Report

Institute for Future Strategy, Seoul National University — Korea–Japan Cooperation Task Force
“A New Korea–Japan Partnership for a Global Korea”

This study diagnoses the complex challenges facing South Korea amid a rapidly changing global order and proposes strategic directions and concrete policy alternatives for Korea–Japan cooperation as a means to overcome them. Intensifying U.S.–China rivalry, wars in Europe and the Middle East, disruptions in global supply chains, competition over advanced technologies, and worsening climate conditions are all exerting profound impacts on Korea’s security, economy, and technological environment. Against this backdrop, the study defines the objectives of Korea–Japan cooperation as co-hedging of risks, co-opetition (cooperative competition), co-development, and co-responsibility, and argues that the next two to three years should be used as a strategic window to strengthen the irreversibility of bilateral cooperation. It also emphasizes that cooperation must be advanced through the synergy of national power and identity, and by adopting strategies rooted in openness, resilience, and deterrence.

The report explains how Korea–Japan cooperation can reinforce Korea’s security, enhance its ability to respond to economic challenges, and contribute to cutting-edge technological innovation. It analyzes cooperation across four key pillars: economy, science and technology, security, and values and culture.
In the economic sphere, it proposes the integration of youth and high-skilled labor markets, expansion of the Korea–Japan currency swap, establishment of a Korea–Japan Economic Security Council (proposed), development of a joint system for critical resource development, procurement, storage, and utilization, strengthening of semiconductor supply chain cooperation, and joint efforts for decarbonized infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific region.
In science and technology, the study calls for restoring collaboration in basic science research, reinforcing partnerships among public research institutes, prioritizing strategic cooperation in key emerging technologies such as quantum and hydrogen, and securing joint leadership in setting global technology standards.
In security, it emphasizes expanding multilateral maritime security frameworks, establishing logistical cooperation for peacekeeping (PKO) and humanitarian missions, broadening Korea–Japan joint maritime rescue exercises (SAREX), creating a Korea–Japan maritime cooperation council, and institutionalizing trilateral security cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan.
In the domain of values and culture, it highlights joint efforts to promote a global community of shared values, potential integration of professional sports leagues, and co-production of cultural and creative content.

In conclusion, the study proposes the establishment of a “Korea–Japan Plus Economy, Science, and Security Partnership Framework” as a new institutional foundation for bilateral cooperation. Through this framework, Korea and Japan can transform geopolitical uncertainty into shared opportunity and advance as strategic partners contributing to global peace and prosperity.

Keywords:
Korea–Japan cooperation, U.S.–China rivalry, supply chain restructuring, advanced technology competition, economic security, strategic partnership, Korea–U.S.–Japan security cooperation, climate crisis response, technology standards, co-development