Yoonhee Kang, Professor of Russian and Eurasian Studies at Kookmin University, analyzes that the recent summit between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un is Russia’s “response” to the latest ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral at Camp David. Pointing out that Russia has been maintaining distance from North Korea in an effort to manage ROK-Russia relations ...

Kei Koga, a Professor of Public Policy and Global Affairs at Nanyang Technology University, analyzes that deterring North Korea and shaping a rules-based regional order are the two main objectives of Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation. In light of the recent regional dynamics moving toward bloc competition, Koga highlights that strong U.S.-Japan-ROK cooper...

Scott Snyder, a Senior Fellow for Korea Studies at CFR, highlights that the inclusion of the “China factor” as a shared security concern has established a new milestone for a strengthened U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation. However, Snyder warns that deepening trilateral defense coordination will induce closer DPRK-Russia-China cooperation, ...

Kyong Hui Choi, president of the South and North Development (SAND) Institute, explains that Kim Jong Un’s decision to showcase his young daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to the public reflects his desire to secure absolute authority in the North Korean society by elevating himself as the “Great Father of the People.” Recalling that Kim Jong Il first app...

Eunjung Lim, a Professor of International Studies at Kongju National University, identifies the reaffirmation of a commitment to complete denuclearization of DPRK, a clearer strategic position toward China, and the common goal of institutionalizing trilateral cooperation as the key outcomes of the ROK-U.S.-Japan Summit at Camp David. However, she h...

As part of the recent ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral summit at Camp David, the leaders of the three countries released three documents— “Camp David Principles,” "The Spirit of Camp David,” and “Commitment to Consult”—suggesting a new path for trilateral cooperation. In this interview, Won Gon Park (Chair of North Korea Studies Center, EAI)...

It has been reported that Kim Ju Ae, who had been speculated to be the heir by North Korea watchers apparent following her appearance at the military banquet marking the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, was not present at the latest celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Korean armistice. Cheong Seong-Chang, a Director o...

Shin-wha Lee, the Ambassador for International Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights, assesses the Yoon government’s North Korea policy as a valid approach to establish a virtuous cycle and mutual complementarity between “peace” and “freedom,” which are the core tenets of Yoon’s foreign policy. Highlighting that South Korea’s North...

Bo-hyuk Suh, a Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), highlights that despite political controversies, South Korean society largely agrees on the severity of North Korean human rights conditions and the necessity of prioritizing human rights improvement in Seoul’s broader North Korea policy. Due to the limited lik...

Woo Young Lee, a Professor at the University of North Korean Studies, points out that South Korea's efforts to improve North Korean human rights have been impeded by extreme polarization between the progressive and conservative camps. In this context, Lee argues that South Korea's official North Korean human rights reports must focus on impartial a...