Interpreting Admiral Harris’ Appointment to Seoul
The policy community responded with widespread relief that we finally have a new Ambassador to South Korea, retired Admiral Harry B. Harris.
Initial Thoughts on the Trump-Kim Summit
After watching the first meeting between President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un, KEI staff members share some of the things that stood out to them.
Korean Trust in the Media Remains Low, Despite Recent Victories for Press Freedom
Americans have been grappling recently over media trustworthiness. But when it comes to distrust in the news, the U.S. has nothing on South Korea.
North Korea Test Moratorium Not as Significant as It Seems
In what is being hailed as a significant step by the United States and South Korea, North Korea has announced that it has suspended missile tests and will shut down its nuclear test site. While seemingly an important step towards denuclearization, the move by North Korea only affirms prior statements by the regime.
North Korea Must Address Nuclear Safety and Security as it Discusses Curbing its Nuclear Weapons Program
Ahead of negotiations, the North Korean government can boost their credibility by proactively addressing nuclear safety and security.
Withdrawing U.S. Troops from Korea is a White Flag, not a Bargaining Chip
It may have just be bravado, but President Trump’s suggestion that the withdrawal of U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula may be on the table is problematic.
How are South Korean Voters reacting to Newly Created Political Parties?
The Bareun Future leadership hopes that the new party will be a watershed in Korean politics, which is dominated by a two-party system and regionalism.
Hazy Shade of Winter: Air Pollution Sparks Emergency Measures in Korea
Dangerously high levels of particulate matter in the air prompted emergency measures from the Seoul city government this week.
Why Abe Should Go to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics
In the end, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo attending the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games would be a significant win for Japan.
The Potential Merger of Two South Korean Minor Parties
Last week, two minor South Korean political parties, the People’s Party and the Bareun Party, announced an agreement to merge into a new centrist party.