A Japanese daily projects that South Korea will more aggressively try to mend relations with Japan to achieve progress in its North Korea policies. 
 
The Mainichi Shimbun said Wednesday that President Moon Jae-in seeks to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga before the Tokyo Olympics in order to coordinate the invitation of North Korean officials to the Games.

President Moon remarked during a New Year’s press conference this week that he does not believe the seizure and sale of assets of Japanese firms implicated in wartime forced labor is desirable. The daily cited an unnamed Seoul official as saying that the remark was in consideration of improving relations with North Korea.

The paper said a proposal was floated in November for South Korea and Japan to cooperate on the Olympics to realize high-level talks among concerned nations as witnessed during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games.

Another Japanese daily, the Yomiuri Shimbun, has analyzed that the South Korean leader's comment implies a shift from the previous stance of respecting judicial decisions, to seeking diplomatic solutions.

The Asahi Shimbun said South Korea won't be revising its existing stance but appears to have showcased the desire to avoid further deterioration of relations with Tokyo.