This paper analyzes the development of North Korea-Japan relations since the normalization of relations between South Korea and Japan in 1965, examining how both the international situation has changed and the role of the South Korean government has influenced relations between North Korea and Japan. A stronger cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan tended to ensure active dialogue between North Korea and Japan, reflecting North Korea’s efforts to escape diplomatic isolation through improved relations with Japan. Japan’s engagement with North Korea has largely been facilitated by South Korea’s intermediary role, and Japan’s diplomatic leverage over North Korea increased when South Korea took an active role on issues on the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, with inter-Korean relations improved, it’s observed that Japan tried to seek to engage with North Korea through the reactive diplomacy. Going forward, South Korea should strengthen its role as an intermediary to help the normalization between North Korea and Japan contribute to North Korean denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula while actively engaging with Japan in discussions on human rights and economic aid to North Korea. 

Kitae Lee ,"60 Years of North Korea-Japan Relations and South Korea​," 『The Korea Journal of Japanese Studies』2024, vol., no.60, pp.137~162.​

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