Jihwan Hwang, Professor at the University of Seoul, analyzes the Lee Jae Myung administration's pragmatic, national interest-centered diplomacy toward North Korea and its implications for the inter-Korean relations. Professor Hwang assesses the strategic opportunities and limitations facing Seoul’s inter-Korean initiatives and calls for an approach that departs from past ideological binaries and addresses the structural realities surrounding the Korean Peninsula. The author argues that it is essential to formulate a long-term, proactive North Korea policy based on South Korea’s national po...

Commentary

• Jihwan HWANG
• July 04, 2025

Seong-ho Sheen, Professor at Seoul National University, analyzes the different political goals of four countries' leaders surrounding the outbreak and development of the Korean War and their implications. Sheen explains that while South and North Korea fought a total war with the pursuit of unification, the U.S. and China engaged in a defensive limited war to secure their spheres of influence in Korea. He points out that the political interests of the U.S. and China continue to be the most critical factor that shapes the fate of the Korean Peninsula, and suggests that South Korea must assume a...

Commentary

• Seong-ho SHEEN
• July 02, 2025

Dong Ryul Lee, Chair of EAI’s China Research Center and Professor at Dongduk Women's University, analyzes the priorities that the Lee Jae Myung administration should set in its China policy. Professor Lee suggests that the government restore strategic communication between South Korea and China and realistically readjust expectations of China's role in the North Korean nuclear issue. Additionally, the author argues that while restoring civilian exchanges, South Korea needs to adopt a prudent and phased approach to improve South Korea-China relations over the medium to long term.

Commentary

• Dong Ryul LEE
• June 30, 2025