2026 Spring Conference of the Korean Association of Contemporary Japanese Studies
"Revisiting the 60th Anniversary of Korea-Japan Diplomatic Normalization and New Perspectives"
Marking the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization, this academic conference will reflect on the past and present while offering new perspectives on the future.
At the 2026 Spring Conference, jointly organized by the Korean Association of Contemporary Japanese Studies and the Institute for Japanese Studies at Seoul National University, participants will engage in in-depth discussions on the history, diplomacy, economy, and security of Korea-Japan relations. We welcome your interest and participation in this meaningful occasion for academic reflection and future-oriented dialogue.
- Date/Time: June 12 (Fri), 2026, 14:00–17:30
- Venue: Sochon International Conference Hall, Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University
- Organizers: Korean Association of Contemporary Japanese Studies; Institute for Japanese Studies, Seoul National University
- Language: Simultaneous Korean-Japanese interpretation will be provided
- Inquiries: 02-880-8503 / ijs@snu.ac.kr
※ The event is open to everyone without prior registration.
14:00–14:20 Opening Ceremony
Opening Remarks: CHO Yang-hyun (President, Korean Association of Contemporary Japanese Studies)
Welcome Address: PARK Ji-hwan (Director, Institute for Japanese Studies, Seoul National University)
Congratulatory Remarks:
KANG Chang-il (Executive Vice Chairperson, Peaceful Unification Advisory Council / Former Ambassador to Japan)
RYU Hong-lim (President, Seoul National University)
14:20–15:40
Session 1: The Early Korea-Japan Negotiations and the Role of HONG Jin-ki
Chair:
CHO Yang-hyun (Professor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy / President, Korean Association of Contemporary Japanese Studies)
Presentations:
LEE Won-deog (Professor, Kookmin University), “HONG Jin-ki’s Theory of Colonial Reparations and Diplomatic Negotiations with Japan”
PARK Kyung-min (Professor, Kookmin University), “HONG Jin-ki’s ‘Legal Doctrine of Liberation’ and the Claims Committee of the Korea-Japan Talks”
PARK Tae-gyun (Professor, Seoul National University), “HONG Jin-ki’s Concerns and Vision amid Changes in World History”
LEE Ha-kyung (Senior Journalist and Former Editor-in-Chief, JoongAng Ilbo), “The Life of Yumin HONG Jin-ki and His Negotiations with Japan”
Discussants:
WADA Haruki (Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo)
KIMIYA Tadashi (Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo)
LEE Keun-Gwan (Professor, Seoul National University)
CHO Yoon-soo (Director, Institute of International Relations, Northeast Asian History Foundation)
15:40–16:00 Break
16:00–17:20
Session 2: Looking Ahead to a New 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations
Chair: NAM Kijeong (Professor, Seoul National University)
Presentations:
KIM Soong-bae (Professor, Pukyong National University), “The Structure and Transformation of Korea-Japan Relations”
KIMURA Kan (Professor, Kobe University), “A Structural Analysis of Improvements in Korea-Japan Relations”
LEE Jeong-hwan (Professor, Seoul National University), “Changes and the Future of Korea-Japan Economic Relations”
KIM Ji-young (Professor, Hanyang University), “Institutional Challenges for Sustainable Korea-Japan Security Cooperation”
Discussants:
NISHINO Junya (Professor, Keio University)
HORIYAMA Akiko (Journalist, The Mainichi Shimbun)
KIM Sung-jo (Professor, Yonsei University)
CHO Eun-il (Senior Research Fellow, Korea Institute for Defense Analyses)
17:20–17:30 Closing Ceremony
