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

Jihwan Hwang, Professor at the University of Seoul, examines the impact of President Trump's "America First" foreign policy on U.S.-DPRK relations, highlighting the risks of “unstrategic impatience.” While Trump has expressed interest in direct engagement with Kim Jong Un, his transactional approach and shifting priorities raise concerns about inconsistency and the potential marginalization of South Korea. Hwang advises South Korea to restore communication channels with North Korea, ensure its active role in future negotiations, and reinforce trilateral coordination with the U.S. and Japan...

Commentary

• Jihwan HWANG
• March 18, 2025

Dong Ryul Lee, Chair of EAI’s China Research Center and Professor at Dongduk Women’s University, examines the evolving North Korea-China relationship under the second Trump administration. He argues that while Pyongyang seeks stronger ties with Beijing amid deepening cooperation with Moscow, China remains cautious, balancing its strategic interests amid U.S.-China tensions and the Ukraine war. Lee warns that a potential Trump-Putin rapprochement could weaken North Korea’s military ties with Russia, increasing its reliance on China. Given these uncertainties, he underscores the need for S...

Commentary

• Dong Ryul LEE
• March 14, 2025