South Korean President Moon Jae-in has called for talks with Japan to resolve their dispute over export controls.
He said Seoul will "gladly join hands" if Japan chooses the path of dialogue and cooperation.
Moon made the offer on Thursday in a speech at a ceremony in the city of Cheonan to mark the end of Japan's colonial rule over the nation from 1910 to 1945. August 15 is known as "Liberation Day" in South Korea.
Bilateral relations have become increasingly strained over wartime labor, trade and other issues.
The president said Japan developed its economy under a peaceful free trade order.
He said a country that has achieved growth first must not kick the ladder away while others are following in its footsteps.
The remark is seen as criticism of Japan over its tighter controls of exports to South Korea. Seoul has taken similar action against Japan in response.
Moon also said he hopes Japan will play a leading role with South Korea in facilitating peace and stability in East Asia while contemplating a past that brought misfortune to its neighbors. But he did not directly refer to the wartime labor issue.
Moon had taken a tough stance against Japan as bilateral tensions increased, but he recently began calling for a calm response.
His conciliatory tone in the speech apparently reflects his hope to settle the bilateral row at an early date.
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