Nilay Tavli (PhD student, Hanyang University) and Kyung-young Chung (Professor, Hanyang University) examine the evolving nature of North Korea's unconventional warfare tactics, focusing on the regime's recent use of balloon provocations and the resultant psychological threats to South Korea. They recommend Seoul enhance its defense capabilities and mitigate biological warfare risks, while curbing the distribution of leaflets to the North to alleviate tensions. The authors emphasize a shift in North Korea’s approach to inter-Korean relations and underscore the necessity for a proactive, compr...

Commentary

• Nilay TAVLI
• February 18, 2025

Byung-yeon Kim, Distinguished Professor at Seoul National University, examines North Korea’s recent economic performance, comparing it to the relative stability of its policies from 2013 to 2023, with a focus on exchange rate stability and price control. He analyzes the links between rising wages, surging exchange rates, and the regime’s attempts to roll back marketization through increased state intervention. Kim argues that future policy assessments must account for broader geopolitical factors, particularly North Korea’s involvement in the war in Ukraine, which could significantly aff...

Commentary

• Byung-Yeon KIM
• February 14, 2025

Chaesung Chun, Chair of EAI’s National Security Research Center and Professor at Seoul National University, examines the prospects and challenges of a potential second U.S.-North Korea summit under President Trump. He notes that Trump may seek a summit to bolster his domestic political standing, potentially pursuing a “small deal” centered on limiting North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. Meanwhile, North Korea is expected to maximize its bargaining power by leveraging U.S.-China strategic competition and its deepening ties with Russia. Chun cautions that renew...

Commentary

• Chaesung CHUN
• February 04, 2025