years, the two nations jointly hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and (South) Korean pop culture experienced major popularity in Japan, a phenomenon dubbed the in Japan. The Korean Wave has sparked a fad for Korean movies, dramas and popular music in Japan. In return, certain Japanese pop culture productions like anime, manga and video games gained significant popularity in South Korea. Moreover, the PRC, ROK, and Japan have successfully entered the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that was implemented on January 1, 2022. This agreement covers more than a quarter of the world's population, has been able to knock down tariffs, and promoted interregional trade. This momentous agreement enabled a series of talks to initiate the China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (CJK FTA). Nevertheless, the implementation of the RCEP agreement that is indicative of the growing power of economic interdependence in global politics. Other points of cooperation between the two states are written as follows: Both states work to counter the North Korean threat and their pursuit of trilateral relations with the United States. For example, in late September, South Korea, the US, and Japan staged joint anti-submarine drills in response to a series of North Korean missile tests. Furthermore, in late October, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. engaged in a discussion relating to North Korea and agreed that if North Korea resumed nuclear testing, they would have to respond. Despite increased cultural exchange, political tensions remain. The stain of Japan's colonial rule has not yet been washed away. This is evidenced by the outrage that erupted when former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine annually from 2001 to 2006. The Shrine is dedicated to deceased Japanese soldiers, some of which participated in war crimes and atrocities in Korea. Thus, when Japanese government leaders pay homage to the deceased at the Yasukuni Shrine, South Koreans see this to symbolize Japan's lack of remorse for its colonization of Korea. So, as a result of Koizumi's visits, the South Korean public protested heavily against a summit meeting scheduled between the eccentric Japanese diplomat and South Korean president Kim Dae-Jung. The South Korean government responded to the protests and canceled the summit. Another source of tension is the differing views of the two countries regarding China. China has become a bigger security priority for Japan, mainly because of China's rising assertiveness about its claims to the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands,