Japan's removal of South Korea from its "whitelist" has become a reality,... casting an even darker shadow over Seoul-Tokyo relations.
However, as a series of global events are scheduled for the leaders of the two countries,... watchers say there's at least a flicker of hope the two sides can reach some kind of compromise to defuse their trade spat.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
With the Japanese government set for a reshuffle early next month,... all eyes are on how Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's new-look cabinet might lead to a positive shift away from the currently frosty relations between Seoul and Tokyo.
Analysts say Foreign Minister Taro Kono could be replaced,... as he was not deemed influential in Tokyo's export curbs on Seoul.
They also forecast a shakeup of hard-liners within Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Abe are scheduled to be in New York on September 17th,... as the 74th UN General Assembly kicks off.
It's left to be seen whether they will sit down for a bilateral summit as they did last year
On October 22nd, the coronation of new Japanese emperor Naruhito is expected to take place,... to which Tokyo has invited the leaders of some 190 countries.
It's left to be seen whether President Moon will attend the official dinner hosted by Abe
The ASEAN + 3, which includes South Korea, Japan and China, will be held in Thailand in late October,... while the Chile APEC Summit is scheduled for November 16th.
As a slew of global events are scheduled in the coming months,... watchers have expressed hope that some personal interaction between the leaders could help alleviate the escalating tensions between the two Asian nations.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.