**Although both countries have a very long past of rivalry, and nowadays are very active with their investments in Europe, including Poland, it must be emphasized that their cooperation is crucial to counterbalance the Chinese power. Historical problems negatively affect their political-military relations, which makes it difficult, among another things, to cooperate with the US. At the same time, it is through sporting events that relations between South Korea and Japan are easing. The function of both countries is crucial for safety in East Asia. **