코리아헤럴드

South Korea strategizes ‍Ahead of First Lee-Takaichi Summit at APEC

South ⁤Korean President Lee Jae Myung is preparing for his⁤ first bilateral meeting‍ with Japan’s newly inaugurated ‍Prime ‌Minister Sanae ‍Takaichi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. ⁣While ‍the APEC forum⁣ presents limitations for ‍in-depth negotiations,Seoul views it⁢ as ‌a crucial opportunity to establish the future direction of South Korea-Japan​ relations.

The ‍meeting takes place against a backdrop of evolving Japanese leadership and⁢ sensitivities surrounding past issues.Notably, ‌Takaichi refrained from visiting the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo during Japan’s fall festival in October, a departure from her​ previous practice of ‌visiting the shrine during ⁢both spring and fall ⁣festivals, and also‍ on the anniversary‍ of Japan’s surrender in World War II, even while​ holding ministerial positions. The Yasukuni shrine, which honors Japan’s ⁣war dead ⁣including convicted war ⁣criminals, remains a point of​ contention with South Korea and other regional neighbors.

experts suggest several strategies for president Lee to⁣ pursue during the ‍summit. Troy Stangarone believes South Korea “can use APEC as an⁢ opportunity to lay out its preferred agenda to shape ⁤future discussions on ⁢deepening trilateral ⁣cooperation.” Patrick⁤ Cronin of ⁣the⁤ Hudson Institute‌ emphasized the⁤ need for both leaders to prioritize economic growth alongside military ⁢strengthening.⁤ he suggested‍ Lee focus on “finding⁤ new ways to cooperate economically with Japan, while underscoring trilateral security cooperation and reaffirming basic cooperation on regional ​security challenges.”

Ellen Kim, director of academic affairs at the Korea Economic Institute of America, advocated for Lee to emphasize the importance of continued “shuttle diplomacy” – reciprocal leader visits‍ -⁣ to maintain close communication and coordination between the two governments. She also stressed the need to secure Takaichi’s support for the trilateral partnership with the United states.

However, Kim ‌also noted a⁤ potential strategic consideration for ​Seoul:⁤ a intentional downplaying of the ‌US-ROK-Japan trilateral partnership during APEC. This approach stems from the Lee governance’s‍ priority of improving relations with China, as Chinese President ‌Xi Jinping is scheduled​ to visit South Korea this week for ‍the APEC summit – his first trip⁣ to the country‌ sence 2014 – amidst existing strains‍ in Seoul-Beijing⁣ relations. Publicly emphasizing the ‌trilateral security cooperation coudl be ‌perceived ⁢as ⁢antagonistic towards China, possibly hindering efforts to ‍mend those ties.

The Republic‍ of Korea (ROK),South‌ Korea’s formal name,aims to leverage the APEC summit to navigate complex regional dynamics and establish a productive path forward in its relationship‍ with​ Japan.

Korean Baseball Draws New ‍Fans Through Fashion, Collectibles, and Community

SEOUL – A growing trend is sweeping through ‍South Korea, transforming the nationS professional baseball league (KBO) into a cultural ‌phenomenon extending far ‍beyond the stadium. ⁣Driven​ by collaborations ‍with popular fashion‍ brands, a surge in ⁤collectible merchandise, and the rise of dedicated fan crews, the KBO is attracting⁤ a new wave of supporters, especially among younger demographics.

What was once a pastime primarily enjoyed ⁤by dedicated baseball enthusiasts is now intersecting ‍with fashion, collecting, and⁣ social experiences, broadening the league’s appeal. Retail worker Kim,‍ who preferred to be identified by her ⁣surname, exemplifies this shift. “I did‌ not ⁢know much about the Korean baseball team⁢ until I went to a pop-up event at​ Musinsa,” she said, ‌referring to the popular fashion retailer.”The show displayed some collaboration works of​ the​ fashion brand and baseball⁣ teams.”

Kim purchased⁢ an exclusive shirt featuring⁣ the “Landers“‍ team name and, after attending a game while wearing it and witnessing a victory, became a ‌committed fan. ​”Since‍ then, I became ⁣a⁤ serious baseball fan. Now I am trying to collect ⁢KBO ⁣player stickers,” she added.

This trend is ‍fueled by strategic⁣ partnerships. Fashion brand 29CM has released LG ‍twins ⁢key‌ rings, while the doosan Bears offer collectible photo cards of their players. These ⁤items are proving popular with⁤ fans looking ⁣to express their support in new ways.

Beyond merchandise, a growing number of fans are forming informal “crews” centered around shared enthusiasm for ⁣specific teams. LG Eopsineun Motsara – translating to “No ‍LG, no Life” ⁣-​ is ‌one such group. Though members may not ⁤know‍ each‍ other personally, they gather at Jamsil Baseball‍ Stadium in Seoul to cheer on the Twins.

“It ⁢is ⁤indeed a little bit⁢ different from ⁤the⁢ official fan club. This is just a live⁢ baseball game-watching crew,” explained Kim Yong-ki, a 32-year-old LG Twins fan and member ​of ​the crew. “The members drink​ beer, hold up their favourite players’ jerseys and sing​ the cheers together throughout⁣ the ‌entire game, like​ other ordinary fans.”

The crew extends⁢ the experience beyond the game itself, hosting afterparties ‍to foster camaraderie and welcome new members. these gatherings provide a space to discuss favorite players, analyze game⁤ performance,⁤ and celebrate⁤ individual MVPs. ⁤ Kim ‍Yong-ki noted that ‌the ‌crew occasionally organizes two- or three-day trips ‌for away ‌games, further solidifying the community.

these ​evolving fan practices demonstrate a broadening of the KBO’s‍ cultural footprint,‌ offering diverse avenues ‍for engagement and​ solidifying its position as more than just a game.

sj_lee@heraldcorp.com