Hotline Restored between North and South Korea; Seoul Sees Urgency for North-South Rapprochement

The restoration of the North-South hotline was announced on the anniversary of the Korean War armistice. South Korea has proposed going even further.

Political promises falter in the face of economics

South Korea’s political establishment struggles to reduce the country’s reliance on nuclear energy given the country’s economic demands.

Backlash Against A Path to Citizenship

Policies designed to make citizenship easier for the children of permanent residents have been met with anti-Chinese sentiments.

Review of Laws Reflect Demographic Concerns

South Korea’s low birthrate is leading the government to rethink laws that restrict the definition of family and limit protections.

Lasting Impact of the Division on Civil Liberties

The National Assembly failed to ratify the international convention on forced labor because it clashed with the ROK National Security Law.

Limits of Public Diplomacy and Soft Power: Lessons from the THAAD Dispute for South Korea’s Foreign Policy

South Korea’s Adaptable Engagement with Iran

Seoul explores a more flexible bilateral relationship with Iran as the Biden administration signals openness to recommitting to the JCPOA.

Commitment to Improving Seoul-Tokyo Relations

Moon Jae-in upholds the promise of separating history from improving bilateral relations despite new tensions over Japan’s history books.

Seoul’s Response to Pyongyang’s Views on Human Rights

South Korea has foregone co-authoring a United Nations resolution condemning North Korea’s human rights abuses for the third year in a row.

North Korea’s External Information Sector and Implications for the World

In his first remarks to the western press ahead of his second meeting with then President Donald Trump, Chairman Kim Jong-un said: “I won’t make...

North Korea’s Search for Leverage

Despite the tone and veiled threat, Pyongyang’s recent criticism of U.S.–ROK joint military drills may not necessarily signal an escalation of tensions.

South Korea’s Interpretation of U.S. Multilateralism

While the United States looks to address shared global challenges, South Korea sees multilateralism as a vehicle to advance its national interest.

Kim Jong-un’s Use and Abuse of Apologies in Context: “Sorry, Not Sorry”

In recent months, western media reporting has emphasized Kim Jong Un’s emotion-laden comments admitting both North Korea’s failure to meet economic goals and the severe...

Cabinet Reshuffle to Reflect Focus on North Korea

Moon Jae-in's former special envoy to North Korea is expected to coordinate Pyongyang engagement with the Biden administration.

Vision Group Looks to U.S.-ROK Relations in a Changing World

A report on the future of the U.S.-Korea relationship with recommendations from leading American scholars and policy practitioners.