It's the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan.A rock in the impeachment process.

[Anchor]
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan,

The governments of both countries are trying to broaden exchanges in many ways.

However, it is unclear how smoothly cooperation between Korea and Japan will continue as President Yoon Suk Yeol's duties have been suspended due to the passage of the impeachment bill after martial law was declared.

Correspondent Kim Se-ho's report from Tokyo.

[Reporter]
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the agreement between Korea and Japan in 1965 to normalize diplomatic relations.

After President Yoon Suk Yeol came up with a solution to forced mobilization during the Japanese occupation in March last year despite domestic opposition,

The relationship between the two countries has accelerated, with the resumption of shuttle diplomacy between Korea and Japan for the first time in 12 years.

However, doubts are growing whether this trend will continue at a time when President Yoon's duties have been suspended.

Prime Minister Ishiba's visit to Korea this month was canceled, and a series of ministerial visits between Korea and Japan were canceled.

The Japanese government is paying attention to changes in Korea's policy toward Japan.

[Yoshimasa Hayashi / Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary (16th): We are paying special attention to a series of movements in Korea. In the current strategic environment, the importance of Korea-Japan relations remains unchanged.]

Experts in Japan are concerned about the possibility that each candidate, regardless of the ruling and opposition parties, will reverse the existing policy toward Japan if South Korea enters an early presidential election.

[Okuzono Hideki/Professor of Shizuoka Prefectural University: If all candidates deny the legacy of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and have no choice but to hold a presidential election, it will have a huge impact not only on Korea-Japan relations but also on Korea-U.S.-Japan relations.]

Prime Minister Ishiba is also expected to become a variable in Japan's political situation, as his resignation could begin in earnest if he does not rebound his low approval rating within the first half of the year.

The Japanese government's passive attitude over the forced mobilization of Koreans remains a stumbling block.

An apology to Koreans who were killed at the Sado Mine memorial service in November last year and the expression of "forced labor" were omitted.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, but Japan's perception of past history and the political situation between Korea and Japan make the prospects for improving relations between Korea and Japan unclear.

I'm Kim Se-ho from YTN in Tokyo.