한일시민 100명 일본서 미래지향적 한일관계 토론
Seoul-Tokyo ties have soured in recent weeks over a number of issues related to Japan's wartime history.
With diplomatic tensions heightening,... ordinary citizens representing both countries held a forum... as part of efforts to foster mutual understanding.
Kim Min-ji filed us this report using her smartphone.
Despite the deepening divide between South Korea and Japan over historical issues,... efforts are continuously being made at a private level... to help develop future-oriented relations between the two countries.
This forum -- which invites 50 civilian representatives from all walks of life from each country -- is one platform that allows participants to share their insights and experiences to encourage mutual understanding and trust.
Co-hosted by the Korea Foundation, Seoul National University and Waseda University,... the forum is now in its second year.
"Seoul and Tokyo are having difficulty finding common ground on the diplomatic front. At times like this, civilian exchanges are especially important. We're hoping people can work through their differences,... which in turn could support the government."
Bilateral ties further strained recently, after Seoul decided to dissolve a foundation funded by Tokyo to compensate the South Korean victims forced into sexual slavery by Japanese soldiers during the Second World War,... not to mention a court ruling in favor of South Korean laborers forced to work during Japan's colonial rule.
The situation gave participants more than enough to talk about -- with heated debates on various issues including -- factors driving a wedge between the two countries and ways to overcome the disputes at a civilian level.
"The talks probably have little impact now,.. but if they continue every year with more participants and they find middle point, I believe it could set the groundwork for the younger generation to build upon."
"Many young Japanese don't have a bad image of South Korea as they like K-pop and K-beauty,... and aren't that interested in politics. If the participants return home and share what was discussed with their friends,... I believe it can promote understanding about each other."
The participants saw eye to eye that such channels need to be expanded, regardless of diplomatic friction.
"They agreed stepping up exchanges and getting more people engaged and interested is key because,... at the end of the day,... decision making at the top level is heavily influenced by public opinion. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News. Chiba."
