English Learning: Japan–South Korea Security Cooperation

Dialogue

Current Situation

Japan and South Korea, two key US allies in East Asia, have historically endured a complex and often strained relationship due to unresolved historical issues stemming from Japan’s colonial rule (1910-1945) and World War II. However, recent years have seen a significant shift towards improved security cooperation, driven primarily by evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea have served as a major catalyst, highlighting the urgent need for a united front and enhanced regional security. Both nations recognize that intelligence sharing and coordinated defense efforts are crucial for monitoring and responding to Pyongyang’s provocations.
Another significant factor is the persistent diplomatic pressure and encouragement from the United States, which seeks to bolster its trilateral alliance with Japan and South Korea to counter regional challenges, including the rise of China. This US involvement has often facilitated dialogue and pushed for greater collaboration.
Key areas of current cooperation include the reinstatement and improved utilization of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), allowing for direct intelligence sharing. There have also been renewed high-level diplomatic exchanges, military staff talks, and the potential for joint military exercises, though these remain sensitive. While significant challenges and historical sensitivities persist, the current trend indicates a pragmatic understanding that shared security concerns necessitate closer cooperation for regional stability.

Key Phrases

• choked on my ramen: An exaggerated expression indicating extreme surprise or disbelief. When I heard they were getting married, I almost choked on my coffee!
• set to ‘awkward silence’: Describes a relationship or situation that is typically tense, uncomfortable, and lacking easy conversation. Their annual family reunion was usually set to ‘awkward silence’ until someone changed the subject.
• mend fences: To try to improve a relationship after a disagreement or conflict. After their argument, both friends decided to meet up and mend fences.
• build a bridge over troubled waters: To do something that helps people to overcome difficulties or disagreements and connect again. The new diplomatic initiative aims to build a bridge over troubled waters between the two nations.
• historical grievances: Feelings of injustice or resentment based on past wrongs or conflicts. Many discussions about the region are still overshadowed by historical grievances.
• common threats make strange bedfellows: An idiom meaning that dangerous or difficult situations can force unlikely allies to work together. The rival companies had to form an alliance; common threats make strange bedfellows when facing a giant competitor.
• keep an eye on things: To watch carefully or monitor a situation. Please keep an eye on the kids while I step out for a moment.
• played a role: To have had an effect or influence on something. Her dedication played a significant role in the project’s success.
• play nicely in the sandbox: A child-like metaphor for getting along and cooperating, often used when suggesting rival parties should work together. The manager told the departments they needed to play nicely in the sandbox for the sake of the company.
• million-dollar question: An important question that is difficult to answer and whose answer could have significant consequences. Will the new policy actually solve the problem? That’s the million-dollar question.
• fingers crossed: An idiom used to express hope for good luck or a positive outcome. I have an interview tomorrow, so fingers crossed!

Grammar Points

1. Idiomatic Expressions for Relationships and Difficulties: The dialogue uses several colorful idioms to describe the nature of Japan-South Korea relations and the efforts to improve them. Understanding these phrases is key to grasping nuanced English.
   • mend fences: to repair a strained relationship.
   • build a bridge over troubled waters: to resolve difficulties and improve a relationship.
   • common threats make strange bedfellows: shared dangers can bring unlikely allies together.
   • play nicely in the sandbox: to cooperate and get along, often humorously implying childish squabbles.

   “They’re trying to mend fences, especially with the whole North Korea situation escalating.” “Common threats often make strange bedfellows, as they say.”

2. The Present Perfect Tense for Recent Events and Ongoing Situations: The Present Perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue into the present, or actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past but have a clear connection to the present. “North Korea’s recent missile tests are a pretty clear common threat.” (While this exact sentence is Present Simple, the context implies a recent escalation relevant now. Bob’s line “The US has always pushed for trilateral cooperation” is a perfect example.) Here, “has always pushed” indicates an action (US pressure) that began in the past and continues up to the present moment.
3. Phrasal Verbs in Context: Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (or both) that form a new meaning. They are very common in spoken and informal English.
   • keep an eye on: to watch or monitor carefully.
   • play a role: to have an influence or be involved in something.

   “They both need to keep an eye on things.” “And US pressure probably played a role, too.”

4. Using “Would” for Hypothetical Outcomes and Predictions: The modal verb “would” is often used to talk about hypothetical situations, imagined outcomes, or future predictions from a past perspective. It’s especially common in conditional sentences. “Maybe someday they’ll even share kimchi recipes. Now that would be true peace!” Alice uses “would be” to describe an imagined or hypothetical future scenario (sharing recipes) and its peaceful outcome, implying it’s not currently happening but could.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the Phrase to its Meaning

1. Mend fences:
   a) To build a new wall
   b) To repair a damaged relationship
   c) To fix a garden fence
2. Common threats make strange bedfellows:
   a) People who share a bed often have similar fears
   b) Dangerous situations can unite unlikely partners
   c) It’s unusual for enemies to become friends
3. Million-dollar question:
   a) A question about money
   b) A very expensive question
   c) An important and difficult question
4. Keep an eye on things:
   a) To close one eye
   b) To observe carefully
   c) To ignore something

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. b) To repair a damaged relationship
2. b) Dangerous situations can unite unlikely partners
3. c) An important and difficult question
4. b) To observe carefully

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences Using Words/Phrases from the Dialogue

1. After their big argument, they finally decided to ______ ______ and talk things over.
2. The senator’s speech definitely ______ a significant ______ in swaying public opinion.
3. With the new competitor in the market, even rival companies might have to work together because ______ ______ make ______ ______.
4. Everyone wants to know if the new government will bring real change, but that’s the ______ ______ ______.

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. mend fences
2. played / role
3. common threats / strange bedfellows
4. million-dollar question

Exercise 3: Answer the Following Questions based on the Dialogue and Current Situation

1. What is the main reason Alice and Bob are surprised by Japan–South Korea cooperation?
2. According to the dialogue, what common threat is driving Japan and South Korea to cooperate?
3. What role has the United States played in encouraging this cooperation?
4. What is GSOMIA, and why is its utilization important for security cooperation?

Exercise 3 Answers:

1. They are surprised because of the historically strained and competitive relationship between the two countries, often characterized by “awkward silence” or “historical grievances.”
2. The escalating North Korea situation, particularly its missile tests and nuclear program, is the clear common threat.
3. The United States has consistently pushed for and encouraged trilateral cooperation between the two nations, acting “like the parent making siblings share their toys.”
4. GSOMIA stands for General Security of Military Information Agreement. Its utilization is important because it allows for direct intelligence sharing between Japan and South Korea, which is crucial for monitoring and responding to regional security threats.