| Summary/Abstract |
Is the phrase, “History controls Korea-Japan relations,” the most accurate assessment of the situation? Some experts contend that the relationship after World War II is one of being “distant countries,” despite being so near. This assertion has maintained a certain validity even after the “normalization” of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations in 1965. In fact, the above description is very precise when it comes to describing the relationship between the two countries, which is complicated because of Japan’s colonization of Korea. Recognition of the fact that history is a pending issue for both countries is unavoidable. It is time, however, to change the stereotyped formula when analyzing these ties. Security issues, namely, the two sides’ security perceptions about East Asia, including the DPRK nuclear threat, should be added to these arguments as an influencing factor. The purpose of this paper is to clarify how Korea-Japan relations have changed since the DPRK developed nuclear weapons, additionally taking into consideration its three nuclear tests. In particular, this paper tries to show how Japan’s perceptions of the DPRK’s nuclear development and its policies have changed since the DPRK conducted nuclear tests—as well as what kinds of factors have influenced Japan’s perceptions of the DPRK. In addition, this study addresses the impact of Japan’s security perceptions toward the DPRK on the relationship between Korea and Japan.
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