In the Shadow of Jang Song-Taek: Pyongyang’s Evolving SEZ Strategy with the Hwanggumpyeong and Wihwa Islands

This paper centers upon two potentially transformative Special Economic Zones (SEZs) on the DPRK’s northwestern frontier – Hwanggumpyeong and Wihwa Islands. As part of a...

June 2014: Smaller Meetings, But Bigger Fish to Fry in Inter-Korean Relations

Similar to previous months, inter-Korean relations remained tense, especially in the West Sea.

Could ‘The Interview’ Provoke North Korean Military Action?

It is unlikely that the threats of war will cause Columbia Picturesto halt the October release of 'The Interview'.

Facts About South Korea (April 2016)

The Political Economy of Trustpolitik: What is Ahead for North-South Trade and Investment?

Park Geun-hye’s Trustpolitik envisioned incremental, step-by-step exchanges, including economic ones, that would build trust. The strategy was disrupted by North Korean provocations during the first...

May 2014: Shelling, Testing, and Challenging Inter-Korean Relations

Just as April is historically one of the most contentious months for inter-Korean relations, the West Sea and the Northern Limit Line (NLL) have been...

April 2014: Provocative Rhetoric & Shelling in Inter-Korean Relations

April is often a contentious month for inter-Korean relations. With joint and combined military exercises, along with anniversaries and holidays, there are plenty of opportunities...

South Korean Views on the U.S. Rebalance to Asia

The U.S. rebalance to Asia continues to stir debate in South Korea. This debate has thus far been carried out via the discussion of the...

R & R Needed on President Obama’s Trip to Korea: Reassurance & Reaffirmation

Reassurance and reaffirmation, while difficult, should be a major focus for President Obama in South Korea.

What to Look for in Obama’s Upcoming Trip to Korea and Japan

The role of President Obama in this situation has been argued over by many analysts, but it is clear that as a main ally to...

The Annual Conference of the International Council on Korean Studies

On Korea Volume 7 – Full Version

On Korea vol 7 provides great examples of the breadth and depth of issues centered on Korea and those that affect the U.S.-Korea alliance. These...

Information Technology and Social Controls in North Korea

To mitigate the risk of social unrest, the North Korean government has attempted to integrate information technology into its system of social controls. Cell phones...

How Expanding Trans-Border Transportation Networks Will Impact South Korean-Mongolian Energy Cooperation: Using the Greater Tumen River Initiative to Realize the Eurasia Initiative

The Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) is a regional cooperation mechanism among Republic of Korea, People’s Republic of China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and...

Luxury Goods in North Korea: Tangible and Symbolic Importance to the Kim Jong-un Regime

The North Korean government pursues illicit avenues to satiate the appetites of its top leaders, continue to develop Pyongyang’s weapons programs, obtain currency, and strengthen...