South Korea, Japan Plan Next Leaders' Summit
Vice foreign ministers met in Japan for the 17th bilateral strategic dialogue as both governments coordinate timing and venue for the next Lee-Takaichi summit.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in International Relations
South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo met Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi for the 17th bilateral strategic dialogue, scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Japan. The two sides coordinated the timing and venue of the next summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Why it matters
The talks come after a May summit in Andong and a recent Atlanta meeting of foreign ministers that reaffirmed a commitment to the complete denuclearisation of North Korea. The regular dialogue track keeps coordination between the two governments active across security and economic issues.
The 17th round of the South Korea-Japan strategic dialogue was scheduled for November 2, 2026, in Japan. Takaichi has suggested a regional hot spring town as a possible venue for the next summit, which has not been confirmed.
The players
Lee Jae Myung
Lee Jae Myung is the President of South Korea, who is coordinating the next summit with Japan's prime minister.
Sanae Takaichi
Sanae Takaichi is the Prime Minister of Japan, who hosted the May summit in Andong and is coordinating the next summit with South Korea.
Marco Rubio
Marco Rubio is the United States Secretary of State, who met with South Korean and Japanese foreign ministers in Atlanta on North Korea policy.
The details
Park Yoon-joo and Takehiro Funakoshi are expected to exchange views on North Korea's evolving nuclear and missile programs, along with cooperation on economic security, including small modular reactors, supply chains and Arctic-related issues. The governments continue to coordinate the summit's timing and location through diplomatic channels.
Timeline
May 2026: Lee-Takaichi summit held in Andong.
Late October 2026: Foreign ministers of South Korea, the United States and Japan met in Atlanta on the sidelines of a G20 meeting.
November 2, 2026: 17th bilateral strategic dialogue held in Japan.
Political Context
The vice ministers' talks follow the May summit in Andong, which set the pattern for regular leaders' meetings between Seoul and Tokyo. The dialogue continues that track while both governments also reaffirm trilateral cooperation with Washington on North Korea.
Readers following Asian security and trade policy may see the outcome of this dialogue shape cooperation on North Korea deterrence and economic security. Developments on the next summit's date and venue will be published as governments confirm them.
The takeaway
Regular vice-ministerial dialogue between Seoul and Tokyo keeps leaders' summits on track even as North Korea remains a shared security concern. Watch for confirmation of the next summit's venue and timing from both governments.
Further reading
Explore more on International Relations to see how regional diplomacy shapes this bilateral track.
