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The Koreas
Harvard Professor’s Article Sparks Outrage Over Its Depiction of Japanese Military Brothels
By Mitch Shin
While U.S. scholars and politicians criticized the article, it was defended by far-right activists in Japan – and South Korea.
South Korea’s Largest Internet Portal Shuts Down Controversial Trending Searches Chart
By Jenna Gibson
Naver will shutter the feature, which has been subject to economic and political manipulation in the past.
Strengthening Party Leadership in North Korea
By Atsuhito Isozaki
Assessing the recent Party Congress in North Korea.
South Korea Restarts Cost-Sharing Negotiations With Washington
By Mitch Shin
With a new administration in Washington, Seoul welcomed the chance to resume SMA negotiations that have been stalled for nearly a year.
The Impact of COVID-19 on South Korean Trade in 2020
By Troy Stangarone
South Korea took minimal economic damage overall, but sector-specific impacts varied widely.
Seeking North Korea Breakthrough, Seoul Looks to Biden Administration
By Mitch Shin
The Moon administration starts dialogue with the new U.S. administration, hoping to induce Pyongyang to reactivate back channels for negotiations.
South Korea’s Vision for a More Inclusive Pandemic Recovery
By Kyle Ferrier
South Korea was already struggling with economic inequality. The pandemic has made things worse.
The Tactical Implications of North Korea’s Military Modernization
By Liang Tuang Nah
Displays of new North Korean military equipment are likely meant to implement deterrence via posturing, with no real impact on the regional balance of power.
Conflict Between South Korea and Japan Surges Again With Court’s ‘Comfort Women’ Decision
By Mitch Shin
The Japanese government rejected a court ruling on compensation for South Korean women forced into sexual slavery during World War II.
President Moon Is Still Hopeful for North Korea Talks
By Mitch Shin
In a press conference on Monday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed his wish to resume talks with North Korea – including hosting Kim Jong Un in Seoul.
Chatbot Gone Awry Starts Conversations About AI Ethics in South Korea
By Dongwoo Kim
The “Luda” AI chatbot sparked a necessary debate about AI ethics as South Korea places new emphasis on the technology.
North Korea Holds Nighttime Military Parade After Party Congress
By Mitch Shin
After the Workers’ Party’s Eighth Congress, North Korea held a military parade to display its missiles, with an emphasis on SLBMs (and a curious absence of ICBMs).