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

Hyeongpil Ham, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Defense Studies, argues that Trump's “America First 2.0” is accelerating the dismantling of the liberal international order and traditional alliances, prompting allies to explore their own security strategies. Ham notes that this shift has led to discussions in Europe about building their own nuclear deterrent, while in Asia it has led to a decline in confidence in the United States' extended deterrence. The author suggests that the Korean Peninsula is also facing complex security challenges, including tactical nuc...

Special Report

• Hyeongpil HAM
• June 23, 2025