Ho-ryong Lee, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), identifies the contradiction between Trump’s personal diplomatic overtures and his administration’s formal denuclearization goals. The analysis reveals DPRK's tripartite approach to strengthening nuclear readiness—developing sea-based capabilities, enhancing anti-aircraft systems, and expanding special operations forces—while simultaneously intensifying relations with Russia. According to Lee’s assessment, prospects for denuclearization will become increasingly remote as the DPRK continues to str...

Commentary

• Ho-ryong LEE
• April 18, 2025

Leif-Eric Easley, Professor at Ewha Womans University, identifies nine theories from the academic literature on China–North Korea relations and applies them to recent geopolitical and foreign policy developments. The article examines Chinese perceptions of Kim Jong-un’s expanding cooperation with Vladimir Putin, whether Beijing is willing to restrain its provocative partners, and how sustainable a Beijing-Pyongyang-Moscow axis might be. Easley argues that a “reverse Kissinger” strategy—aimed at pulling Russia away from China and North Korea—is unlikely to succeed, and instead calls...

Commentary

• Leif-Eric EASLEY
• April 08, 2025

Ihn-hwi Park, Professor at Ewha Womans University, emphasizes the urgent need for U.S.–ROK policy coordination at the presidential level on the North Korean issue, which has evolved beyond the peninsula to become deeply embedded in the global security architecture. He argues that the South Korean president’s central role in inter-Korean policy, combined with the Trump administration’s transactional approach to diplomacy, makes close, trust-based communication between the two leaders essential. Park calls for the prompt resumption of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and a proactive So...

Commentary

• Ihn-hwi PARK
• April 02, 2025