Blog
The Koreas
Pyongyang Wants to Be DPRK, Not North Korea
By Mitch Shin
Underneath the belligerence, the reframing by Pyongyang actually opens an opportunity, if Seoul can seize it.
Will Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Succeed Him? High-Ranking North Korean Officials Have Doubts.
By Seulkee Jang
Much attention is focused on whether Kim Ju Ae will succeed her father, but North Korean officials have other explanations for her increased visibility.
Lee Sun-kyun of Oscar-Winning ‘Parasite’ Died of Social Murder
By Eunwoo Lee
South Korean society collectively stripped and buried Lee in its cruel approach to drug users.
North Korea Factor Fades Amid Seoul’s Trilateral Engagement
By Abhishek Sharma
South Korea’s current diplomatic strategy is overlooking its greatest security threat.
The New Dynamism in Germany’s Relations With South Korea
By Tim Hildebrandt and Julian Klose
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has compelled Germany to alter its foreign policy and role in the world. This has also had repercussions for partners outside the EU.
North Korea’s ‘Successful’ Spy Satellite Launch
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
What does it all mean?
Can Han Dong-hoon Unite and Lead South Korea’s Ruling Party?
By Kenji Yoshida and Jason Morgan
Former Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon is the PPP's new leader, but it remains to be seen whether he can step out from President Yoon's shadow.
South Korea’s Opposition Leader Survives Stabbing
By Shannon Tiezzi
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, was attacked during a tour of Busan.
Japan-South Korea Cooperation: Strength in Unity, Danger in Division
By James Kaizuka
Deepened trilateral cooperation between the U.S. and its two key East Asian allies is a positive development, but the fragility of Japanese and South Korean leadership underscores the importance of long-term reconciliation.
North Korean Exports Hit Record High Since UN Sanctions Took Full Effect
By Troy Stangarone
North Korea’s exports overwhelmingly go to China – and rely on a single (and surprising) export category.
After Nearly 4 Year Gap, North Korea Begins Issuing Visas for Chinese Businesspeople
By Seulkee Jang
However, visas are not being granted to Chinese nationals who want to visit North Korea for tourism or family reasons.
What’s Next for the South Korea-UK Relationship?
By Francis Shin
The Downing Street Accord could be the start of an enduring security relationship that would benefit Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
South Korea’s Failed World Expo Bid Sparks President Yoon’s First Apology
By Eunwoo Lee
Busan’s wildly unsuccessful bid to host World Expo 2030 unnerved the government and voters alike.
South Korea’s Surprisingly Successful China Policy
By Derek Grossman
Despite talking tough on Beijing, President Yoon Suk-yeol has helped stabilize the two nations' relationship.
Will Lee Jun-seok Be the Wild Card in South Korea’s General Election?
By Jason Morgan and Kenji Yoshida
The popular former party chair could rescue the ruling PPP’s chances next April – or he could torpedo the conservative party’s odds.
What Was in the Now-Scrapped Inter-Korea Military Agreement?
By Soyoung Kim
What is the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), why has it been scrapped, and what are the implications?
South Korea’s President Gets Royal Welcome on UK State Visit
By Jill Lawless
Yoon’s visit will focus on trade, technology, and defense, as London’s “Indo-Pacific tilt” meets Seoul’s “global pivot state” ambitions.
Seoul Warns North Korea Not to Launch Spy Satellite
By Hyung-jin Kim
South Korea hinted that the 2018 inter-Korean military deal could be suspended in response.
South Korea, US Close Ranks on Global Issues During Blinken Visit
By Matthew Lee and Kim Tong-hyung
In talks with South Korea’s leadership, including President Yoon Suk-yeol, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed North Korea as well as the Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine wars.
South Korea’s Ruling People Power Party Gears Up for Change Ahead of the 2024 General Election
By Eunwoo Lee
A major by-election defeat provided a wake-up call, yet intra-party rifts are hard to wish away.
North Korea Is Closing Some Diplomatic Missions Abroad
By Hyung-jin Kim
South Korea thinks the closures are a sign of the North’s economic troubles and the effectiveness of sanctions.
South Korea’s Quest to Become a Global Pivotal State
By Kuyoun Chung
Restoring relationships, especially with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, is a crucial element in achieving Yoon’s vision of a global pivotal state.
The Paradox of South Korea’s Presidential Approval Rating
By Hyeonjong Min
Despite persistently high approval ratings, former President Moon did not pursue major reforms. President Yoon, with low numbers, is promising to do just that.
1 Year After Itaewon Crowd Crush, Victims’ Families Demand a Special Investigation
By Hyung-Jin Kim
No top-level officials have been held accountable for the crowd crush that killed 159 people during Halloween celebrations.