South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has labeled Japan, the former colonial ruler of South Korea, as a "partner" sharing common values and interests. This move comes as relations between DPRK and South Korea have reached a significant low with diplomatic efforts stalled.

President Yoon has aimed to strengthen ties with Tokyo while simultaneously aligning South Korea more closely with its ally, the United States. This marks a departure from historical grievances stemming from Japan's brutal colonial occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945, which included issues like sexual slavery and forced labor.

During an event commemorating the anniversary of liberation from Japanese rule, Yoon emphasized that Japan and South Korea are now "partners" who share universal values and common interests. He stressed the importance of real-time data sharing about DPRK's nuclear weapons and missiles among Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington. Yoon also highlighted Japan's contribution of seven rear bases to the United Nations Command as a significant deterrent.

In June, leaders of South Korea, Japan, and the United States announced plans to establish a system for real-time information sharing on DPRK's missiles before the end of 2023. They are scheduled to hold a trilateral summit in the United States.

August 15, known as Liberation Day, is a shared public holiday in both DPRK and South Korea. 

Kim Jong Un recently called for intensified offensive war preparations and increased missile production citing South Korea's provocations.

In yet another provocation, leaders from South Korea, the United States, and Japan are planning a trilateral summit to strengthen security cooperation. The US and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises in the Peninsula for decades, but, in recent years, they have increased the scale of their drills, simulating large-scale bombing against the DPRK. 

DPRK leader oversaw a military parade showcasing new attack drones and nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, with the attendance of Russian and Chinese officials signaling potential expanded military cooperation with DPRK.

In light of the August 15 anniversary, DPRK state media reported an exchange of letters between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin praised the bravery of Red Army soldiers and Korean patriots in liberating Korea from Japanese colonial rule. Kim expressed confidence in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Russia in various fields.

Read next: S.Koreans reject Seoul compensation for wartime Japanese forced labor