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...

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...

Yang Gyu Kim, Principal Researcher at the East Asia Institute, conducts a critical analysis of the new National Security Strategy published on June 7, 2023 and offers policy recommendations for the ROK government’s DPRK policy outlined in the document. While Kim identifies with the National Security Office’s emphasis on strengthening deterrence...

Yu-hwan Koh, the President of the Korea Institute for National Unification, acknowledges the progress made in maintaining the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty regime and bolstering extended deterrence capabilities against North Korean nuclear threats through the Washington Declaration. Nevertheless, he underscores the lack of a fundamental solution...

Cheol-wun Jang, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, emphasizes that while North Korea has made significant strides in long-range ballistic missiles, it has not been successful in the area of artificial satellites. Up until now, Pyongyang has had limited engagement in exchanges with major advanced countries involved in...

Jechun Kim, a professor at Sogang University, points out that the Biden administration appears to prioritize competition with China, the Taiwan issue, and the Ukraine War, despite the growing threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities. In response, Kim underlines the importance of issuing a “2023 US-ROK Joint Statement on No...