South Korea’s National Assembly and the Issue of Household Debt
The rising household debt in Korea is a critical issue and a clear symbol of its importance was the high level of government officials testifying at the hearing.
A Politicization of Intelligence: Policy and Intelligence
An intense political debate is currently taking place in South Korea on reforming the National Intelligence Service (NIS). The current controversy over intelligence reform is…
No One in Japan Likes North Korea
By Troy Stangarone Last week we looked at the results of a recent BBC survey of international perceptions of South Korea’s influence. The same survey…
Who Has More International Influence, Psy or Kim Jong-un?
By Troy Stangarone With K-Pop finally making its global breakout with Psy’s international smash hit Gangnam Style, one might have expected there to be a…
Strategic Points to Consider for the Korea-China Summit Meeting
In the aftermath of a successful summit meeting between Korea and the U.S., the Park Geun-hye administration is preparing for a summit meeting with Chinese…
Why South Korea Won’t Develop Nuclear Weapons
While the option of developing nuclear weapons will likely be continued to be debated as long as North Korea continues its provocations, it is not an option which South Korea is likely to seriously pursue.
A Look Ahead to the Park-Obama Summit
As Obama and Park hold their first formal meeting, they will look to build upon the strong working relationship that has existed between the United States and Korea in recent years and chart a course for the years ahead.
North Korea’s Economic Warfare
North Korea’s recent actions, including the suspension of work at Kaesong, are form of psychological and economic warfare against South Korea in response to heightened international sanctions against North Korea.
After South Korea’s Call for Dialogue with North Korea: Preparing a New Game with Kim Jong-un?
To some extent, offering a dialogue manages North Korea’s provocations. So, is it a signal of moving into a new game on the Korean Peninsula?
One Year After the KORUS FTA
The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, or KORUS FTA, has now been in effect for one year and, as with any agreement, it is natural to reflect on what the FTA has achieved.