid the sustained expansion of vibrant cultural and people-to-people exchanges, a structural shift is emerging that demands a parallel approach to historical issues.

Future Korea-Japan Relations: Measures for a Better Tomorrow

The growing favorability toward Japan among Korea's 2030 generation and the revitalization of cultural exchange suggest a new turning point in Korea-Japan relations. Amid this shifting public opinion landscape, what must be done to ensure the continued development and stable maintenance of Korea-Japan relations?

First, it is necessary to establish a direction based on accurate understanding and analysis of the changing public opinion landscape, grounded in data. The high level of favorable sentiment toward Japan currently demonstrated by the 2030 generation can be seen as the accumulated result of over 20 years of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. However, it is difficult to guarantee that this high level of favorable sentiment will persist even as they enter their 40s and 50s. Furthermore, despite active bilateral exchanges, it is also necessary to explore why the perceptions of the 40s and 50s generation, who are now the backbone of both societies, have not significantly changed. Tracking shifts in the evolving landscape of public opinion amid changing times requires the task of clearly grasping the meaning behind the numbers. This necessitates in-depth analysis not only of Korea's perceptions but also of Japan's perceptions of Korea.

Second, the institutional foundation for exchanges must be strengthened. Despite the current level of youth exchanges between Korea and Japan, the voices of young people hoping for expanded exchanges indicate that the current level of bilateral exchanges is not satisfactory. Therefore, not only must youth exchanges be expanded, but they must also be institutionally supported. Particularly, as the cultural affinity among the 2030 generation is driving the improvement of Korea-Japan relations, youth exchanges should be increased through programs like training, internships, and youth camps. Institutional support for joint cultural events, arts, and sports exchange projects involving both countries must be significantly strengthened. Furthermore, policies are needed to increase direct experience opportunities. These include the continued simplification of entry and exit procedures between Korea and Japan, youth support for aviation and tourism infrastructure, support for study abroad and short-term visits targeting young people, and the expansion of employment training programs.

Third, efforts must be made to bridge the generational perception gap amid increased exchanges among younger generations. To reduce generational differences in perceptions of Korea-Japan relations, diverse exchanges, balanced education, and sustained dialogue platforms are essential. We must establish generational integration exchange programs that expand Korea-Japan exchanges, currently skewed toward the younger generation, to include exchanges between youth and established generations. For example, we need to organize Korea-Japan history and culture camps, trips, and joint forums where both youth and established generations can participate together. We must also create platforms for intergenerational dialogue to increase communication and foster greater mutual understanding across generations.

Fourth, we must establish ways for the younger generations of both countries to deepen mutual understanding on historical issues and engage in open discussion. As the youth take historical matters seriously, we must also consider how to meet their needs. This process should be elevated into one of harmony and reconciliation, not conflict and discord. For example, the stories of Joseon Dynasty potters—whose work, though born from the tragic history shared by both nations, contributed to the revitalization of Japanese ceramic culture—can provide a valuable opportunity to naturally learn about and internalize the history between Korea and Japan. Through such objective and balanced historical and cultural education, we can foster greater mutual understanding between the two countries.

Finally, I propose identifying collaborative projects centered on young people from both countries, based on a cultural common ground between Korean and Japanese youth. Popular culture, food culture, and travel are areas where the younger generation positively embraces each other. We must move beyond these being merely personal hobbies and develop ways for mutual cooperation. For instance, joint planning and production projects between the next generation of Korea and Japan could be implemented across diverse broadcast content like animation, comics, games, music, and dramas. In this process, establishing an online content platform jointly operated by both countries could increase accessibility to cultural content in the digital space. Furthermore, exploring ways to monitor unauthorized use of popular culture content and fostering talent in related fields could also be pursued.