Relations between Japan and South Korea in 2021 are expected to remain at a historic low over a wartime labor issue, even though the U.S. administration under President-elect Joe Biden is set to increase pressure on the two American allies to mend ties.
Political analysts say Biden may look to play a behind-the-scenes mediator role, just as the government of President Barack Obama did in 2015 to help settle the issue of Korean "comfort women" — who suffered under Japan’s military brothel system before and during World War II — a major sticking point between the Asian neighbors.
Biden served as vice president under the Obama administration.