Japanese government officials expressed concerns Saturday that the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea may derail improving relations between the two countries.
The administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol could be a “lame duck,” a Japanese Foreign Ministry source said, even though Yoon survived an impeachment motion over his short-lived declaration of martial law that triggered condemnation from lawmakers and the public.
The motion was scrapped due to a lack of the required number of voters in parliament.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is planning to visit South Korea in January, but at present that trip is doubt, Japanese sources said.
The Japanese government is concerned that growing criticism of Yoon within South Korea may trigger a strong backlash against policies the president has taken. Another government source expressed hope that “Japan-South Korea relations will not become part of the contentions between the ruling and opposition parties” in South Korea.
