This program examines shifts in South Korea’s foreign policy posture, featuring insights and analysis from Dr. Kuyoun Chung, Assistant professor of the Department of Political Science at the Kangwon National University. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration aims to transform Korea into a “Global Pivotal State.” How has Seoul pursued this objective despite complex geopolitical and economic challenges? How does Korea navigate diplomatic relations in a tense region that is increasingly impacted by strategic competition between autocracies and democracies? Using survey data, Dr. Chung reveals how the South Korean public understands their country’s place in the world, including its allies, threats, and opportunities, in conversation with policy program officer Chelsie Alexandre.

Quick Take
South Korea’s New Foreign Policy and Public Opinion
with Dr. Kuyoun Chung

Friday, April 19, 2024

The Korea Society
350 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10017

About the Speakers:

Dr. Kuyoun Chung is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the Kangwon National University. Her research focuses on US foreign policy, public opinion and strategic narratives, as well as security issues in the Indo-Pacific, including alliance politics, regional security architecture, and maritime security. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Previously, she was a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at UCLA, a visiting professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, and a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. Additionally, she has served as a member of the policy advisory committee of the Ministry of Unification, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and the Republic of Korea Navy.