Blog
The Koreas
Propaganda Tool? Bargaining Chip? What North Korea May Have in Mind for Travis King
By Kim Tong-hyung
“When an American goes into North Korea, they usually are used for political purposes, regardless of whether they want it or not.”
South Korea’s Deepening Political Divide Is Mapping Onto Its Foreign Policy
By Jinwan Park
South Korea’s political parties have taken divergent stances on how Seoul should position itself amid intensifying China-U.S. rivalry
South Korea Searches for Missing People as Death Toll From Downpours Reaches 41
By Associated Press
Torrential rains since July 9 have caused landslides and flooding, killing at least 41 people and displacing over 12,700.
American Detained After Crossing Into North Korea Without Authorization
By Hyung-jin Kim and Kim Tong-hyung
An American has reportedly crossed the border into the North without authorization, but further details about why or how are not yet available.
North Korea’s Ambassador Blames US for Regional Tensions in Rare UN Security Council Appearance
By Edith M. Lederer
Amb. Kim Song defended North Korea’s recent long-range missile test-flight as a legitimate exercise of the North's right to self-defense.
South Korea’s Yoon Pushes for Strong Resolve Against North’s Nuclear Ambitions at NATO Summit
By Hyung-jin Kim
Yoon Suk-yeol will attend the annual NATO summit being held this year in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11-12 as part of a two-nation trip that includes a stop in Poland.
South Korea Endorses Japan’s Plan to Release Fukushima Wastewater, But Citizens’ Fears Persist
By Kim Tong-hyung
South Korean government officials and scientists insist that contamination levels would be within acceptable safety standards. The public isn’t convinced.
Baby Boomers’ Retirement Will Remake South Korea
By Eunwoo Lee
The demographic shift will stir fundamental changes in the country’s landscape and environment.
North Korea Is Desperately Seeking Foreign Currency to Fund Its Military
By Seulkee Jang
A consulate in China ordered trade officials to identify collaborators who can send or launder money, even if they cannot directly invest in North Korea.
Thousands of North Koreans March in Anti-US Rallies as Country Marks Korean War Anniversary
By Kim Tong-hyung
More than 120,000 North Koreans marched in mass rallies over the weekend, pledging “merciless” revenge against “U.S. imperialists.”
Where Does Japan Fit Into South Korea’s New Indo-Pacific Strategy?
By Shu Fukuya
Establishing a strategic relationship has become an urgent task to address threats to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, but significant obstacles remain.
‘Dollarization’ of North Korean Economy, Once Vital, Now Potential Threat to Kim’s Rule
By Hyung-jin Kim
Defectors say an attempt to end use of U.S. dollars and Chinese yuan would likely just cause chaos.