COVID-19 Aggravates an Already Tense Korea-Japan Relationship

Just when things were looking up, the outbreak — and dueling travel restrictions — has complicated ties yet again.

President Moon Jae-in said Japan was South Korea’s «closest neighbor.» Prime Minister Shinzo Abe echoed this sentiment, calling Korea Japan’s «most important neighbor.» After both speeches in January, it appeared that at least the two leaders were keen to start mending ties between their two countries.
Some countries, including Australia and Singapore, have banned entry from visitors who have been in South Korea in the 14 days prior to arrival. Others, including Taiwan and Vietnam, require such travelers to spend 14 days in quarantine after arrival. Seoul later reversed course, but only after intense lobbying from the United States.
The spat sparked massive public outcry and widespread boycotts in South Korea, ranging from consumer products to tourism.

This article was written by Jenna Gibson 

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