South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first summit on Thursday in Gyeongju, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, marking a significant step in Seoul-Tokyo diplomacy.

The meeting — Takaichi’s first overseas engagement since becoming Japan’s first female prime minister — was seen as a key test for the future trajectory of bilateral relations, which have witnessed steady recovery under her predecessors.

Takaichi’s visit comes amid renewed scrutiny of Japan-Korea ties, as she is known for her nationalist and hawkish views on historical issues stemming from Japan’s 1910–45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. However, she has made clear her intent to pursue “future-oriented cooperation,” calling South Korea a “key partner.”

During her inauguration, Takaichi drew attention for her warm remarks about Korean culture — from seaweed to K-dramas — in what observers interpreted as an olive branch to Seoul. She notably avoided visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, long criticized by Seoul and Beijing for honoring war criminals, though she did send a ritual offering.

President Lee congratulated Takaichi on her election, expressing hope to “strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and deepen trust.”

Takaichi will also attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on Friday and Saturday, where discussions will focus on trade, technology, artificial intelligence, and demographic challenges.

In addition to her South Korea visit, she is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders during the summit, according to Kyodo News.