Japan also focuses on the next presidential election... "Lee Jae-myung leads in approval ratings, possibility of regime change" [Yoon Seok-yeol Impeachment]

Concerns Over the Impact on Korea-Japan Relations

On the 4th, as the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled to dismiss former President Yoon Seok-yeol, Japanese media showed interest in the upcoming presidential election.

Yonhap News reported on the evening edition front-page article of the Yomiuri Shimbun that day. According to the report, the Yomiuri Shimbun stated, "With the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss President Yoon, the next presidential election will be held within 60 days," adding, "There are concerns that Yoon's resignation, who improved Korea-Japan relations, may affect bilateral ties."

It also mentioned, "Among politicians, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, holds the highest approval rating, raising the possibility of a regime change."

Major Japanese newspapers featured the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol on their front pages on the 4th. Yonhap News

The newspaper also covered the rallies of both supporters and opponents of the impeachment in a separate article. It noted that when former President Park Geun-hye was dismissed in 2017, some supporters resorted to violence and clashed with the police, indicating that social divisions may not be easily healed.

The Asahi Shimbun introduced Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung as a leading candidate for the next presidency. The Asahi Shimbun analyzed, "Lee Jae-myung currently ranks first in opinion polls," and "In a situation where Korean society is deeply divided, the key to winning the next presidential election will be who can embrace the moderate voters."

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun predicted, "June 3 is likely to be the voting day," and assessed, "It is uncertain whether the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties and social unrest will be resolved," while also expressing concerns about the impact on the previously stable Korea-Japan relations.

NHK also displayed subtitles such as "President Yoon's impeachment trial, immediate dismissal" during other program broadcasts and provided detailed coverage of recent Korean public opinion trends.

Local media seemed to have prepared in advance, publishing detailed articles on their online editions shortly after the Constitutional Court's decision. Kyodo News also released breaking news lines on the ruling and then presented a pre-prepared, lengthy article on the dismissal decision.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ishiba appeared before the National Assembly and, when asked about the dismissal decision, said, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations," emphasizing, "No matter which administration comes to power, close cooperation between Korea and Japan is very important."

Meanwhile, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency cited Korean public opinion polls, reporting, "The Korean people hope for a regime change in the next presidential election, and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the current main opposition Democratic Party, is the most popular presidential candidate."