4/29/18
Bloomberg TV
A Time to Be Hopeful
Former Ambassador to South Korea Thomas Hubbard weighs in on the thawing relations between South and North Korea. He speaks on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia." (Source: Bloomberg)
To watch the video, click here
4/27/18
Bloomberg TV
The Long Road Ahead for North and South Korea Relations
Dr. Stephen Noerper, Korea Society senior director, discusses the historic meeting between the North and South Korean leaders, saying it's something to be excited about with so much enthusiasm but that we need to see how it plays through. He speaks on "What'd You Miss?" (Source: Bloomberg)
To watch the video, click here
4/26/18
CNBC
North-South Korea summit is 'just the beginning': Former US ambassador
Thomas Hubbard of The Korea Society and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and the Philippines says he hopes today's North-South Korea summit will lead to a "process" which results in discussions about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
To watch the video on site, click here
4/25/18
Foreign Policy
Why Trump Needs the Swedes in Pyongyang
Korea Society Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper discussed the Swedish representation of US interests in North Korea with Foreign Policy. “It’s been suggested that a gesture like freeing the Americans would be something that would serve as a confidence builder. There’s no doubt that the Swedes have brought this up on behalf of the Americans.”
To read the full article, click here
4/25/18
UPI
North Korea accuses U.S. of 'highway robbery' in defense deal with South
"The peace dividend would have immediate and immense benefits for North Korea, rather than South Korea, and that is why Kim Jong Un is pushing this," said Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society in New York.
To read the full article, click here
4/24/18
Bloomberg Markets
North Korea Would Benefit Most, by Far, From Peace on Peninsula
When asked about the financial implications of a turn towards peace on the Korean Peninsula, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne told Bloomberg Markets that, "The peace dividend would have immediate and immense benefits for North Korea, rather than South Korea, and that is why Kim Jong Un is pushing this."
To read the full article, click here
4/24/18
CBC NEWS
Trump says North Korea agreed to 'denuclearization'? Not so fast, say experts
Speaking with the CBC about how to approach the upcoming summits with North Korea, Senior Director Stephen Noerper says, "We have every reason to be guarded, but every reason to open the window and see what the breeze brings in." If Kim Jong Un is truly willing to open up to the outside world to modernize the economy, then "we shouldn't give up on that, because to bring someone in from the cold would be a remarkable accomplishment."
To read the full article, click here
4/22/18
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill
When asked about the upcoming summits with North Korea in a televised interview, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne said, "People in senior levels of the US government view this as an opening for an opportunity." Speaking to FOX 5 News The Hill, President Byrne explained that, "They don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past, which include misreading North Korean intentions and providing benefits before anything is received from North Korea tangibly." He added, "Everyone has become a bit more more realistic about dealing with the North Koreans, but I think that South Koreans are hopeful. They do wish to end the division of the country."
4/19/18
CBC NEWS
Why sending the U.S. spy chief to meet Kim Jong-un was a 'savvy' move by Trump
Trump's "fire and fury" rhetoric antagonizing North Korea has arguably worked so far, Davis says. The unconventional approach has yielded "healthy developments," said Stephen Noerper, a former State Department analyst and the senior director of the Korea Society.
To read the full article, click here
4/18/18
Bloomberg Markets: Balance of Power
Dr. Stephen Noerper leads at 1:14 on Pompeo Visit and Summitry
To watch the interview, click here
4/3/18
Bloomberg
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne speaks to Bloomberg Daybreak Asia about the economic relationship between the US and Korea, describing the conditions leading up to the agreement in principle on revisions to the bilateral free trade deal known as KORUS. "The closing sentence [of the joint statement] was that the important progress has made based on the strong and enduring security relationship. My own take is that the security relationship has a very stable center of gravity, and the relationship won't capsize. However, there could be these cross-currents as President Trump reacts to contingencies."
To listen to the interview, click here
4/1/18
New York Times
Responding to a recent article about refugees escaping North Korea in a Letter to the Editor published by The New York Times, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne says that Kim Jong Un, "may not be able to keep North Korea’s human rights abuses closed to scrutiny forever. On March 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council extended its mandate on North Korea, calling on its government to shed light on its human rights situation, which the United Nations Commission of Inquiry in 2014 found included 'crimes against humanity.'"
To read the ful article, click here
3/28/18
Background Briefing with Ian Masters
Senior Director Stephen Noerper speaks with Ian Masters on Background Briefing, broadcast on 130 California and other West Coast National Public Radio (NPR) stations. Dr. Noerper comments on Kim Jong Un’s visit to Beijing and the lead-up to a US-DPRK summit, crediting the ROK administration for its efforts in cooperation with the US.
To listen to the clip, click here
3/28/18
TV Asahi
Asked about Kim Jong Un's motivation for conducting a flurry of bilateral summits, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells Asahi TV that Kim is looking for weak links and ways to soften the implementation of sanctions. Kim recently conducted his first trip abroad as leader, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in advance of upcoming summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.
To watch the clip, click here
3/28/18
Inkstone News
In accounting for the surprise summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells Inkstone News that China, "wants to ensure that Kim Jong-un understands well its interests and concerns before Kim meets President Moon and President Trump." Discussing the nature of the upcoming summit meetings in the context of denuclearization dialogues conducted in preceding decades, Mr. Byrne said, "There is a recognition by the US and South Korean governments not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to continue to exert maximum pressure."
3/20/18
Finland MTV
Korea Society’s Stephen Noerper spoke to Finnish National television on the Stockholm and Helsinki talks on Korea.
Korea-asiantuntija MTV:lle: Suomi vahvoilla Trumpin ja Kim Jong-unin huippukokouspaikaksi – "Helsinki on historiallisesti hyvä vaihtoehto" - Ulkomaat - Uutiset - MTV.fi
3/12/18
i24 NEWS
Appearing on i24 News, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne comments on the lifting of term limits for the Chinese presidency, saying, "If you think China wanted to become a Western style democracy, I think you misjudged. China says it wants to be a social market economy with Chinese characteristics... China faces risks from having too much decentralized power, although that was really the genius of Deng Xiaoping's reforms. There are centrifugal forces of special interests who complicate policy making and entrench corruption. Xi Jinping needs more time to carry out his anti-corruption campaign with greater efficacy and also to keep the popular support of the Chinese Communist Party."
To watch the clip, click here
3/9/18
Bloomberg
Trump Wants 'Nixon-China Moment' With N. Korea, Noerper Says
Stephen Noerper, Korea Society senior director, discusses President Donald Trump's acceptance of an invitation to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He speaks with Bloomberg's Julia Chatterley and Julie Hyman on "What'd You Miss?" (Source: Bloomberg)
To watch the interview, click here
3/9/18
BBC World Service
US Surprise at 'Dramatic' N Korea Shift
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells BBC World Business Report, "There's no sign that either the US or South Korea is backing down from maximum pressure and sanctions will also be ratcheted up. The element of surprise and unpredictability is characteristic about how North Korea negotiates. But the basic position of South Korea and the US hasn't changed: denuclearization, maximum pressure, and close coordination in the alliance."
To listen to the audio, click here
3/9/18
Bloomberg
Korea Society's Hubbard Says U.S.-North Korea Talks Won't Be Easy
Korea Society Board Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard: "We're at least starting under the right circumstances with the North Koreans saying we can aim at denuclearization. The North Koreans accepting that we are going to continue our military exercises. I've spent a lot of time in negotiations with the North Koreans. They are always tough. It's always complicated. But I think it's time to start... I'm pleased that President Trump has accepted the challenge. We'll have to test whether the North Koreans are willing to give up their nuclear weapons. So far our efforts to achieve that objective have been less than fully successful. But I like the idea of moving quickly and starting at a high level."
To watch the interview, click here
3/9/18
South China Morning Post: EAST ASIA
Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un to hold historic face-to-face meeting
Speaking on the phone from Seoul, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne told the South China Morning Post, “What we’re seeing here is that the alliance is working. Both the US and the ROK [South Korea] are on the same page. There’s unison in ends. There may be flexibility in ways to meet that end but the end remains unchanged: The denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the use of maximum pressure. The joint military drills between South Korea and the US will go on and that’s been assured from the highest levels here.”
To read the entire article, click here
3/9/18
Marketplace Morning Report with David Brancaccio
Korea Society's president Thomas Byrne speaks with Markertplace Morning Report about potential dialogue with North Korea
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne explains why the US and Korea have the political capital to venture towards dialogue with North Korea: "They can do this because there's a very stable center of gravity to this ROK-USA alliance."
Why has North Korea turned towards talks? President Tom Byrne sees two motivations. Pyongyang was rattled by the US taking a coercive diplomatic approach, including both sanctions and military pressure. Sanctions are taking a toll.
To listen to the audio, click here
3/8/18
Bloomberg
We Need to See Tangible Actions From North Korea
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells Bloomberg Daybreak Asia, "The alliance is improving the conditions for a breakthrough. It's a big opportunity, but there's no breakthrough until we see tangible actions by North Korea to denuclearize... There are no prior concessions on the part of South Korea and the US. I've had meetings with senior officials from both counties. There's a sense that mistakes were made in the past in dealing with North Korea, and these mistakes should not be repeated."
To listen to the interview, click here
3/8/18
Bloomberg
Trump to accept invitation from N. Korea's Kim
Asked about the yet-to-be determined location of the Trump-Kim Jong Un summit, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne says: "I think it will be great if they meet in Mar-a-lago. It's very important to get Kim Jong Un out of North Korea." On the significance of the meeting, Byrne added, "For the first time, North Korea is changing its calculus. The US government and the South Korean government don't want to miss this opportunity. There's no breakthrough yet, but there's a big opportunity."
To watch the interview (second video), click here
3/8/18
South China Morning Post: ASIA
“The message Chung and Suh are bringing from Pyongyang is likely to include a freeze or moratorium on the country’s nuclear weapons development programme in exchange for a downgraded or scaled-back version of joint US-South Korea military exercises, Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper said in an interview..."
To read the full article click here
3/6/18
Bloomberg
Why North Korea's Overture to the U.S. Is Different This Time
Dr. Stephen Noerper speaks to Bloomberg TV about the prospects for US-North Korea negotiations and a potential breakthrough.
To watch the interview, click here
2/11/18
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill
Korea Society President Tom Byrne appeared on Fox 5 News on the Hill, explaining the coordinated US-ROK good cop/bad cop approach to North Korea. While South Korea prefers a more engagement oriented approach and America prefers a more hard-line approach, the allies agree on the bottom line of denuclearizing North Korea. President Byrne also issued a word of caution about Pyongyang's charm offensive, saying, "North Korea is trying to turn the Peace Games into the Propaganda Games."
2/9/18
South China Morning Post: ASIA
“given the heightened concern and attention over developments on the Korean Peninsula, this may have expedited” the process, Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said in an interview with the South China Morning Post...
To read the full article click here
2/1/18
Bloomberg View
In a column for Bloomberg View, Korea Society President Tom Byrne contends that, especially at this critical juncture, there is every reason to find agreement on two upcoming negotiations between the US and Korea: the Korea-US free trade deal and the alliance military cost sharing agreement. South Korea has shown itself to be a reliable partner, both economically and militarily, and the alliance is a win-win relationship that supports the interests and values of both partners.
To read the full article, click here
2/1/18
The Congressional Study Group on Korea
The Korea Society is partnering with The Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) and The Korea Foundation to increase dialogue between members of the Congress and our important ally South Korea. About the new Study Group, Korea Society President Tom Byrne said, "Nothing promotes awareness and understanding between two nations better than people-to-people exchanges. We look forward to partnering with FMC to facilitate a bilateral dialogue on economic, trade, security and other public policy issues. That goal is consistent with the Korea Society’s mission.” The Congressional Study Group on Korea will be chaired by U.S. Reps. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Penn.).
To read the full article, click here
1/31/18
PBS Treasures of New York
PBS's acclaimed Treasures of New York series profiles The Korea Society on its 60th anniversary.
To view the clip on site, click here
1/28/18
NBC NEWS
Quoted by Stephen Noerper
"Kim Jong Un has an interest in winter sports — he's even opened his own ski resort..."
To read the full article, click here
1/18/18
The Wall Street Journal
Koreas Strike Deal on Olympic Unity as U.S. Pressures North
Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke with the Wall Street Journal about progress in inter-Korean dialogue, enthusiasm for the Olympics, and need to look beyond to de-escalate tensions.
To read the full article, click here
1/10/18
CBC News | World
Quoted by Stephen Noerper
As rival Koreas thaw relations before the Winter Olympics, U.S. could get frozen out
Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper suggests the benefit of giving Seoul space to develop inter-Korean relations as good for the alliance and a reflection of its durability and flexibility in comments to the CBC.
To read the article, click here
1/9/18
Bloomberg
Progress in Inter-Korean Talk
Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Director for Policy, talks to the the benefit of South Korea’s approach to inter-Korean talks and US support for the process. He describes the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympics as providing an opportunity for confidence building, yet cautions on what happens in the months following the Games.
To watch the interview, click here (Duration: 02:53)
1/8/18
Bloomberg
Korea Society President Sees Inter-Korea Talks as Good Sign
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses talks between North and South Korea. He speaks with Bloomberg's Shery Ahn and David Westin on "Bloomberg Markets: Balance of Power."
To watch the interview, click here (Duration: 02:53)
1/5/18
South China Morning Post
Quoted by Thomas Byrne
Donald Trump agrees to delay South Korea military drills until after the Winter Olympics
“Trump did say talks are a good idea, so considering the broad spectrum of his tweets, he just shifted his rhetoric to the softer side of the spectrum...”
To read the full article, click here
1/4/18
HUFFPOST
Kim Jong Un’s New Year’s Resolution: What It Means
Korea Society President Tom Byrne explains why Kim Jong Un is suddenly warming up to South Korea after giving the Moon administration the cold shoulder for much of 2017. The New Year’s Day gambit is a play to get $ relief and drive a wedge in US-ROK denuclearization policy.
To read the full article, click here
1/3/18
CNN International
Korea Society Senior Director for Policy, Dr. Stephen Noerper, spoke on CNN International about potential for progress in inter-Korean relations following the reopening of a military hotline and positive statements from Seoul. He noted the need for deescalating tensions and offered reassurance on the state of Korea-US relations and the benefit of Washington allowing Seoul space to develop inter-Korean dialogue and possible North Korean participation at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
1/1/18
BBC World Service
Dr. Stephen Noerper, Korea Society Senior Director for Policy, spoke with James Coormarasamy of BBC News Hour (@bbcnewshour) about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's New Years address. Dr. Noerper discussed Kim's statement on nuclear capability and use, as well as his overture to South Korea for talks and participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
12/18/17
Voice of America
Secretary of State Tillerson's call for diplomacy with North Korea
Senior Director for Policy Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke to VOA radio on Secretary of State Tillerson’s call for diplomacy with North Korea and USG Feltman’s visit to Pyongyang and UN role.
To listen to the interview, click here
12/17/17
BBC World Service
Korea Society Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke to BBC World Service Newsday on the Australian arrest of an individual engaged in WMD component trafficking and spoke to the issue of sanctions enforcement, heightened international monitoring, and the political security situation around the Peninsula. Dr. Noerper appeared on both a 7 PM EST (+5 GMT) taping and 11 PM EST (+5 GMT) live broadcast.
11/17/17
November 17, 2017 -- Speaking with South Korean and U.S. businessmen in New York at The Korea Society, Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party pledged to work harder to improve the business and investment environment for foreign companies in South Korea...
To read the article, click here
To read the article in Korean, click here
11/16/17
November 16, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society, said that President Trump’s “portrait of the political and economic achievements of South Korea’s modern history” had won “hearts and minds across the aisle.”
To read the article, click here
11/7/17
November 7, 2017 -- Stephen Noerper, Korea Society senior director, discusses President Donald Trump's trip to Asia. He speaks with Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu, Joe Weisenthal and Julie Hyman on "What'd You Miss?" (Source: Bloomberg)
To view the video, click here
11/7/17
November 7, 2017 -- Dr. Stephen Noerper, Korea Society Senior Director, spoke live by phone on MSNBC following the press conference of President Trump and Prime Minister Abe. He noted differences on trade, but a commitment to settle them amicably; common resolve on North Korea; and the need for fence mending in Trump’s visit to South Korea and long-term strategic differences with China.
11/3-5/17
November 3-5, 2017 -- Tom Byrne presented at the Beijing Forum held at Peking University on the topic of the "Belt Road Initiative and Global Economic Governance." The Beijing Forum, co-hosted by the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies and Peking University since 2004 is an annual academic conference. This year it was held on 3-5 November this year over a three-day period at Diaoyutai State Guest House and Peking University in Beijing, China.
11/2/17
November 2, 2017 -- “The Democratic Senators and Congressmen seem to be in line with Secretary James Mattis and the South Korean Defense Minister, Song Young-Moo,” based on language the two issued last week in Seoul that was “clearly defensive, deterrent and diplomatic...”
To read the full article, click here
10/31/17
October 31, 2017 -- ...Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society in New York, told UPI a South Korean fear of "Korea passing" -- the de-prioritization of bilateral ties with Seoul in Washington -- could be the driving force behind support for the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the peninsula...
To read the full article, click here
10/31/17
October 31, 2017 -- Tom Byrne, President of the Korea Society, joined David Ingles and Bryan Curtis to discuss what can we expect from President Trump’s upcoming visit to Asia, starting with South Korea. He also looked at the normalization of the relationship between China and South Korea following the THAAD dispute. Running time 04:11
To listen to the Talk, click here
10/27/17
October 27, 2017 -- “Publicly, North Korea says it doesn’t care about the diplomatic effort and should be recognized as a nuclear power,” Noerper said. “At the same time, it is extremely concerned about the uptick in tensions and doesn’t know how to read Trump...”
To read the full article click here
9/18/17
September 18, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president and chief executive officer at Korea Society, discusses President Trump's speech at the UN and his rally for world leaders to confront North Korea. He speaks on "Bloomberg Markets: Asia."
To watch the interview, click here
9/12/17
September 12, 2017 -- "North Korea’s clothing exports would be the most valuable in dollar terms after overseas sales of coal and other minerals, Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society and former senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service, said in an interview after the Security Council vote."
To read the article, click here
9/6/17
September 6, 2017 -- “I’ll cut to the chase. What North Korea wants is to expel the foreigners – meaning, the Americans – from the Korean Peninsula, and unify the country under their terms,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society...
To read the article, click here
9/5/17
September 5, 2017 -- Korea Society Chairman and Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea and Philippines Thomas Hubbard weighs in on North Korean tensions. He speaks on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia." (Source: Bloomberg)
To view the interview from Bloomberg page, click here
9/5/17
September 5, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, and Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, former U.S. ambassador to the UN and deputy national security advisor under President Clinton, discuss the heightened fears from North Korean missiles tests.
To view the interview from CNBC page, click here
9/5/17
September 5, 2017 -- Senior Director, Dr. Stephen Noerper, shared insights with VOA's Victor Beattie on North Korea's continued threats in the wake of its sixth nuclear test and potential for further activity around the September 9 anniversary of the DPRK's founding.
8/28/17
August 28, 2017 -- The missile launch will raise questions over what the U.S. will do to support Japan or South Korea in the case of conflict, says Thomas Hubbard of The Korea Society.
To view the interview from CNBC page, click here
8/22/17
South China Morning Post | The Korea Times
August 22, 2017 -- “While China is committed to implementing the [UN Security Council] sanctions, North Korea seems to have become adept at evading such sanctions through circuitous transactions, which the Treasury seems to be more closely scrutinising,” Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said...
To read the article, click here
8/19/17
August 19, 2017 -- Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells the Post that Kim Jong-un sees nuclear weapons as ‘the ultimate guarantor of the legitimacy of the regime’
To read the article, click here
8/14/17
August 14, 2017 -- Senior Director Stephen Noerper speaks to off ramps and reducing tensions between the US and North Korea.
To watch the interview, click here
8/14/17
August 14, 2017 -- Stephen Noerper, a professor of political science at Columbia University and senior director at the Korea Society, warned tensions on the Korean peninsula were liable to quickly ramp up again, given upcoming joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea slated to begin next week in South Korea...
To read the article, click here
8/12/17
August 12, 2017 -- Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks to the CBC about tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
To read the article, click here
8/12/17
August 12, 2017 -- Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks to The Guardian on Trump's rhetoric on North Korea and the void in US diplomacy.
To read the article, click here
8/11/17
August 11, 2017 -- Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks live on CNN about the war of words between the United States and North Korea.
#NorthKorea & U.S. tensions [VIDEO] - @Columbia's @SNoerper discusses on @CNNhttps://t.co/8fujJnN4EM@WEAI_Columbia
— ColumbiaSocialSci (@ColumbiaSocSci) August 11, 2017
8/11/17
August 11, 2017 -- Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks live on NY1 about the war of words between the United States and North Korea and next steps for peace.
To watch the interview, click here
8/10/17
August 10, 2017 -- Kim Jong Un believes the way to preserve his regime in North Korea is through a nuclear weapons program, says Thomas Hubbard, chairman of The Korea Society.
To view the interview from CNBC page, click here
8/9/17
August 9, 2017 -- Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses the mounting tensions between the U.S. and North Korea. He speaks with Bloomberg's Julia Chatterley and Scarlet Fu on "Bloomberg Markets." (Source: Bloomberg)
To view the interview from Bloomberg page, click here
8/9/17
BBC NEWS
August 9, 2017 -- Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses North Korea US tensions
8/9/17
August 9, 2017 -- Korea Society senior director Dr. Stephen Noerper comments on the Trump-Kim Jong Un standoff and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
To read the article, click here
8/7/17
August 7, 2017 -- The sanctions ban North Korean exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood. Thomas Byrne, head of the Korea Society, a nonprofit dedicated to U.S.-Korea relations, said China and North Korea used to have a much stronger trade relationship...
To read the article, click here
8/7/17
August 7, 2017 -- Stephen Noerper, senior director with The Korea Society, discusses North Korea sanctions
To listen to the interview, click here
8/7/17
August 7, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses China-North Korea relations. (1:40 minute mark through 5:25)
To listen to the interview, click here
8/7/17
Northwest Arkansas: Democrat Gazette
August 7, 2017 -- "You need deeper sanctions over a longer period of time, like years, before you can see if North Korea changes its behavior," said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society...
To listen to the interview, click here
8/6/17
August 6, 2017 -- “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”
To read the article, click here
8/6/17
August 6, 2017 -- "You need deeper sanctions over a longer period of time, like years, before you can see if North Korea changes its behavior," Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said to Bloomberg. "The sanctions will have an economic impact but little effect on the strategic intent to develop ballistic missiles."
To read the article, click here
8/6/17
August 6, 2017 -- “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”
To read the article, click here
8/6/17
August 6, 2017 -- "I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table," said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. "However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions."
To read the article, click here
8/6/17
August 6, 2017 -- "I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table," said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. "However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions."ey are enforced, are very significant,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based The Korea Society and former senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service. “They’re not self-sufficient in building nuclear bombs and ICBMs, so these sanctions are a big threat.”
To read the article, click here
8/6/17
South China Morning Post - EDITION: INTERNATIONAL
August 6, 2017 -- “The sanctions, if they are enforced, are very significant,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based The Korea Society and former senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service. “They’re not self-sufficient in building nuclear bombs and ICBMs, so these sanctions are a big threat.”
To read the article, click here
8/5/17
August 5, 2017 -- “You need deeper sanctions over a longer period of time, like years, before you can see if North Korea changes its behavior,” Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said in a telephone interview. “The sanctions will have an economic impact but little effect on the strategic intent to develop ballistic missiles.”
To read the article, click here
8/5/17
August 5, 2017 -- "I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table," said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. "However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions."
To read the article, click here
8/4/17
August 4, 2017 -- "The UN sanctions probably won’t hinder North Korean leadership for now, Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said in a telephone interview..."
To read the article, click here
7/30/17
July 30, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the reaction to North Korean missile launch and Russian sanctions bill
7/13/17
July 13, 2017 -- “US firms can no longer complain about high and economy-wide tariff barriers that impede access to Korea’s market . . .
To read the article, click here
7/5/17
Background Briefing with host Ian Masters
July 5, 2017 -- Korea Society Senior Director Stephen Noerper is in conversation with host Ian Masters on North Korea's ICBM launch and the step-up in tensions.
To listen to the clip, click here
7/5/17
July 5, 2017 -- "China, which handles 90% of North Korea's trade with other countries, increased trade with North Korea 37% in the first quarter of this year, just before Beijing announced it would cut back buying cheap, high-quality North Korean anthracite coal, said economist Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, a New York City-based group that promotes U.S.-Korean understanding..."
To read the whole article, click here
6/29/17
June 29, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, Korea Society president, discusses the state of U.S.-South Korea relations amid tensions with North Korea. He speaks with Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu and Julia Chatterley on "Bloomberg Markets."
To view to the clip, click here
6/29/17
June 29, 2017 -- "With the North Korean security threat looming larger and larger, good chemistry between President Moon Jae-in and President Trump is essential," Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society in New York.
To read the full article, click here
6/29/17
June 29, 2017 -- “The big weapons in the sanctions chest would be secondary sanctions on firms that trade with North Korea or provide financing for North Korea...”
To read the full article, click here
6/20/17
June 20, 2017 -- “Pyongyang’s gross human rights violations will further deteriorate the strategic credit quality of North Korea as an asset for China that has occurred under the Kim Jong-un government...”
To read the full article, click here
5/10/17
May 10, 2017 -- Moon Jae-In has been sworn in as the new South Korean president, and he already has an invitation on his desk from President Trump to visit Washington. Thomas Byrne is President of the Korea Society in America. Does he think Washington and Seoul are going to get on now?
To listen to the clip, click here
5/9/17
May 9, 2017 -- Korea Society board member and former US Ambassador to the ROK Kathleen Stephens addresses Moon Jae-in's victory in South Korea's presidential election.
To listen to the clip, click here
5/9/17
Background Briefing with host Ian Masters
May 9, 2017 -- Korea Society Senior Director Stephen Noerper addresses the Election of Moon Jae-in for Background Briefing with Ian Masters from FD Media, Pacifica Radio
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5/9/17
May 9, 2017 -- Voters in large numbers cast ballots Tuesday for a new president in South Korea, following the ouster of Park Geun-hye, who was caught up in a corruption scandal. Although she is on trial and under detention, Park has denied any wrongdoing. Turnout could top 80-percent.
Human rights lawyer Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party led in pre-election surveys by a wide margin. Korea Society senior director and Columbia University professor Stephen Noerper told VOA's Victor Beattie voters have focused on domestic issues, but tensions with North Korea have loomed large.
The winner will be sworn in Wednesday once the vote tally becomes official. The U.S. State Department said Washington looks forward to continuing 'close, constructive, deep cooperation' with South Korea's new leader.
On the eve of the vote, North Korea called for an end to confrontation blaming conservative groups who have been in charge for 10 years. The ruling party newspaper (Rodong Sinmun) called for 'a new era of unification [that] should open up in collaboration between our race.'
5/8/17
May 8, 2017 -- Thomas J. Byrne, President of The Korea Society discussed potential economic ramifications of the election in South Korea with David Ingles and Doug Krizner. He looked at whether the economy may receive a boost and the likelihood of reform.
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5/8/17
May 8, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the election in South Korea and chaebol reform. He speaks on "Bloomberg Markets: Asia." (Source: Bloomberg)
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5/7/17
May 7, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the election in South Korea and DPRK
5/2/17
May 2, 2017 -- It means all options are on the table to try and avoid conflict and diplomatically denuclearize North Korea, says Thomas Byrne of the Korea Society."
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4/25/17
April 25, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, President of The Korea Society, a New York-based think tank, told U.S. News that, "China is both an impediment and solution to the problem of reining in North Korea and achieving its denuclearization..."
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4/20/17
April 20, 2017 -- Stephen Noerper discusses China-North Korea relations and current tensions around the Korean Peninsula with BBC World Service host Manuela Saragosa.
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4/17/17
April 17, 2017 -- Mike Pence sends a new message to North Korea not to "test President Trump's resolve" and "all options are on the table," and NSC advisor H.R. McMaster seems to have a reassurung idea about defusing tensions with Pyongyang. Stephen Noerper joins Lawrence O'Donnell.
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4/10/17
April 10, 2017 -- Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper discusses Syria and North Korea, as well as US preventive defense in accord with allies South Korea and Japan. (in Russian)
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4/06/17
Background Briefing with host Ian Masters
April 6, 2017 -- KPFK Pacifica Radio, Trump-Xi and the North Korean Challenge featuring The Korea Society's Stephen Noerper
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4/05/17
April 5, 2017 -- Bloomberg Today Live: North Korea and the Xi-Trump Summit with Stephen Noerper.
(see minute 1:00 onward)
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4/05/17
April 5, 2017 -- As President Trump gets ready for critical talks with China's leader, North Korea test-fires another missile.
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3/14/17
March 14, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, President, The Korea Society joined David Ingles and Bryan Curtis to discuss the latest on the heightened tensions following North Korea’s latest missile launches and the deployment of THAAD in South Korea.
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3/14/17
March 14, 2017 -- Watch Tillerson's visit to Japan, South Korea and China for more clarity on Trump's Asia policy, according to Thomas Hubbard, chairman of The Korea Society.
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3/10/17
March 10, 2017 -- "She will leave office in disgrace, which is a historic moment as that's never happened in democratic South Korea," said Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of The Korea Society.
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3/03/17
February 28, 2017 -- Stephen Noerper, senior director at the Korea Society, discusses corruption in South Korea and Samsung's influence on South Korea's economy. He speaks with Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu and Joe Weisenthal on "What'd You Miss?" (Source: Bloomberg)
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2/28/17
February 28, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, President of the Korea Society, a New York-based think tank, told U.S. News that the alleged executions, along with "the recent demotion of the head of the State Security Ministry and alleged assassination of Kim Jong Nam [show] an intensification of the purges after more than five years in power."
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2/28/17
Texas Public Radio: The Source
February 28, 2017 -- International Experts Talk North Korean Challenges, Opportunities.
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2/27/17
February 27, 2017 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, weighs in on the latest developments in the impeachment saga involving President Park Geun-hye.
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2/14/17
February 14, 2017 -- North Korean Leader's Half-Brother 'Assassinated' in Malaysia. Who killed the eldest son of the late Kim Jong-il?
To listen, (video expired)
2/10/17
February 10, 2017 -- "As a former credit analyst I have learned when making a projection to pick a number or a time frame, but not both..."
For full article, click here
1/19/17
January 19, 2017 -- A conversation about prospects for the relationship amid domestic political changes in both countries...
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12/14/16
December 14, 2016 -- The impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye has prompted widespread concern, but her country is not paralyzed. (“After the impeachment, uncertainty reigns in South Korea,” Dec. 9) ...
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12/01/16
December 1, 2016 -- Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the impeachment process for South Korean President Park Geun-hye and its impact on the economy and foreign relations. He speaks to Bloomberg's Betty Liu and Shery Ahn on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia."
For full article, click here.
10/20/16
October 20, 2016 -- Since the Korean War ended six decades ago, the United States and South Korea have built an enduring alliance founded on mutual interests and shared principles. As the Republic of Korea grew into an economic powerhouse in Asia and a mature democracy, the two countries became true partners. But that partnership is sometimes mischaracterized. Here are five important facts to keep in mind when you hear or read about this crucial alliance...
For full article, click here.
8/23/16
August 23, 2016 -- Korea Society senior director for policy Stephen Noerper discussed video bloggers (vloggers) visiting North Korea and DPRK messaging.
For Stephen Noerper, a senior director of the Korea Society —the dedicated non-profit in the United States for Korea-U.S. relations —Cole's trip represents an opportunity.
"We need every channel of information and exchange, especially given the political impasse and security concerns," Noerper told NBC News. "We should be discerning with vlogs and other controlled or influenced messaging, but we should not miss opportunities for trust building or opening, however small."...
Ultimately, Noerper said, it was the responsibility of viewers to consider Cole's videos "as portrayals of small slivers of life alongside our greater and more relevant concerns about human rights abuses, missiles and nukes."
For full article, click here.
8/22/16
August 22, 2016 -- The military drills signal U.S.' and South Korea's commitment to deter any provocations from North Korea, says The Korea Society's Thomas Byrne.
For full video, click here.
8/18/16
Voice of America
August 18, 2016 (VOA) -- Senior Director Stephen Noerper provided commentary to Voice of America's Victor Beattie on the possible impact of the defection of the DPRK's number two in its UK embassy. Noerper urged a close eye to subsequent defections as possible indicators of DPRK elite concerns about the rule of Kim Jong Un, but also cautioned that these might be isolated incidents. He noted the chain of defections at the end of the Cold War in the former Socialist bloc and concerns withing Pyongyang's ruling class given the step-up in purges under Kim Jong Un. The defector Thae Yong Ho had been responsible for the human rights portfolio at the UK mission and may have been concerned about being ordered back to Pyongyang in coming weeks.
8/16/16
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7/17/16
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7/7/16
The Huffington Post | Berggruen Institute
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6/3/16
For original article, click here.
For English translation of this article, click here.
5/22/16
Thomas J. Byrne, president of The Korea Society was quoted by the Financial Times: “China is working off excess capacity in manufacturing and becoming more vertically specialised. Both effects decrease demand for Korea’s mix of exports in particular.”
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5/19/16
‘If the U.S. had not come to the aid of the Korean people, or if we in the South had lost the war, I would not be standing here.’ - From remarks by Kwon Oh-joon, chief executive officer of the South Korean steel manufacturer Posco.
For his full remarks, click here.
5/6/16
Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses North Korea's Workers Party Congress. He speaks with Bloomberg's Angie Lau on "First Up."
5/3/16
3/1/16
President Thomas J. Byrne comments on how China is finally showing signs of getting serious. Pyongyang elites may decide: Time for a change.
2/26/16
How Kim Jong Un is bankrolling his nuclear ambitions
President Thomas J. Byrne was quoted on CNBC.com.
11/22/15
8/19/15
3/15/15
CNN Live
On March 5, 2015, Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President, appeared on CNN live to speak to the stabbing of US Ambassador to Korea Lippert, paying tribute to the Ambassador and cautioning against this reflecting broader negative perceptions. Noerper pointed to the strength of the bilateral relationship, the popularity of the US in public polls, and the outpouring of official and public support in Korea for Lippert after the attack.
12/19/14
10/29/14
10/28/14
4/24/14
4/21/14
2/17/14
Experts Praise Exposure of Pyongyang's Abuses
February 17 (VOA) -- Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of The Korea Society, comments United Nations report that accuses North Korea of “unspeakable atrocities" and crimes against humanity.
1/27/14
CNN: How Choco Pie infiltrated North Korea's sweet tooth
January 27 (CNN) -- Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of The Korea Society, comments on the North Korea's black market on South Korean snack, Choco Pie.
12/11/13
The Takeaway
December 11 (The Takeaway) -- Ambassador Thomas Hubbard, chairman of the Korea Society, appeared on Public Radio International's The Takeaway. He discussed the significance of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ousting his uncle and mentor Jang Song-thaek from office with host John Hockenberry
4/15/13
Bloomberg: N. Korea Needs to Save Face in De-Escalation
April 15 (Bloomberg) -- Sue Mi Terry, analyst at Eurasia Group and Stephen Noerper, senior vice president at The Korea Society, discuss the latest on North Korean nuclear threats as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urges the country to join nuclear talks. They speak on Bloomberg Television's "Bloomberg Surveillance."
4/12/13
Bloomberg: Tensions Rise on The Korean Peninsula
April 12 (Bloomberg) -- Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President at The Korea Society, discusses the mounting tensions between the U.S., South Korea and North Korea. He speaks on Bloomberg Television's "Market Makers." (Source: Bloomberg)
4/4/13
C-SPAN: North Korean History and Culture
April 4 (C-SPAN) -- Thomas Hubbard, chairman of The Korea Society, talked about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as the culture and history of North Korea and its relationship with South Korea, and other topics. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. (Source: C-SPAN)
3/15/13
Bloomberg: Samsung Source of Korean National Pride
March 15 (Bloomberg) -- Stephen Noerper, senior vice president at The Korea Society, discusses Samsung as a source of national pride in Korea and how the company has come to be Apple's biggest competition in the smartphone market. He speaks on Bloomberg Television's "Bloomberg Surveillance." (Source: Bloomberg)
