Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (second from left) and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (second from right) attend the first bilateral talks in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 30, 2025. Photo: VCG

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday held his first summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who visited South Korea to attend the APEC leaders' meeting. During the meeting, which lasted about 41 minutes, the two leaders stressed the need for closer cooperation but avoided sensitive historical issues that have long straine