South Korea's government decided to overcome old grudges and sign an agreement with Japan to share intelligence about the threat posed by North Korea's missile and nuclear activities.

The General Security of Military Information Agreement should have been signed four years ago, but had considerable opposition in from some political parties and a large section of the public which still harbors bitterness over the Japanese occupation from 1910 through 1945.  A survey by Gallup Korea on Friday showed that 59 percent of 1,007 respondents opposed the agreement between the two countries.

But North Korea's recent missile and nuclear weapons tests indicate it is advancing its offensive technology, making it urgent for Seoul to concentrate on the present.

South Korea's defense ministry now has intelligence sharing deals with 33 countries, including the United States and Russia.