Debate has intensified over whether Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine on December 26. Takaichi is known for her right-wing historical views and has repeatedly visited the shrine while questioning established conclusions on Japan's wartime aggression.

CGTN Stringer spoke with citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to gauge public reaction. Many interviewees expressed concerns and disappointment over the possibility of a visit in the near future. Kim Jung-min, a ROK citizen, said, "The Japanese prime minister's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine has long been a source of concern for neighboring countries. The Prime Minister's possible visit this time is certainly not a positive sign. The potential negative effects are worrying." Another citizen, Heo Jae-hoon, voiced concern over future relations among China, Japan and the ROK. "Similar incidents keep occurring, causing relationships that once had the potential to improve to gradually worsen, like an infected wound, which I find deeply regrettable," he said.