Influence of the South Korean Public Opinion on the Country\'s 2023 Rapprochement With Japan

This study examines the intricate relationship between South Korea and Japan, with a particular focus on the influence of public opinion on the bilateral relationship, taking into account the context of historical traumas. The article begins with an overview of the complex dynamics of the relationship between the two countries, including unresolved issues related to Japan's colonization of Korea. It then traces the development of the Republic of Korea-Japan rapprochement in 2023. The thesis employs democratic peace theory and the concept of diplomacy with memory to examine the influence of public opinion on foreign policy decision-making in liberal democracies and the impact of historical memory on international relations. A theory-testing process-tracing methodology is utilized to assess the extent to which public opinion shapes the rapprochement process between Japan and Korea. The findings indicate that, despite historical tensions, diplomatic efforts continue despite negative public opinion. Consequently, the limited applicability of the theory to the empirical case of Japan-South Korea rapprochement in 2023 is demonstrated.