South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has reiterated a willingness to improve ties with Japan, calling the country a partner with which it shares universal values.

Yoon delivered a speech on Wednesday at a ceremony marking the independence movement which started on March 1, 1919 against Japanese colonial rule.

He called on people to "reflect on the unfortunate times of our history and contemplate what must be done for our future prosperity."

Yoon said, "Japan has transformed from a militaristic aggressor of the past into a partner" with which his country now works to address issues of security and economy, as well as global challenges.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan. He said such trilateral cooperation "has become more important than ever to overcome the security crises including North Korea's growing nuclear threats and global polycrisis."

Yoon made no mention of the wartime labor issue, which has strained ties between his country and Japan.

Seoul is continuing discussions with Tokyo over its plan regarding the matter. The plan involves having a public foundation offer payments to plaintiffs in wartime labor lawsuits in place of Japanese firms that have been ordered to do so by South Korea's Supreme Court.

South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met with the plaintiffs on Tuesday to seek their understanding.