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, while remaining cautious of external influences, particularly from Russia. |
