I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
Korea Times forum to examine new challenges for Korea-US alliance
From left are Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho; Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the National Security Office; Joel Wit, founder of 38 North; Soo Kim, policy analyst at RAND Corporation; Joseph DeTrani, former US chief negotiator to the Six Party Talks; Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean chief negotiator to the Six Party Talks and ambassador to Russia; and James Kim, president of the American Chamber of Commerce Korea.
By Kang Hyun-kyung
By Kang Hyun-kyung
The Korea Times will host a Korea-U.S. alliance forum on Oct. 26 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) building in Seoul.
Under the topic of “New Challenges for Korea-U.S. Alliance,” leading experts in the areas of economic security and Korea-U.S. alliance in the Indo-Pacific region will present their ideas about global supply chain disruptions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of North Korea's test-firings of nuclear-capable missiles and other military provocations.
Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the National Security Office, will read President Yoon Suk-yeol's congratulatory message on behalf of the president.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho will deliver a keynote speech on the latest economic security issues, including the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on Korean automakers, as well as the Korea-U.S. tech alliance, and South Korea's policy responses to them.
Joel Wit, founder of 38 North, a program currently run by the Stimson Center to provide analysis of events in and around North Korea, will delve into North Korea's nuclear-capable missile technology, hacking efforts and use of cryptocurrency as a means to finance the country's weapons of mass destruction. Based on his own analysis, Wit will propose possible policy options to help policymakers of the allies effectively respond to the growing, complex threats from the North.
In Session 1, four experts will discuss economic security and global supply chain disruptions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and their impact on Korea. They will assess current Korea-U.S. tech cooperation efforts and how they can adjust to benefit both nations. James Kim, president of the American Chamber of Commerce Korea, will moderate the session. Lee Seung-joo, a professor of political science and international relations at ChungAng University, Lee Hyo-young, an assistant professor of international economy, trade and development studies at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, and Shin Tong-chan, an attorney at Yulchon LLC, will join the session as discussants.
Moderated by Soo Kim, a policy analyst at RAND Corporation, Session 2 endeavors to untangle the complex, growing threats from North Korea and how the allies should respond to them. Joseph DeTrani, the former U.S. chief negotiator for the Six Party Talks to end North Korea's nuclear program, Wi Sung-lac, former South Korean chief negotiator to the Six Party talks and former South Korean ambassador to Russia, and Robert Kelly, a professor of political science at Pusan National University, will share their thoughts about escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Lawmakers, foreign diplomats, Korean and international business people based in Korea, policymakers, think tank experts and leaders of Seoul-based international NGOs will participate in the event as audience members.