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South Korea
Previewing North Korea’s Strategic Moves in 2024
By Mitch Shin
Expect North Korea to continue to advance military ties with Russia, push forward key advanced weapons programs (like nuclear subs), and generally shun diplomacy with the U.S. and South Korea.
An Interview With Song Young-gil, South Korea’s Other Opposition Leader
By Kenji Yoshida and Joseph Yi
“If I end up creating a new party, the objective will be to oust President Yoon,” says the former Democratic Party head.
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.
Shifting Visions of the South Korea-US Alliance
By Clint Work and Joo Young Kim
Changes in the official “Defense Vision” documents show clearly how conceptions of the alliance have evolved from 2019 to 2023.
Japan-South Korea Cooperation Rests on the Rule of Law
By Jason Morgan and Kenji Yoshida
South Korea’s erratic court rulings and disharmony in the justice system are jeopardizing its bilateral relations with Japan.
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.
Gender Norms and Women’s Double Burden in East Asia
By Jessica Shao and Yoolim Lee
South Korea, Japan, and China share similar issues with entrenched gender norms regarding childcare and employment, which are being reflected in their plunging birthrates.
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.
How the ‘Fab 4’ Can Bring Clarity to Semiconductor Supply Chains
By Jaemin Lee
It’s time for the alliance to break away from its feeble, ad hoc gatherings and help foster the type of predictability that industry needs.
This Week in Asia: November 17, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
What Do US Indo-Pacific Allies Think of the Biden-Xi Summit?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Views from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan.
South Korea’s Role in China-US Arms Control
By Hanbyeol Sohn
South Korea naturally sees an arms control agreement between the United States and China as a logical objective. However, the complication lies with North Korea.
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.
Japan-South Korea Cooperation Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict Proves Benefits of Trilateral With US
By Evan Wright and Jessica A. Guarini
Coordination on evacuations of their citizens from the Middle East is a seemingly small but symbolically significant step for Tokyo and Seoul.
North Korea’s Nuclear Buildup Means Mutually Assured Destruction, Not Coercion
By Denny Roy
North Koreans have reasons to believe a large and highly survivable nuclear arsenal is necessary to deter the United States from attacking their country.
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.
This Week in Asia: November 3, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
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.