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Quotes of the Day:
"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."
– Elie Wiesel
"If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought."
– Dennis Roth
"In the depth of winter I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
– Albert Camus
1. Ukraine war briefing: North Korean troops back on frontline in Kursk, says Zelenskyy
2. United States-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement
3. Why are so many North Koreans dying on the battlefields of Ukraine?
4. Senior U.S. Official: “Trump Administration Committed to ‘Complete Denuclearization of North Korea’… Close Cooperation with South Korea and Japan”
5. Interview: "Impeachment crisis could delay S. Korea's MSCI inclusion, damage global trust"
6. Trump, Ishiba reaffirm 'resolute' commitment to 'complete denuclearization of N. Korea
7. N. Korea says its nuclear weapons are not bargaining chip
8. Trump is open to N.K. engagement, but it 'takes two to tango': senior U.S. official
9. Former military commanders reportedly ordered to investigate election fraud
10. Police begin probe into online users suspected of plotting violence at Constitutional Court
11. Big rallies across Korea urge, oppose Yoon's ouster
12. Foreign ministry welcomes Trump, Ishiba's commitment to NK denuclearization
13. Chinese leader mulls first visit to Korea in 11 years
14. Explainer: Yoon impeachment trial a maze of conflicting testimony
15. Strategic action to save Korea is urgently needed: India's moment
16. Yoon Suk Yeol receives 7 jail visits a day; president's lawyers say Yoon unfairly criticized
1. Ukraine war briefing: North Korean troops back on frontline in Kursk, says Zelenskyy
The question is did the north Korean People's Army Forces (nKPA) conduct sufficient training while they were off the front line to correct training deficiencies and retrain to incorporate lessons learned so far. Or did they merely rest and refit to be reinserted into the meat grinder using the same previous tactics that may not have fared so well. If they have learned from their mistakes and made adjustments then I am now becoming concerned that they will be able to transfer the training back to the peninsula to improve the capabilities of the nKPA on a wider scale in preparation for combat with the ROK/US alliance. It will not be the combat experience of 10,000 that will be the game changer for the nKPA. What could be the game changer is if they can conduct training on a large scale for all their major combat forces. This is what we must observe. It is not the combat experience alone that makes the difference. It is combat experience PLUS the lessons learned and THEN large scale training applied to the rest of the force that can significantly improve nKPA capabilities. Combat experience AND training is what is important. Simply having combat experience in a number of soldiers is not significant if they cannot transfer that experience into training for those without combat experience. The question is will the Kim family regime be able to commit the perishable resources, ot time, training, ammunition, and fuel in a sustained manner to improve the capabilities of the nKPA. I am not afraid of the nKPA with some number of forces who have experienced combat in Russia/Ukraine. I am concerned if they can adapt the training programs of the nKPA to exploit that combat training on a large scale throughout the nKPA
Ukraine war briefing: North Korean troops back on frontline in Kursk, says Zelenskyy
President’s comments follow reports Moscow withdrew Pyongyang’s troops after heavy losses; Russia claims capture of key eastern mining town. What we know on day 1,081
The Guardian · by / · February 8, 2025
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The Ukrainian president has said North Korean troops have returned to the frontline in Russia’s Kursk region, after reports Moscow had withdrawn them due to heavy losses. “There have been new assaults in the Kursk operation areas ... the Russian army and North Korean soldiers have been brought in again,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his evening address on Friday. A “significant number” of opposing troops had been “destroyed”, he said. “We are talking about hundreds of Russian and North Korean soldiers.” A Ukrainian military spokesperson had said a week earlier that Kyiv had not encountered activity or clashes with North Korean troops for three weeks. Pyongyang sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia last year to help it fight back Ukraine’s offensive into the border region, according to South Korean and western intelligence.
- Donald Trump said on Friday he would “probably” meet Zelenskyy next week, while the Ukrainian president responded by saying he appreciated working with Trump. The US president, asked by reporters in the White House whether such a meeting would be in Washington, replied that it “could be Washington – well, I’m not going there”, referring to Kyiv. Zelenskyy said “talks” were being planned but did not confirm a meeting. He wrote on X: “We’re also planning meetings and talks at the teams’ level. Right now Ukrainian and American teams are working out the details.” Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff said Ukraine was looking forward to a visit this month by Trump’s special envoy for the region. Andriy Yermak said he had spoken to envoy Keith Kellogg about topics including the battlefield situation, the safety of Ukrainian civilians, and meetings at the annual Munich security conference this month.
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Russia has claimed its forces have seized the key eastern Ukrainian mining town of Toretsk. If confirmed, it would be the biggest settlement Moscow has captured since Avdiivka in February last year. Kyiv denied Russia had full control of the industrial hub. The capture of Toretsk, which lies on elevated ground, would allow Moscow to further obstruct Ukrainian supply routes, paving the way for it to punch deeper into the northern part of the Donetsk region, according to military analysts. Former resident Galyna Poroshyna told Agence France-Presse there was “nothing” there to go back to and that everyone had left. “Everything is destroyed there. Everything.” A press officer for Ukraine’s 28th brigade, which has been fighting for control of Toretsk, said Ukrainian forces were holding their positions on the town’s outskirts. The battlefield reports could not be verified.
- European foreign ministers will discuss the Ukraine conflict at a meeting in Paris next week, the French foreign ministry said on Friday, amid reports US envoys could also attend. Ministers from France, Germany, Poland, Britain, Spain and Italy would take part in the talks on Wednesday, just ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the ministry said. The meeting aimed to “show continued support to Ukraine”, whether diplomatic, financial, material or related to weapons.
- The Kremlin said on Friday there had been a lot of inaccurate reports on US plans for ending the Ukraine war and called for patience as speculation swirled around the timing of a possible meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked by media about a report that Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy for Russia and Ukraine, was seeking to arrange a truce even before talks on a peace settlement. “We have nothing to add yet … we just need to be patient,” Peskov said.
- Ukraine said it hoped the international criminal court (ICC) would continue its work prosecuting Russian war criminals, despite Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on the court. The ICC is investigating allegations of Russian war crimes committed during its invasion of Ukraine and in 2023 issued an arrest warrant for Putin. Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tykhy said on Friday: “We hope that they [sanctions] will not affect the court’s ability to achieve justice for the victims of Russian aggression.” Ukraine continued to work with the ICC to move the cases forward, he added.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency chief said on Friday that the number of attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant had increased, Russian state news agency Tass reported. Rafael Grossi was speaking after holding talks in Moscow with Alexei Likhachev, head of Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom. Tass quoted Grossi as saying it was not possible to determine which side was carrying out the attacks. Russian forces took control of the plant soon after the 2022 start of the war.
- The Baltic states are set to sever ties with Russia’s power grid that date back to the 1950s and instead integrate further with the European Union, as the suspected sabotage of subsea cables has spurred efforts to strengthen regional security. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will disconnect from the IPS/UPS joint network early on Saturday and, subject to last-minute tests, will synchronise with the EU’s grid on Sunday, Reuters reports. Plans to decouple from Russia’s grid, debated for decades, gained momentum following Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
The Guardian · by / · February 8, 2025
2. United States-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement
Two key points:
The silk web of alliances and relationships remain important to POTUS (to include trilateral cooperation between Japan, the ROK, and the US):
The two leaders shared views on the severe and complex security environment and expressed their determination to continuously cooperate to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. As part of such cooperation, the two leaders intend to advance multilayered and aligned cooperation among like-minded countries, including Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad), Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan-U.S.-Australia, and Japan-U.S.-Philippines. Through these relationships, the United States, Japan, and like-minded partners can deliver high quality infrastructure investments in the region, including the deployment of Open Radio Access Networks in third countries.
Denuclearization of north Korea remains the objective:
The two leaders expressed their serious concerns over and the need to address the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) nuclear and missile programs and reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK. Both countries underscored the need to deter and counter the DPRK’s malicious cyber activities and the DPRK’s increasing military cooperation with Russia. In addition, both countries affirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral partnership in responding to the DPRK and upholding regional peace and prosperity. Japan reiterated its determination to achieve an immediate resolution of the abductions issue, which the United States supported.
The only thing that could have been added to make this stronger would be thes 12 words.
Unification first, then denuclearization; the path to unification is through human rights.
United States-Japan Joint Leaders’ Statement
whitehouse.gov · February 8, 2025
Briefings & Statements
February 7, 2025
President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru held their first official meeting today in Washington, D.C., where they affirmed their determination to pursue a new golden age for U.S.-Japan relations that upholds a free and open Indo-Pacific and brings peace and prosperity to a violent and disorderly world.
U.S.-Japan Cooperation for Peace
The two leaders expressed their shared desire for bilateral security and defense cooperation under the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security to grow stronger than ever, and emphasized that the U.S.-Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Japan reiterated its unwavering commitment to fundamentally reinforce its own defense capabilities, which the United States welcomed.
The United States underscored its unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear capabilities. The two leaders reaffirmed that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Senkaku Islands, and reiterated their strong opposition to any action that seeks to undermine Japan’s longstanding and peaceful administration of the Senkaku Islands.
In line with the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and the U.S.-Japan Guidelines for Defense Cooperation, Japan reaffirmed its role in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region by seamlessly responding to any situation from peacetime to contingencies. This has been further enabled by Japan’s 2015 Legislation for Peace and Security, which enhances U.S.-Japan Alliance deterrence and response capabilities.
In order to address an increasingly severe and complex security environment, the two leaders confirmed that they intend to further strengthen U.S.-Japan deterrence and response capabilities by enhancing defense and security cooperation, including by upgrading the respective command and control frameworks of U.S. and Japanese forces, increasing bilateral presence in Japan’s Southwest Islands, increasing readiness through more realistic training and exercises, further enhancing U.S. extended deterrence, and promoting defense equipment and technology cooperation, including co-production, co-development, and co-sustainment that bolsters allied supply chains and strengthens U.S. and Japanese defense industrial capacity, including maritime. The United States and Japan intend to continue their strong partnership in civil space and on aeronautics, science, and human exploration, including on the upcoming Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station that includes U.S. and Japanese astronauts as well as lunar surface exploration on future Artemis missions. The United States and Japan also intend to expand bilateral security cooperation in cyberspace by leveraging new technologies such as artificial intelligence and secure and resilient cloud services to deepen information-sharing. The United States welcomed Japan’s commitment, underpinned by a favorable trend of its defense budget increase, to building capabilities by FY 2027 to consolidate its primary responsibility for defending Japan, and, building on this significant foundation, to fundamentally reinforcing its defense capabilities beyond FY 2027.
In order to maintain deterrence and mitigate the impact on local communities, the two leaders confirmed the vital importance of the steady implementation of the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan in accordance with the Okinawa Consolidation Plan, including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Henoko and the return of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma.
The two leaders instructed their foreign and defense ministers to convene a Security Consultative Committee (SCC: “2+2”) meeting at an early date to implement the above-mentioned cooperation in an expeditious manner.
U.S.-Japan Cooperation for Growth and Prosperity
The two leaders affirmed that bilateral economic cooperation, including on economic security, forms an indispensable part of Alliance cooperation. As close economic partners, the United States and Japan provide the largest amount of foreign direct investment and create high quality jobs in each other’s countries. Industries of both countries continue to play a vital role for each other’s supply chains.
To chart an unwavering course for strengthening economic ties and elevating the economic partnership to the next level, the two leaders will seek to: promote business opportunities and significantly increase bilateral investment and employment; strengthen their industrial bases and collaborate to lead the world in developing critical technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and leading-edge semiconductors; enhance efforts to counter and build resilience against economic coercion; and jointly promote growth in the Indo-Pacific region underpinned by a free and fair economic order. They also resolved to continue discussions on aligning policies to further promote and protect critical and sensitive technologies, including through export controls, and to enhance supply chain resilience. With a shared commitment to the integrity of travel systems that underpin economic prosperity, they intend to strengthen efforts to vet travelers and routinely and securely share information to combat technology theft, travel by criminals, and illegal immigration.
The two leaders announced their intention to strengthen energy security by unleashing the United States’ affordable and reliable energy and natural resources, and by increasing exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Japan in a mutually beneficial manner. They also welcomed efforts to diversify critical minerals supply chains and to collaborate on developing and deploying cutting-edge small modular reactor and other advanced nuclear reactor technology.
The two leaders instructed their relevant ministers in charge to strengthen U.S.-Japan economic cooperation to achieve these shared goals.
U.S.-Japan Coordination in the Indo-Pacific
The two leaders shared views on the severe and complex security environment and expressed their determination to continuously cooperate to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. As part of such cooperation, the two leaders intend to advance multilayered and aligned cooperation among like-minded countries, including Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad), Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan-U.S.-Australia, and Japan-U.S.-Philippines. Through these relationships, the United States, Japan, and like-minded partners can deliver high quality infrastructure investments in the region, including the deployment of Open Radio Access Networks in third countries.
The two leaders reiterated their strong opposition to any attempts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea. The two leaders reaffirmed their strong opposition to the PRC’s unlawful maritime claims, militarization of reclaimed features, and threatening and provocative activities in the South China Sea.
The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community. They encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. The two leaders also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
The two leaders expressed their serious concerns over and the need to address the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK’s) nuclear and missile programs and reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK. Both countries underscored the need to deter and counter the DPRK’s malicious cyber activities and the DPRK’s increasing military cooperation with Russia. In addition, both countries affirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral partnership in responding to the DPRK and upholding regional peace and prosperity. Japan reiterated its determination to achieve an immediate resolution of the abductions issue, which the United States supported.
Invitation to Visit Japan
President Trump accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Ishiba for an official visit to Japan in the near future.
whitehouse.gov · February 8, 2025
3. Why are so many North Koreans dying on the battlefields of Ukraine?
I still remain skeptical of all reports about north Korea's abilities to fight, both positive and negative. I wish we had access to actual intelligence analysis based on actual observation of the fighting. I respect Ukraine and fully support its defense but I have to be skeptical about Ukrainian information operations when it comes to reporting on north Korea so far. That said, I think there are many elements of truth in reporting and these reports are all we have to work with so we must analyze them.
Why are so many North Koreans dying on the battlefields of Ukraine?
thetimes.com · by Maxim Tucker, Sumy
MAXIM TUCKER IN SUMY
Outdated tactics, coupled with inadequate Russian support, have left thousands of them vulnerable to modern warfare
Major Anton, centre, of Ukraine’s 95th Air Assault Brigade, has been engaging North Korean troops in battle
Maxim Tucker
, Sumy
Friday February 07 2025, 9.20am, The Times
The North Korean assault on his paratroopers’ positions had been intense and lasted for hours. Kim Jong-un’s men fired accurately, moved fast, looked after their wounded and refused to give up long after it should have been clear they had lost the battle.
Major Anton of Ukraine’s 95th Air Assault Brigade was relieved that Pyongyang’s infantry had not had Russian support. Combined with artillery, attack drones and tanks, they would have been a formidable fighting force.
Major Anton, of Ukraine’s 95th Air Assault Brigade
Now their bodies lay scattered in the fields, those who had reached his treeline marking the high tide of a firefight that ebbed away only once they had all been bloodied. As the major’s drones scanned the area, he watched their thermal signatures fade into the frozen Russian soil, abandoned by the allies whose land they were fighting for.
Thousands of North Korean soldiers have died in the war between Russia and Ukraine
“We conducted a detailed reconnaissance to see if any were left hiding somewhere,” the major said. “Then our copter detected a thermal signature. It flew closer but visibility was so poor it was impossible to tell whether he was ours or theirs, so we called on the men to report their positions. No one was out of place — we realised it must be the enemy.”
Three paratroopers from the 95th were dispatched to investigate the strange heat signature and, if possible, take the enemy soldier prisoner. They crept through the undergrowth and discovered a North Korean slumped against a tree, bleeding from a wound to the face and semi-conscious, without his weapon or ammunition.
In the Sumy region bordering Russia, The Times spoke to paratroopers from three elite airborne brigades, as well as soldiers from a separate assault regiment and a mechanised brigade who had fought North Korean troops across the border in Kursk. Each told how President Putin used Kim’s men, with scant or no Russian support, in a desperate effort to drive out the Ukrainians that, for now, appears to have failed.
Each said they had endured a full month of North Korean assaults daily from mid-December to mid-January, but since then there had been none for more than two weeks.
Although on Friday night President Zelensky said that the North Koreans had returned to active duty in the Kursk region after a brief absence, the soldiers believe that in one month they killed or wounded two enemy brigades — about 5,000 men, or half of the force Kim dispatched to help Putin. Pyongyang had learnt a great deal about the nature of modern warfare in that month, they warned.
Death before dishonour
One of the paratroopers covered his comrades with his rifle as they lifted their prisoner and dragged him back to a first aid point, where they bandaged his wounds. Once the North Korean came to and realised he had been taken prisoner, however, he tried to take his own life.
“The guys who took him prisoner were not in pixel [official Ukrainian uniform], they were in multicam [also used by the Russians] so he didn’t understand at first that he was captured,” Anton said. “When they brought him to the evacuation point, he saw our identification mark on the car and started banging his head against a concrete pillar to try to avoid being captured.”
The paratroopers overpowered him and, after a brief communication explaining his situation using a smartphone translation app, he was collected by members of Ukraine’s state security service, the SBU, and taken straight to Kyiv.
Other attempts to take the Koreans prisoner failed, the major said, because as soon as his troops started to approach one who was wounded, they set off a grenade inside their protective body armour.
The Russians had tried to hide their allies’ identity by supplying them with Russian uniforms and weapons, as well as identity papers stating they were from the eastern Republic of Tuva.
Other items, however, such as instructions for their medical kits, letters and photos, gave them away when discovered by the Ukrainians.
Items from a captured North Korean, including an instruction manual for a first aid kit
Doing the Russians’ dirty work
Relentless North Korean assaults, sometimes up to nine a day, have helped Russia retake territory, particularly on the western flank of the Kursk salient, said members of Ukraine’s 47th Mechanised Brigade.
Faced with an aggressive, rapidly advancing enemy, some units of mobilised Ukrainians gave up their positions quickly, exposing the flanks of others.
In October, Sergeant “Sausage” of the 47th Brigade was heading to his position in Kursk when his team realised they had forgotten a battery for their electronic warfare device and turned back.
When they started out for a second time they were met by battered Ukrainian troops withdrawing. A Russian armoured column had cut through Ukrainian lines, getting so deep they were able to capture nine Ukrainian drone operators.
“The road was full of Ukrainian cars streaming back to Sumy. Car after car after car. If we hadn’t forgotten our battery, we would have driven straight into the BMPs [armoured fighting vehicles], and probably would have been captured,” said Sausage, who also commands a drone section. All nine of his fellow operators were executed by the Russians, who filmed the murders and published them online.
Once the Russians had broken the Ukrainian line, the North Korean infantry were sent in to take and hold territory, pushing the Ukrainians back further.
Yet the Russians did not give them more armoured support, and the 47th’s US-provided Bradley infantry fighting vehicles managed to stabilise their lines. Still, Ukraine had lost a significant amount of territory in Kursk, narrowing the salient and exposing the town of Sudzha, the focal point of the occupied area, to suicide drone attacks.
The North Koreans made more effective infantry because they were highly trained, young and extremely ideologically motivated, as opposed to the ageing, fearful and demotivated men now being mobilised by Russia and Ukraine after three years of heavy casualties on both sides.
A patch from a captured North Korean soldier
“The Russians are tired, too, like us; they’re also already fighting with mostly mobilised troops. Usually when you strike a Russian assault group with drones, they run for cover and pull back. The North Koreans keep going forward,” said Mykola Strigunov, captain of an assault company from Ukraine’s 80th Air Assault Brigade.
The paratrooper captain praised the North Korean fighters as “really cool” soldiers, a stark contrast to their treatment by the Russian allies. Audio of apparent Russian radio intercepts played to The Times contains Putin’s troops referring to their allies as “dog eaters” who had begun to complain about the way they were being sent to mindless slaughter.
Fighting yesterday’s war
Raising his eyebrows, the reconnaissance company commander looked again at the shadowy figures moving inside the treeline. They were North Korean soldiers, clustered together, walking and talking between what appeared to be tents.
Captain Bilyaev, also of the 80th Air Assault Brigade, was surprised. Even back in the summer of 2014, when he fought the Russians and their proxies at Luhansk airport, no sensible soldier would expose themselves above ground with only canvas between them and enemy artillery.
More than a decade later the paratrooper commander had drones high in the air above his enemy with powerful cameras capable of determining even their ethnicity. The brigade also had drones that could carry four heavy anti-tank mines, which they promptly dropped on the Korean camp. At least 40 of the soldiers were killed by that one attack, he said.
The Koreans were not mad or stupid, the paratroopers of the 80th said, just using outdated tactics that failed to account for the way drones could spot troops and herd them together in close proximity, to take out entire squads in one attack.
They moved by platoon in a classical infantry attack formation, but both Russians and Ukrainians had learnt that such large groups of infantry were easily spotted by drones and vulnerable under modern fighting conditions.
The paratroopers of the 80th are equipped with US Stryker and M113 armoured vehicles. When the North Koreans attacked, the Russians did not send tanks to accompany their infantry or provide artillery fire support, Strigunov said.
His infantry fighting vehicles could drive out into the fields among them, mowing them down with their Browning machine-guns. In one battle filmed by drone, a Stryker’s gun jammed, but the driver was able to chase the infantry, managing to run over at least one of them under the wheels of his vehicle.
“After a certain period of time they realised that this war was not like they were told, and they disappeared somewhere,” said Bilyaev. “We no longer see them on the battlefield. According to our information, they were taken away from here altogether.”
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thetimes.com · by Maxim Tucker, Sumy
4. Senior U.S. Official: “Trump Administration Committed to ‘Complete Denuclearization of North Korea’… Close Cooperation with South Korea and Japan”
VOA is doing its job: reporting on and explaining US policy issues for foreign audiences without judgement..
This is a Google translation of a VOA report.
Senior U.S. Official: “Trump Administration Committed to ‘Complete Denuclearization of North Korea’… Close Cooperation with South Korea and Japan”
https://www.voakorea.com/a/7966854.html
2025.2.8
A senior U.S. government official reaffirmed that the complete denuclearization of North Korea remains the Trump administration’s goal. He emphasized that the administration will work closely with partners such as South Korea and Japan in the process of resolving the denuclearization issue. Reporter Cho Sang-jin reports.
A senior U.S. government official said on the 7th, “The Trump administration is committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, just as it was during its first term.”
[Senior U.S. government official] “The Trump administration, just as in the first term, is committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. President Trump has voiced his openness to engaging with North Korea. That doesn't mean that we will and we won't get ahead of that. Obviously it takes two to Tango in those situations but we will remain in lockstep with our partners, both Japan and South Korea, among others, as we move forward on that over.”
A senior U.S. official responded to a related question during a briefing prior to the first summit between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
“It takes two to tango”
He went on to emphasize that “President Trump has stated that he is open to dialogue with North Korea,” but made it clear that “that does not necessarily mean that we will do so, and we will not go ahead of that.”
The senior official emphasized the importance of North Korea's willingness to participate, citing the expression, "It takes two to tango in that situation."
He added, “As we move forward on that issue (North Korea’s denuclearization), we will work closely with our partners, including Japan and South Korea.”
Earlier, on the 28th of last month, White House National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson Brian Hughes, in response to VOA ’s question about the “goal of North Korea’s denuclearization,” stated, “President Trump will pursue the complete denuclearization of North Korea, just as he did during his first term.”
“Trump administration supports US-ROK-Japan cooperation efforts… some adjustments”
Meanwhile, a senior U.S. official said the Trump administration will maintain the basic tone of trilateral cooperation among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, but there may be some adjustments.
[Senior U.S. government official] “I'd point out that in the first Trump administration, we actually had three trilateral leader level meetings that happened on the sidelines of major multilateral events. And so the Trump administration continues to support trilateral efforts and some of the working groups that have come out from under those over the last few years. There may be some adjustments to where the focus is on trilateral cooperation but I think largely you will see continuity on your second question with respect to export controls.”
“The Trump administration continues to support trilateral cooperation efforts and the working groups that have formed over the past several years,” the senior official said, noting that three summits between the three countries were held at major multilateral forums during the first Trump administration.
“While the focus of trilateral cooperation may be adjusted somewhat, there will generally be continuity with regard to export controls,” he explained.
He then said, “We are currently in the process of reviewing the Biden administration’s policies, and some will be evaluated as valuable and some will not,” hinting at the possibility of adjustments in the area of cooperation between the three countries in the future.
[Senior US government official] “I think similarly we will obviously we're in the process of reviewing what the Biden administration has done. I think some of it is it will likely be considered to be worthwhile some of it will not be. But I think the direction of travel as far as technology and competing with China and ensuring that American technology or Western technology in general does not fuel our adversarial efforts you know, in the military REALM, in surveillance and things like that that those concepts and those ideas very much are part of, you know, what we believe in the Trump administration and also would show continuity from the first Trump term over.
However, he stressed that the concepts and principles related to technology, competition with China, and ensuring that American and Western technologies are not used by hostile powers in military and surveillance systems “will remain important tasks for the Trump administration and will demonstrate continuity from the first term.”
“Extension of existing policy”
Washington foreign policy and security experts analyzed that the remarks by a senior Trump administration official were an extension of existing policies.
Thomas Shinkin, policy director, R Street Institute
Thomas Shinkin, policy director at the AllStreet Institute, said in a phone call with VOA on the 7th, “It doesn’t contain anything new, and it’s hard to see it as reflecting any strategic considerations beyond repeating long-standing policies.”
[Recording: Director Shinkin] “I think it's basically a cut and dried restatement of existing policy. It doesn't reflect anything new and I don't think that strategic thinking went into it beyond simple reiteration of long standing policy… He has a lot of things he's focusing on. I don't think that they've had a major strategic reevaluation of Northeast Asian security or anything remotely resembling that. So I don’t think we ought to read too much into that… "I don't think that dealing with North Korea is anywhere near the top of the list of President Trump's many priorities."
He added that “there is no need to read too much meaning into this statement,” adding that it is difficult to say that the administration has conducted a large-scale strategic review of Northeast Asian security, as President Trump is currently focusing on several pending issues.
He also emphasized that “the North Korea issue is not high on President Trump’s current priorities.”
“Trump’s North Korea Strategy Still Uncertain”
Terence Lorig Professor of East Asian Studies, University of Wisconsin
Terence Lorig, a professor of East Asian studies at the University of Wisconsin, also said in a phone call with VOA that day that this statement does not clearly define the Trump administration's North Korea strategy.
It was a statement that seemed to maintain the existing US policy of emphasizing complete denuclearization and cooperation with the alliance, but analysis suggests that it is likely to be simple political rhetoric.
[Recording: Professor Rohrig] “That is sort of walking back, some of that to say, and I think President Trump, too, earlier had said no,, we are still committed to denuclearization. You know, that's really sort of the political statement to say that we are going to work together with our allies… The most important part is I think that that it's not entirely clear what the Trump administration approach is going to be… It's still not clear to me that North Korea is a very big priority on the president's list at this point… I think there are still reasons to be concerned that there could be problems with the direction of trilateral cooperation… Certainly it has been shown early in the administration that the Trump administration is very concerned about economic issues and, in particular, trade relations… South Korea and Japan have to be watching what has been going on… Burden sharing is going to be another piece.”
Professor Lorig pointed out that although President Trump has emphasized his relationship with Kim Jong-un in the past, it is unclear how much priority he is currently giving to the North Korea issue, and it is still uncertain how he will operate the trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea, and Japan.
“North Korea’s Response is Key to the US-North Korea Summit”
Experts point out that while President Trump has been emphasizing personal diplomacy with Chairman Kim Jong-un, there is a possibility that he will pursue negotiations with North Korea in the future, but whether North Korea will respond positively to this is a key variable.
Professor Lorig predicted that Chairman Kim Jong-un would be hesitant to hold another summit because he had the experience of withdrawing from the second North Korea-US summit in Hanoi without any results, and that North Korea would not agree to talks unless there was a clear guarantee of tangible compensation.
This is Cho Sang-jin from VOA News.
5. Interview: "Impeachment crisis could delay S. Korea's MSCI inclusion, damage global trust"
Significant second and third order effects.
Interview: "Impeachment crisis could delay S. Korea's MSCI inclusion, damage global trust"
Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer on South Korea's Dec. 3 martial law fallout and key geopolitical risks for 2025
https://www.chosun.com/english/people-en/2025/02/08/MKJNGFTUOZDKTAIGX7V3ILVQMI/
By Lee Yong-sung,
Kim Seo-young
Published 2025.02.08. 00:10
Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from Tulane University and a Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University. He is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia University, the founding chairman of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Geopolitical Risk, and a former professor at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. /Courtesy of Eurasia Group
“This crisis has undermined trust in South Korea as a reliable democracy among allies, particularly those like the U.S. and Japan who strongly support multilateralism. This is especially concerning as it comes at a critical time when maintaining smooth relations with the second Donal Trump administration is essential,” noted Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, regarding South Korea’s fallout from the Dec. 3 martial law crisis.
Bremmer, an expert in global risk prediction, made a significant impact by introducing the “G-Zero” theory, which suggests that there is no longer a dominant nation leading the global order following the 2008 financial crisis. In 2001, he also developed the global political risk index (GPRI), a tool to measure political risk in emerging nations. Bremmer provided written insights on geopolitical risks to watch in 2025.
What impact do you see from the Dec. 3 martial law crisis on South Korea?
“This crisis has undermined trust in South Korea as a reliable democracy among allies who strongly believe in multilateralism, such as the U.S. and Japan. Such a crisis is especially concerning as it comes at a critical time when maintaining smooth relations with the second Trump administration is essential.”
Could there be economic repercussions?
“Some foreign investors now view South Korea negatively, and some tourists, feeling uneasy, may now hesitate to visit Korea. It could negatively affect the country’s credit rating and delay its inclusion in the MSCI developed markets index by several years.”
How can South Korea minimize the negative impact?
“President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has no political trust left to lose, should step down quickly and allow elections for a peaceful transition to a new government. This is essential for maintaining the improved relations with Japan and stable ties with China, an important trading partner. Close Korea-Japan cooperation benefits both nations and will help regional security through trilateral coordination with the U.S.”
How long do you think the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will last?
“I believe the current ceasefire will hold beyond 60 days. I held this view even before Assad’s regime fell in Syria. Once the 60-day ceasefire period ends, it is likely to become ‘permanent’ ceasefire. The biggest question now is how the long-standing hostility between Israel and Iran will unfold. We need to watch if Israel, having gained leverage over Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, will directly confront Iran for greater gains.”
Some suggest that the ceasefire is a political gift from Israel to Trump.
“The two-month ceasefire period doesn’t appear to be a coincidence. The timing likely provides room to delay decisions on its continuation until after Trump’s inauguration. With Trump’s strong relationships with Israel and Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, it seems likely these governments will frame the negotiations to highlight Trump’s role in achieving the ceasefire.”
Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to normalize relations in March 2023 through China’s mediation. What is the current state of their relationship?
“Trade between Saudi Arabia and Iran has not suddenly surged, nor have their diplomatic relations warmed. However, China’s mediation has helped facilitate negotiations to end the Yemen civil war. Iran seeking a pragmatic relationship with Saudi Arabia indicates that it recognizes its weakened position and understands the need to minimize the risk of conflict with Israel.”
When Yemen’s pro-Iran Houthi rebels staged a coup in 2014 triggering civil war, Saudi Arabia supported the government forces, effectively fighting a proxy war with Iran. After UN mediation led to a March 2022 ceasefire agreement with the Houthis, Saudi Arabia has stopped airstrikes on Yemen, and attacks targeting Saudi Arabia have largely ceased.
Syria’s Assad regime collapsed immediately after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire.
“For months, Turkey’s government had not allowed Syrian rebels, led by the Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to attack Assad’s forces, fearing regional instability. But with Israel inflicting heavy damage on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Turkish President Erdoğan grew less concerned about retaliation from Iran and its allies, permitting attacks on Assad. Russia’s pro-Assad forces focusing on Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration also accelerated Assad’s regime collapse.”
HTS has become the leading force.
“The ousting of Assad and the end of the civil war are good news. But there are still many unanswered questions, such as what the new government led by HTS, a group of factions with differing ideologies and interests, will look like, whether it will oppress former regime supporters or work with them, and whether Syria will face a fate like Libya or Afghanistan.”
How do you see the Ukraine-Russia conflict evolving?
“The chances of a ceasefire in Ukraine have increased considerably. Trump has repeatedly expressed his willingness to mediate a ceasefire, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy acknowledges that the war is currently favoring Russia and that he should take advantage of Trump’s goodwill.”
Trump seems to have a card he can make his achievement early in his term.
“However, since the ceasefire negotiations must last throughout his four-year term, he won’t push Ukraine to give Russia everything it wants. It’s still unclear what Trump will propose and whether Putin will accept it.”
Will Trump continue supporting Ukraine?
“Trump is likely to continue providing support to Ukraine, as long as Zelenskyy accepts the ceasefire terms he proposes. Zelenskyy also seems likely to agree to Trump’s terms. However, Trump will demand that Europe bear a larger share of the costs and risks of supporting Ukraine, given that Russia poses a greater threat to Europe than to the U.S.”
Could Russia invade other former Soviet states in the near future?
“Instead of that, Russia is likely to use covert methods like election interference, backing preferred candidates or providing financial support, and engaging in cyber warfare to pressure governments in former Soviet states. This has been evident recently in Georgia and Moldova. In Romania, a frontline NATO country bordering Ukraine, the Constitutional Court ruled an election invalid due to alleged Russian interference.”
In Georgia, Mikhail Kavelashvili of the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party won the presidential election on Dec. 15, 2024. After their victory in the Oct. 27 parliamentary elections, Georgian Dream announced it would delay its EU membership bid until 2028. Tens of thousands protested nightly outside the parliament for over two weeks, accusing Russia of election interference, with police using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
6. Trump, Ishiba reaffirm 'resolute' commitment to 'complete denuclearization of N. Korea
Hopefully these will calm the national security professionals in Korea.
(4th LD) Trump, Ishiba reaffirm 'resolute' commitment to 'complete denuclearization of N. Korea | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · February 8, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with joint statement; CHANGES headline, lead; TRIMS)
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed their "resolute" commitment Friday to the "complete denuclearization of North Korea," a joint statement said, as Pyongyang reiterated its nuclear arms are not a bargaining chip.
Following their first in-person summit, Trump and Ishiba issued the statement, where the leaders voiced "serious" concerns over the North's advancing weapons programs and underscored the importance of trilateral cooperation with South Korea.
"The two leaders expressed their serious concerns over and the need to address the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile programs and reaffirmed their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of the DPRK," they said in the statement.
"Both countries underscored the need to deter and counter the DPRK's malicious cyber activities and the DPRK's increasing military cooperation with Russia. In addition, both countries affirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral partnership in responding to the DPRK and upholding regional peace and prosperity," they added.
ROK is short for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea, while DPRK stands for the North's official name.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following talks at the White House in Washington on Feb. 7, 2025, in this photo released by AFP. (Yonhap)
The summit took place amid expectations for the potential resumption of Trump's personal diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. During a Fox News interview last month, Trump said he will reach out to Kim again, calling the dynastic ruler a "smart guy."
Trump reinforced those expectations during a joint press conference, saying that getting along with Kim is "a good thing, not a bad thing."
"We will have relations with North Korea, with Kim Jong-un. I got along with him very well," Trump said.
He added, "We had a good relationship, and I think it's a very big asset for everybody that I do get along with him."
The president claimed that he "stopped the war," and that if he had not won the presidential election, people would have "ended up in a very bad situation."
He appeared to assert that due to his relationship with Kim, which was cultivated through his personal diplomacy with the reclusive leader during his first term, a serious conflict did not flare up in Korea.
Spelling out his discussions with Ishiba, Trump pointed out the shared commitment by him and the Japanese leader to ensuring stability on the Korean Peninsula.
"The prime minister and I will be working closely together to maintain peace and security, and I also say peace through strength and all over the Indo-Pacific," he said. "And to that end, we also remain committed to the effort I began in my first term to ensure safety and stability on the Korean Peninsula."
Ishiba noted that he had "candid" discussions with Trump on a range of challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, including issues related to North Korea, the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
"Regarding North Korea, we affirmed the need to address its nuclear and missile program, which poses a serious threat to Japan, the U.S. and beyond, and that Japan and the U.S. will work together toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea," Ishiba said through an interpreter.
For regional security, the prime minister said the two leaders concurred on furthering multilateral cooperation with like-minded countries, including through a trilateral partnership with South Korea as well as other U.S.-led multilateral platforms, such as the Quad forum that consists of the U.S., India, Japan and Australia.
Trump and Ishiba reiterated their "strong" opposition to any attempts by China to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea, and to China's maritime claims, militarization of reclaimed features and "threatening and provocative" activities in the South China Sea, according to the joint statement.
"The two leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community," the statement said. "They encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues, and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion."
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks during a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump following talks at the White House in Washington on Feb. 7, 2025, in this photo released by AFP. (Yonhap)
The prime minister used the talks with Trump to deliver his "strong sense of urgency" regarding the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang decades ago.
"Now that President Trump is in power again, if we are able to move towards resolving issues with North Korea, it would be agreed," Ishiba said in response to a question over whether he would like to see Trump resume diplomacy with Pyongyang.
"For us, that includes not only denuclearization, but also resolving the abductee issue. Not only the abductees, but also their families too are aging."
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House in Washington on Feb. 7, 2025, in this photo released by the Associated Press. (Yonhap)
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · February 8, 2025
7. N. Korea says its nuclear weapons are not bargaining chip
An important statement that we need to understand.
Arms control negotiations or any other bargaining method will not result in success. But if we are going to engage with north Korea (which I do advocate) it needs to be part of our superior political warfare campaign to support the objectives below.
My key points for the administration:
Strategic Assumption: North Korea will never negotiate away its nuclear capabilities as long as the Kim family regime remains in power.
President-elect Trump did something during his first term that no president had done: “He gave it a shot.” He met Kim and he offered him a future. But it was Kim Jong Un who failed to appreciate the opportunity he had. Now in his second term President Trump has the opportunity to implement new elements of policy and strategy that have never before been attempted. These include a human rights upfront approach that keeps human rights on all agendas, a sophisticated and holistic information campaign, and the support of the Korean people's pursuit of a free and unified Korea. There are few pundits who see the opportunities that both the 8.15 Unification Doctrine and Kim Jong Un with his new hostile policy toward the South are providing to the U.S. and ROK/U.S. alliance. It is time to recognize that the only path to denuclearization is through unification. Most importantly, the prevention of war and nuclear use, and the long term outcome on the Korean peninsula are important to the national security and national prosperity of the U.S.
Kim can change. Or Kim can be changed by the Korean people in the North.
Koreans must solve the Korea question (the unnatural division of the peninsula) (Para 60 of the Armistice).
Key Points:
––The United States has failed to achieve denuclearization in North Korea for four decades, and a new approach is needed that includes a new focus on human rights and the pursuit of a free and unified Korea.
––President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea unveiled the 8.15 Unification Doctrine in August 2024, emphasizing freedom, peace, and prosperity as core values for unification. But while President Yoon has been impeached, the 8.15 unification doctrine has not.
––Kim Jong Un's recent policy changes, including declaring South Korea as the "main enemy" and abandoning peaceful unification, present an opportunity for a new strategy.
––A human rights up front approach focusing on educating North Koreans about their universal human rights will empower them to create change.
––The right of self-determination for the Korean people is a fundamental justification for pursuing a free and unified Korea that requires transformation of the regime.
––Martial law crisis shows democracy prevents tyranny – Korea people in the north and South will choose democracy over dictatorship.
––Four paths to unification: war, regime collapse, peaceful unification, and regime transformation. The U.S. (along with South Korea) should support regime transformation by the Korea people in the North as the optimal path to peaceful unification.
Unification first, then denuclearization; the path to unification is through human rights.
(LEAD) N. Korea says its nuclear weapons are not bargaining chip | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · February 8, 2025
(ATTN: UPDATES with more details throughout)
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Saturday its nuclear weapons are not a bargaining chip but designed for combat use against any attempts by its enemies to invade the North, reaffirming its stance to further develop its nuclear arsenal.
The North's statement came after the White House has said that Washington will seek "complete denuclearization of North Korea," under U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissing speculation that Trump may seek arms reduction rather than a long-term policy goal of denuclearization.
In a commentary issued by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea stressed that its nuclear force is not for negotiations but for combat use, effectively affirming that it has no interest in returning to denuclearization talks with the United States.
"Our nuclear force is not something that can be advertised to earn recognition from anybody and not even a bargaining chip that can be exchanged for a mere sum of money," the KCNA said.
"Our country's nuclear force is invariably for real combat use in a bid to swiftly cut out the origin of any invasion attempt by hostile forces that infringe upon the country's sovereign right and people's safety, and threaten regional peace," it added.
In response to officials from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union who reaffirmed that they will not accept North Korea as a nuclear power, North Korea also denounced their remarks as "ludicrous."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C) inspects a nuclear-material production base with officials, in this photo published by the Korean Central News Agency on Jan. 29, 2025. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Trump's return to the White House spawned speculation that he would seek to revive summit diplomacy over the North's nuclear weapons with Kim during his second term.
Trump held in-person meetings three times with the North's Kim, including their first summit in Singapore in 2018. But the Hanoi summit in 2019 ended without a deal due to differences over the North's denuclearization steps in return for sanctions relief.
The U.S. president expressed his intent to reengage with the North's leader during a Fox News interview last month, calling Kim a "smart guy."
But without responding to Trump's overture, North Korea has disclosed Kim's visit to a uranium enrichment facility while stressing the need to strengthen the country's "nuclear shield" against hostile countries.
On his first day in office in January, Trump called North Korea a "nuclear power" -- a term that U.S. officials have mostly refrained from using on concerns that it can be viewed as U.S. recognition of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.
But the White House affirmed last month that the U.S. will pursue "complete denuclearization of North Korea" when asked whether Trump's reference to the North as a nuclear power signaled any policy shift.
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · February 8, 2025
8. Trump is open to N.K. engagement, but it 'takes two to tango': senior U.S. official
We must understand the nature, objectives, and strategy of the Kim family regime. The regime is using political warfare to subvert the South and drive a wedge in the ROK/US alliance, blackmail diplomacy to achieve political and economic concessions (through threats, increased tension, and provocations), and supporting both by developing advanced military capabilities (nuclear and missile) that can ultimately be used to achieve its objective dominating the peninsula (by force if necessary) under the rule of the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State to ensure survival of the Kim family regime.
We must understand how Kim wants to tango (political warfare and blackmail diplomacy) so that we can and must lead the dance with our own superior political warfare strategy. President Trump should be able to do this better than anyone else.
(2nd LD) Trump is open to N.K. engagement, but it 'takes two to tango': senior U.S. official | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · February 8, 2025
(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; UPDATES throughout)
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is open to engaging with North Korea, but it "takes two to tango," a senior administration official said Friday, in an apparent call for a recalcitrant Pyongyang to make its own efforts for dialogue.
In a telephonic press briefing, the official made the remarks, reaffirming the Trump administration's commitment to the "complete denuclearization of North Korea" and pledging to remain in "lockstep" with South Korea and Japan over diplomacy toward the North.
The briefing came hours ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, where the two sides were set to discuss cooperation in defense, critical technologies, investment, cybersecurity and other areas.
U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23, 2025, as he signs executive orders, in this file photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)
"The Trump administration, just as in the first term, is committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. President Trump has voiced his openness to engaging with North Korea. That doesn't mean we will," the official told reporters.
"We won't get ahead of that. Obviously, it takes two to tango in those situations, but we will remain in lockstep with our partners, both Japan and South Korea, among others, as we move forward on that," he added.
His remarks signaled that Washington wants Pyongyang to do its part as well for the resumption of dialogue. The intransigent regime rejected the preceding Biden administration's repeated offers to resume dialogue "without preconditions."
The remarks helped assuage lingering concerns that South Korea could be sidelined or bypassed from Trump's potential outreach to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, given that Seoul continues to be in a period of political uncertainty following now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid in December.
During a Fox News interview last month, Trump said he will reach out to Kim, calling the reclusive leader a "smart guy." This has reinforced speculation that he would revive his personal diplomacy with Kim, which resulted in three summits between them during his first term, starting with the first summit in Singapore in 2018.
On trilateral cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, the official pointed out that during the first Trump administration, there were three trilateral summits on the margins of multilateral forums, as he apparently noted that Trump is also credited with fostering tripartite ties with the two Asian treaty allies.
"The Trump administration continues to support trilateral efforts and some of the working groups that have come out from under those ... over the last few years," he said. "There may be some adjustments to where the focus is on trilateral cooperation, but I think largely you will see continuity."
The official's comment on the trilateral partnership came amid questions over whether the Trump administration would inherit the three-way cooperation endeavors, which have deepened since former President Joe Biden hosted the landmark Camp David summit with Yoon and then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in August 2023.
The Camp David summit, the first-ever standalone three-way summit, produced a series of agreements, including the "Commitment to Consult" each other in the event of a shared security threat.
Since the summit, the three sides have launched a system for the real-time sharing of North Korean ballistic missile warning data, created a trilateral military exercise named "Freedom Edge" and installed a trilateral secretariat to institutionalize their cooperation.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · February 8, 2025
9. Former military commanders reportedly ordered to investigate election fraud
There is no doubt this would be a misuse of the military.
Former military commanders reportedly ordered to investigate election fraud
donga.com
Posted February. 08, 2025 07:24,
Updated February. 08, 2025 07:24
Former military commanders reportedly ordered to investigate election fraud. February. 08, 2025 07:24. by 유성열 기자 koo@donga.com.
Former Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyeong and former Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won reportedly instructed personnel from the Defense Counterintelligence Command and the Korea Defense Intelligence Command to verify YouTube videos alleging election fraud ahead of the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. Military officials testified to the prosecution that they had reported the election fraud allegations as false, but the two commanders continued to pressure them to verify the claims, causing significant stress.
The prosecution is investigating whether President Yoon Suk Yeol provided the videos to the two commanders and ordered verification to justify the imposition of martial law.
According to legal sources on Friday, the Special Investigation Headquarters for Martial Law has obtained testimony from Counterintelligence Command officials, saying, "Former Commander Yeo repeatedly sent videos from far-right YouTubers alleging election fraud between August and October last year and ordered their verification."
한국어
donga.com
10. Police begin probe into online users suspected of plotting violence at Constitutional Court
I suspect they could be traced back to the United Front departments of China and north Korea.
Police begin probe into online users suspected of plotting violence at Constitutional Court | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · February 8, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- Police have launched an investigation into online community users suspected of preparing mob violence at the Constitutional Court amid suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's ongoing impeachment trial, authorities said Saturday.
The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station said it is tracking down the users who uploaded several posts discussing their plans for an alleged riot at the Constitutional Court on the online community DC Inside.
The court is deliberating whether to remove Yoon from office by upholding the parliament's impeachment decision or reinstate him following his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.
On a post uploaded at 3 a.m. the previous day, a user said he explored the premises of the court, sharing various photos inside and outside of the building.
"The walls around the court are low so it won't be too hard to climb over it," he wrote, suggesting people pretend to be visiting a nearby cafe if caught by the police.
Another user shared the blueprint of all floors of the Constitutional Court while others said they prepared baseball bats and ladders to climb over police bus barricades.
Users on this internet platform are also suspected of planning a violent mob attack at the Seoul Western District Court last month in protest against the court's decision to formally arrest Yoon over the martial law decree.
Police beef up security at the main gate of the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Dec. 18, 2024, as the court reviews the parliamentary impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yul over his short-lived declaration of martial law. (Yonhap)
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · February 8, 2025
11. Big rallies across Korea urge, oppose Yoon's ouster
Specific comparison estimates of how many for and against impeachment seem to be notably lacking but it appears there are more who oppose impeachment and support President Yoon than there are for impeachment and against the president. But I think it may be significant that the first pro-Yoon protest in Gwangju (Kwangju) took place. Since the Korea Times is not specifically providing a comparison estimate I have to think it is because the paper is pro-impeachment and the number against impeachment was substantially higher.
Organizers estimated that 3 million people showed up for the occasion, while the police's unofficial count was 35,000.
Yoon Sang-hyun, a lawmaker for the ruling People Power Party (PPP), addressed the crowd during the rally, urging them not to lose any hope of seeing the day when Yoon will be welcomed back.
A separate rally near Gyeongbokgung Station, also in the vicinity of Gwanghwamun, saw an estimated 5,000 people demanding Yoon's immediate ouster and urging a prompt ruling by the Constitutional Court on Yoon's impeachment.
...
Around Anguk Station, a little east of Gyeongbokgung and closer to the Constitutional Court, an estimated 10,000 people took to the streets
Similar protests took place in cities such as the liberal-leaning Gwangju, some 270 kilometers south of Seoul, and the more conservative Daegu, 235 kilometers southeast of the capital.
Gwangju saw its first pro-Yoon, anti-impeachment rally since the martial law fiasco in December, and the gathering, organized by a conservative YouTuber, included protesters who had traveled from Seoul.
Big rallies across Korea urge, oppose Yoon's ouster
The Korea Times · February 8, 2025
Protesters attend a rally near Gyeongbokgung Station in Seoul, Feb. 8, to call for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate resignation. Yonhap
Protesters from opposite ends of the political spectrum braved frigid conditions to gather for massive rallies across the nation Saturday, one group calling for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate resignation and the other group opposing his ouster.
A group of protesters led by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon gathered in the Gwanghwamun area of central Seoul. They demanded the release of Yoon, currently in detention on insurrection charges over his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, while holding up signs claiming that Yoon's impeachment should be nullified.
Protesters attend a rally in Daegu, 235 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Feb. 8, to call for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate resignation. Yonhap
Organizers estimated that 3 million people showed up for the occasion, while the police's unofficial count was 35,000.
Yoon Sang-hyun, a lawmaker for the ruling People Power Party (PPP), addressed the crowd during the rally, urging them not to lose any hope of seeing the day when Yoon will be welcomed back.
A separate rally near Gyeongbokgung Station, also in the vicinity of Gwanghwamun, saw an estimated 5,000 people demanding Yoon's immediate ouster and urging a prompt ruling by the Constitutional Court on Yoon's impeachment.
Protesters attend a rally in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul, Feb. 8, to voice their opposition to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yonhap
Around Anguk Station, a little east of Gyeongbokgung and closer to the Constitutional Court, an estimated 10,000 people took to the streets
Similar protests took place in cities such as the liberal-leaning Gwangju, some 270 kilometers south of Seoul, and the more conservative Daegu, 235 kilometers southeast of the capital.
Gwangju saw its first pro-Yoon, anti-impeachment rally since the martial law fiasco in December, and the gathering, organized by a conservative YouTuber, included protesters who had traveled from Seoul.
The Gwangju metropolitan government earlier rejected the YouTuber's request to assemble at the square commemorating the democratic uprising of May 18, 1980.
Instead, the square was taken over by hundreds of protesters demanding Yoon's immediate ouster in their weekly gathering.
The Gwangju Council of Citizen's Movement, an activist group that has been running the Saturday rallies since December, voiced its "outrage at some ultrarightists' attempts to justify the illegal declaration of martial law in Gwangju, the holy ground of democracy."
In Daegu, a massive rally opposing Yoon's impeachment was attended by a few PPP lawmakers and North Gyeongsang Gov. Lee Cheol-woo in the early afternoon.
Later in the day, hundreds of members of civic and labor groups met in the central part of Daegu to voice their support for Yoon's impeachment. (Yonhap)
Protesters opposed to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol march down a street in Gwangju, some 270 kilometers south of Seoul, Feb. 8. Yonhap
The Korea Times · February 8, 2025
12. Foreign ministry welcomes Trump, Ishiba's commitment to NK denuclearization
MOFA is put at ease.
Foreign ministry welcomes Trump, Ishiba's commitment to NK denuclearization
The Korea Times · February 8, 2025
President Donald Trump meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the Oval Office of the White House, Feb. 7, in Washington, D.C. AP-Yonhap
The foreign ministry on Saturday welcomed the United States and Japan's recent summit meeting where the leaders of the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
On Friday (Washington time), U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also expressed concerns over the North's advancing weapons programs and underscored the importance of trilateral cooperation with South Korea during their first in-person summit.
"The views of the U.S. and Japan announced at the summit regarding the Korean Peninsula, including countering North Korea's illegal cyber activities and military cooperation with Russia and seeking dialogue with North Korea based on trilateral cooperation, align with our policy direction, which has been continuously conveyed to the U.S. through various channels at all levels," the ministry said.
Seoul will continue its diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearization of North Korea based on close trilateral cooperation with Washington and Tokyo, it added.
Friday's summit took place amid expectations for the potential resumption of Trump's personal diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Yonhap)
The Korea Times · February 8, 2025
13. Chinese leader mulls first visit to Korea in 11 years
Perhaps so he can personally meddle in South Korean affairs and see first hand the fruits of the labor of his United Front Work Department.
Chinese leader mulls first visit to Korea in 11 years
The Korea Times · February 7, 2025
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, left, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Taiyangdao Hotel in Harbin. Courtesy of Woo's office
Assembly speaker meets Xi at Asian Games in Harbin, invites him to APEC summit in Gyeongju
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Chinese President Xi Jinping is considering visiting Korea for the first time in 11 years to attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in November.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik met with Xi, Friday, on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin.
“Korea is hosting the APEC summit this year, and China will host it next year. I believe President Xi’s visit to Korea will be a cornerstone of a successful APEC summit in Gyeongju and Korea-China relations,” Woo said.
During the meeting, Woo assured Xi that Korea remains politically stable. Woo had earlier told reporters that he hopes to meet with Xi during the trip.
Xi said he will seriously consider a visit to Korea for the APEC summit. The Chinese leader last visited Korea in July 2014, when he met with then-President Park Geun-hye in Seoul.
The Chinese leader also called for stable ties with Korea despite the fallout of the martial law declaration, saying, “Koreans have the wisdom and ability to handle domestic issues.”
"The meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere," the Assembly speaker's office said. The meeting between the two lasted around 40 minutes. It was originally scheduled for 15 minutes.
Earlier in the day, he attended a luncheon hosted by Xi for the leaders of the countries competing in the Games. Woo met with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach along with dignitaries from other Asian countries.
On Wednesday, the Assembly speaker met with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, in Beijing, and assured that Korea remains stable despite the political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration late last year.
During his trip, Woo plans to hold talks with multiple Chinese officials on strengthening economic cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He also plans to visit historical sites related to the Korean independence movement in China.
The Korea Times · February 7, 2025
14. Explainer: Yoon impeachment trial a maze of conflicting testimony
Wednesday
February 5, 2025
dictionary + A - A
Explainer: Yoon impeachment trial a maze of conflicting testimony
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-02-05/national/politics/Fact-check-Yoon-impeachment-trial-a-maze-of-conflicting-testimony-/2235839
Published: 05 Feb. 2025, 18:50
Updated: 06 Feb. 2025, 17:29
- CHO JUNG-WOO
- cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr
Korea JoongAng Daily
Explainer: Yoon impeachment trial a maze of conflicting testimony
8 min
Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI
From left: President Yoon Suk Yeol, former Defense Capital Command chief Lee Jin-woo, former Defense Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo In-hyung and former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service Hong Jang-won speak during the fifth impeachment trial hearing at the Constitutional Court in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Feb. 4. [CONSTITUTIONAL COURT]
The clock is ticking, with only three hearings left in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial. However, the president's fate remains uncertain as questions surrounding the declaration and enforcement of martial law continue to deepen.
Former military command chiefs and the then-first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) testified as witnesses in the fifth impeachment trial hearing at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, with Yoon in attendance. So far, four witnesses have given testimony, including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun.
Related Article
While former military commanders declined to confirm whether Yoon had ordered the arrest of lawmakers, Hong Jang-won, former NIS first deputy director, testified that the president ordered him to detain key politicians. Yoon, appearing for his impeachment hearing for the third time on Tuesday, denied the allegation, saying that he never communicated with Hong regarding martial law.
With key witnesses, attorneys and Yoon himself providing conflicting accounts, the Korea JoongAng Daily examines some major allegations surrounding the Dec. 3 martial law imposition.
Q. Did Yoon call Hong Jang-won on Dec. 3 and order the arrest of politicians?
A. Yoon admitted to calling Hong on Dec. 3 but denied giving any orders related to martial law. He argued that the NIS lacks investigative authority, making it "nonsense" to request such action.
Yoon said he made a call via a "secret phone" to Hong "for the sake of encouragement." He said he made the first call to Hong at around 8 p.m., assuming NIS chief Cho Tae-yong was out of the country. Hong returned the call at 8:22 p.m., when Yoon told him to stay available for another possible call.
At 10:53 p.m., Yoon called Hong again. Hong testified that during this call, the president ordered him to "arrest them all" and to assist the Defense Counterintelligence Command, promising to grant the spy agency expanded authority for anti-communist investigations.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during his fifth impeachment trial hearing at the Constitutional Court in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Feb. 4. [CONSTITUTIONAL COURT]
Yoon refuted the claim, insisting his calls to Hong were unrelated to martial law and that he would only give directives to an institution’s head, not a deputy.
Call records submitted by the National Assembly’s legal team show that after Yoon’s 10:53 p.m. call, Hong contacted former Defense Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo In-hyung twice. Hong testified that Yeo requested tracking the locations of 14 to 16 individuals.
Yoon’s attorneys disputed this, saying the president instructed Hong to "round up spies," questioning whether Hong misinterpreted the directive. Hong said that Yoon never mentioned spies during their call.
“A Cabinet meeting on martial law was taking place, and the Capital Defense Command and the Special Warfare Command were in chaos,” Hong told reporters after Tuesday’s hearing. “Would the president call the first deputy director just for encouragement — at that moment?”
Did Yeo request location data for individuals allegedly targeted for arrest?
Yeo, the former Defense Counterintelligence Command chief, said he did not explicitly recall the calls from Hong, as he answered them while in an elevator. However, he argued that the claim does not make sense, given that his military units were not dispatched until 1 a.m. on Dec. 4.
Records show Hong called Yeo at 10:58 p.m. and 11:06 p.m. on Dec. 3. Hong testified that Yeo sought assistance because military personnel assigned to an arrest mission could not track individuals’ locations.
Presidential Security Service deputy chief Kim Seong-hoon speaks to reporters as he appears for police questioning at the National Office of Investigation in Seodaemun District, western Seoul, on Jan. 24. [NEWS1]
Can the alleged phone conversations be verified?
The calls in question were made using secret phones equipped with programs that prevent wiretapping and recording. Investigators would need to access the Presidential Security Service (PSS) servers to confirm their contents.
However, authorities have been unable to seize the servers, as the PSS has refused to comply with a raid, saying the place cannot be searched without approval under the Criminal Procedure Act. The law states that "seizure and search shall not be executed in a place where secret military matters might be endangered without permission of the person in charge." On Tuesday, police again failed to conduct a raid after an eight-hour standoff.
Did Yoon order lawmakers to be "dragged out" of the National Assembly compound?
Yoon addressed the court directly on Tuesday, denying any attempt to prevent lawmakers from lifting martial law.
“Nothing actually happened,” he said, dismissing the allegations as baseless. “I cannot speak on behalf of those who are testifying from memory, but common sense should reveal the reality of the situation.”
Former Defense Capital Command chief Lee Jin-woo and former Defense Counterintelligence Command chief Yeo both refused to comment on claims that Yoon ordered lawmakers to be forcibly removed from the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul.
Lee said he recalled "some shocking terms" from his phone conversation with Yoon but declined to elaborate, saying he would testify in his criminal trial. Both Lee and Yeo were indicted and detained on Dec. 31 for their alleged involvement in imposing martial law.
Yeo also refused to comment but admitted that he had requested the locations of specific individuals in a phone call with National Police Agency Commissioner Cho Ji-ho on Dec. 3.
“I remember making two requests,” Yeo testified. “First, for police personnel to form a joint investigation headquarters as required by law, and second, to locate specific individuals on a particular list.”
Footage from the surveillance cameras at the National Election Commission's headquarters shows soldiers taking photos of the commission's data servers on Dec. 3. [NATIONAL ASSEMBLY]
Did military commanders conspire with Yoon to impose martial law?
Lee denied accusations of subverting the Constitution, saying he interpreted his orders as operational instructions when the former defense minister directed him to go to the National Assembly.
“There was no reason to believe the declaration was unlawful or unconstitutional,” Lee said, noting that it had been announced by the president, the commander in chief and a former prosecutor general familiar with the law.
He added that he was only instructed to be on standby in case of an emergency and first learned of the martial law declaration through a television broadcast.
Regarding a note on his phone labeled "Dec. 2 preparation plan," which included "possession of crowbars, hammers and saws" and "issuance of blank ammunition to individuals," Lee claimed it was a memo detailing military procedures under emergencies written upon the then-defense minister's inquiry. He said he sent the memo to the defense minister via Telegram.
Yeo also denied involvement, stating during a court martial hearing that he had no time to assess the legality of martial law. He insisted the military did not conduct any arrests and was merely dispatched to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission (NEC) per orders.
However, military prosecutors believe he had enough time to assess the legality and accused Yeo of being aware of the martial law plot before it was declared, as well as ordering the arrest of lawmakers at the National Assembly.
Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min attends a parliamentary special committee hearing at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Feb. 4, as part of the investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged insurrection charges. [NEWS1]
Did Yoon order the deployment of troops to the NEC?
During Tuesday’s hearing, Yoon admitted to instructing the defense minister to send troops to the NEC headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi.
“I wanted to assess the system, as I had heard of false ballots during legal trials on election fraud and faulty election equipment found during an NIS inspection,” he said.
However, he denied ordering the confiscation of NEC servers.
“While soldiers might have perceived the order as seizing servers, no hardware, software or data was actually taken,” he said.
On Dec. 3, about 300 military personnel were deployed to the NEC headquarters and its Suwon training facility for over three hours, with police on standby. Former Defense Minister Kim testified that the deployment was intended to evaluate election fraud allegations.
Prosecutors accuse Yoon of attempting to seize NEC servers and arrest its employees.
Related Article
Did Yoon order utilities to be cut to media outlets?
Yoon’s legal team denied claims that he ordered electricity and water to be cut at left-leaning news organizations. This comes despite the National Fire Commissioner Heo Seok-gon's testimony during parliamentary questioning that former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min asked him for cooperation with a police request to cut off power and water at several liberal media outlets.
An indictment submitted to the National Assembly on Monday also alleged that Yoon instructed former Interior Minister Lee to turn off utilities at JTBC, MBC, Kyunghyang Shinmun, Hankyoreh and polling agency Flower Research through the National Fire Agency.
After Tuesday’s hearing, Yoon’s attorney, Yun Gap-geun, dismissed the claim, saying, “There is no such document as far as I know, and no reason for the president to give such an order.”
BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]
15. Strategic action to save Korea is urgently needed: India's moment
Excerpts:
At this critical moment, India stands as one of the most capable nations in addressing South Korea’s economic, demographic, and geopolitical challenges. Strengthening India-Korea ties is not just an option. It is a strategic imperative.
If South Korea seeks sustainable growth, economic resilience, and regional stability, it must look toward India as its most natural and reliable partner for the future. Likewise, Indian policymakers must recognize South Korea’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. A destabilized Korea would have severe consequences, directly impacting India’s regional interests.
Expecting Japan or the US to take the lead in safeguarding South Korea is unrealistic, and Indian policymakers must not fall into this miscalculation. The domestic challenges and shifting global priorities of these nations limit their ability to provide substantial support.
It is time for India to step forward and take the lead—not just for its own strategic interests, but for the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Any power shift on the Korean Peninsula could have serious consequences for India. Indian policymakers are forewarned: The time to act is now!
As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
Strategic action to save Korea is urgently needed: India's moment - Asia Times
Policymakers be forewarned: A power shift on the peninsula could have serious consequences for India and the time to act is now
asiatimes.com · by Lakhvinder Singh · February 6, 2025
South Korea, a global economic powerhouse and a key player in international diplomacy, faces an increasingly complex web of crises spanning social, economic, political, and geopolitical domains.
While the country has demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming past challenges, the convergence of multiple crises now poses a serious threat to its future stability, prosperity and its democratic credentials.
If urgent action is not taken, South Korea risks a potential collapse – which could have far-reaching consequences, destabilizing the entire region.
Multitude of crises
One of the most pressing social issues South Korea faces today is its declining birth rate, which is among the lowest in the world. The country’s total fertility rate dropped to an alarming 0.72 in 2023, far below the replacement rate of 2.1. The reasons for this trend include the high cost of living, career insecurity, intense work culture and gender inequality in childcare responsibilities.
Despite government incentives such as cash allowances for newborns and increased parental leave policies, the downward trend has not reversed, threatening long-term societal stability.
Along with the low birth rate, South Korea continues to grapple with one of the highest suicide rates among developed nations. According to the OECD, South Korea has the highest suicide rate among its member states. Factors contributing to this crisis include extreme academic pressure, workplace stress, social isolation and mental health stigma.
While the government has made efforts to improve mental health support, more comprehensive reforms are required to address the root causes of stress and depression in Korean society.
Compounding South Korea’s social crisis is its rapid transition into an aging society. By 2050, nearly 40% of the population is expected to be 65 or older, leading to a shrinking workforce and an increasing burden on social welfare systems. The pension system faces immense pressure, while the healthcare sector will require significant reforms to accommodate the growing elderly population.
Although the government has attempted to address these challenges through increased immigration and automation in industries, the obstacles remain formidable. The combined impact of these demographic shifts is profound, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life in South Korea.
South Korea’s economic growth has slowed in recent years. From being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, its GDP growth rate has declined to around 2% annually. Structural challenges such as an overreliance on large conglomerates (chaebols), stagnating domestic consumption and the aging workforce limit its ability to sustain long-term growth.
South Korea’s trade surplus, a traditional source of strength, has been eroding due to stiff competition from China and protectionist policies from the United States. China, once a major export destination, is now a formidable competitor in sectors such as semiconductors, shipbuilding and electric vehicles.
Additionally, the US Inflation Reduction Act and other protectionist measures have forced South Korean companies to rethink their global supply chain strategies.
Moreover, South Korea’s household debt-to-GDP ratio is one of the highest in the world, exceeding 100%. Real estate speculation, fueled by low-interest rates in the past, has led to excessive borrowing. As interest rates rise to combat inflation, many households are struggling to service their debt, increasing financial instability in the economy. The economy is steadily nearing a critical tipping point.
South Korea’s political landscape has also become deeply polarized, with sharp ideological divisions between conservative and progressive factions. Recent elections have been marked by intense partisan conflict, hampering effective governance and policy implementation. This polarization has also led to frequent legislative gridlocks, making it difficult to pass crucial economic and social reforms.
The legacy of political impeachments continues to haunt South Korean politics. The impeachment of President Park Geun-hye in 2017 set a precedent for political volatility. With increasing public dissatisfaction and calls for accountability, there is an ongoing risk of further political instability, which could weaken investor confidence and slow down economic reforms.
The North Korean threat remains a persistent challenge for South Korea. Pyongyang has continued its missile tests and nuclear advancements, heightening regional tensions. Despite diplomatic efforts, including past summits and engagement strategies, North Korea shows little interest in denuclearization. South Korea, along with its allies, must navigate this threat carefully to ensure regional stability.
South Korea is caught in the middle of the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China. While South Korea is a key US ally, China remains its largest trading partner. Balancing security interests with economic dependencies has become increasingly difficult, forcing South Korea to adopt a cautious diplomatic stance.
Although relations between South Korea and Japan have improved under the Yoon administration, historical grievances still linger. Issues such as forced labor reparations and trade restrictions continue to create diplomatic tensions. Given the shared security challenges posed by North Korea and China, further cooperation between the two nations is essential.
Growing strategic imperatives
An unprecedented convergence of crises that Korea faces today threatens not only the country’s stability and future growth but also the peace and security of the entire region.
Each of these challenges –economic, political, geopolitical and security-related – is formidable on its own. However, their simultaneous occurrence amplifies the risks, making it increasingly difficult for South Korea to navigate them independently.
South Koreans have been striving to address these challenges for some time. However, instead of finding solutions, they have watched the problems worsen – signaling that the situation may have escalated beyond the government’s control.
If these challenges remain unaddressed, the consequences could be dire. The collapse of the US-led security architecture in the region could create a dangerous power vacuum – triggering territorial disputes and economic downturns while escalating conflicts fueled by historical grievances.
The ongoing power struggle between the US and China for dominance in the Indo-Pacific could spiral into direct military confrontations, further destabilizing the region.
One of the gravest risks is the potential for nuclear conflict. North Korea’s expanding nuclear capabilities pose an ever-present danger, and any regional instability increases the risk of escalation. A nuclear crisis would not only devastate the Korean Peninsula but also pose a severe threat to global security.
Beyond the geopolitical consequences, a weakened South Korea would send shockwaves through the global economy. Disruptions in supply chains, financial markets and key industries could cripple economic growth worldwide. A social and humanitarian crisis could also unfold, exacerbating suffering across the region.
A collective responsibility
Saving South Korea from this crisis is not solely the responsibility of its government but now has become a shared duty of regional and global stakeholders. A stable South Korea is crucial for peace, prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific. The urgency of the situation demands immediate and decisive action to ensure that the hard-earned progress of the South Korean people over the past 75 years is not lost and that the region does not descend into chaos.
Without timely intervention and support, the crisis could spiral out of control, endangering millions of lives and destabilizing the global order. South Korea’s partners must act now – before it is too late.
India: a viable partner
The ongoing political crisis in South Korea is not an isolated event but a symptom of deeper social and economic challenges. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for ensuring long-term political stability and sustainable economic prosperity.
South Korea maintains strong partnerships with three key nations – the United States, Japan, and India. While the US and Japan have been longstanding allies, neither possesses the precise resources or strategic approach that South Korea urgently needs at this critical juncture.
India is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive support in key areas, making it an indispensable partner in South Korea’s efforts to navigate its current challenges and emerge stronger.
1. Young human capital: a solution to Korea’s demographic crisis
South Korea is facing a severe demographic crisis, with the world’s lowest birth rate and an aging population that threatens the long-term sustainability of its workforce. In contrast, India boasts the world’s largest and youngest workforce, with a median age of just 28. By strengthening ties with India, South Korea can tap into this vast talent pool, addressing labor shortages in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Neither the US nor Japan, both of which struggle with aging populations, can provide this crucial resource. India’s youthful and skilled workforce presents a unique opportunity for South Korea to sustain its economic momentum.
2. A massive market for Korean products
South Korea’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, particularly in electronics, automobiles, and consumer goods. While the U.S. and Japan remain important trade partners, their aging populations and shifting consumption patterns limit future growth.
India, with its 1.4 billion people and rapidly expanding middle class, offers an enormous and untapped market for Korean businesses. Companies such as Samsung, Hyundai and LG have already achieved significant success in India, but the potential remains vast – especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
For South Korea’s economy to remain competitive, it needs a large, growing and welcoming market – one free from political constraints. Neither the US nor Japan can provide the same scale of opportunity that India does.
3. Affordable and skilled labor for Korean industries
Rising labor costs in South Korea have made manufacturing increasingly expensive. While China was once the preferred destination for outsourcing, geopolitical tensions and higher production costs have made it a less attractive option.
India, with its abundant, skilled,and cost-effective workforce, presents a viable alternative for Korean industries. Whether in IT, pharmaceuticals, or heavy manufacturing, India offers a competitive production hub that ensures quality and efficiency – something neither Japan nor the US can match.
4. A credible mediator in peace efforts with North Korea
South Korea’s long-term stability depends on achieving peaceful relations with North Korea. While Japan and the US have strategic interests in the region, their historically antagonistic stance toward Pyongyang makes them unreliable mediators.
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India, on the other hand, maintains diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea. It is one of the few countries capable of serving as a neutral mediator, facilitating dialogue and economic cooperation between the two Koreas. If South Korea genuinely seeks reconciliation, India is the only major power that can assist without the baggage of historical conflicts.
5. A gateway to emerging markets
As the global economic landscape shifts, emerging markets in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia are becoming crucial for future growth. India, with its deep ties to these regions, can serve as South Korea’s bridge to these high-potential markets.
Through trade agreements, joint ventures and technology partnerships, Korea can leverage India’s strategic position to expand its economic footprint globally. Can the US and Japan do this? The simple and obvious answer is no. The US and Japan, focused primarily on developed markets, lack the same reach and flexibility in these emerging economies.
Both Japan and the US face their own economic and demographic challenges, limiting their ability to fully address Korea’s current pressing needs. Moreover, their economic and strategic partnerships with South Korea – while strong – have reached a saturation point, leaving little room for further expansion.
While the US and Japan may provide military support and targeted investments, they cannot offer the holistic solutions that India can. South Korea requires an economic and geopolitical partner that aligns with its long-term interests. India is that partner.
At this critical moment, India stands as one of the most capable nations in addressing South Korea’s economic, demographic, and geopolitical challenges. Strengthening India-Korea ties is not just an option. It is a strategic imperative.
If South Korea seeks sustainable growth, economic resilience, and regional stability, it must look toward India as its most natural and reliable partner for the future. Likewise, Indian policymakers must recognize South Korea’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. A destabilized Korea would have severe consequences, directly impacting India’s regional interests.
Expecting Japan or the US to take the lead in safeguarding South Korea is unrealistic, and Indian policymakers must not fall into this miscalculation. The domestic challenges and shifting global priorities of these nations limit their ability to provide substantial support.
It is time for India to step forward and take the lead—not just for its own strategic interests, but for the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. Any power shift on the Korean Peninsula could have serious consequences for India. Indian policymakers are forewarned: The time to act is now!
As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
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asiatimes.com · by Lakhvinder Singh · February 6, 2025
16. Yoon Suk Yeol receives 7 jail visits a day; president's lawyers say Yoon unfairly criticized
Yoon Suk Yeol receives 7 jail visits a day; president's lawyers say Yoon unfairly criticized
koreaherald.com · by Son Ji-hyoung · February 7, 2025
President Yoon Suk Yeol (center) appears at a hearing for his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Thursday. (Pool photo via Yonhap)
Arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol received a total of 70 outside visitors while imprisoned, from Jan. 15 to Monday, meaning Yoon received seven visits a day on average for the 10 weekdays, data showed Friday.
According to data from the Justice Ministry compiled by Rep. Kim Seung-won of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, among the 70 rounds of visits to Yoon, currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center following his indictment, 66 were from Yoon's lawyers.
An inmate's meeting with lawyers in person typically takes place at a private conference room outside the inmate's prison cell. Under South Korean law, there is no constraint over the length of time and frequency of an inmate's meetings with lawyers.
But the frequency of Yoon's meetings with his lawyers has stirred debate, as a member of the general prison population has a single meeting with legal representation roughly once in 50 days.
According to the latest figure from the Justice Ministry, a South Korean inmate annually had 5.5 meetings with their lawyers on average throughout the year of 2023, given that South Korea's average daily prison population was 56,577 inmates, and they had 310,379 jail visits with lawyers.
In 2023, inmates received an average of 37.5 total jail visits, including lawyers, family, friends and others, or slightly over three a month.
This indicates that Yoon "has been enjoying luxurious prison life and does not feel remorseful" after he allegedly led an insurrection through a self-coup in December, Kim said in a statement.
Yoon's legal team on Friday hit back at the claim, saying Yoon has been unfairly criticized.
"Any defendant on trial has a fundamental right of defense guaranteed by the Constitution to meet with their lawyer, and there are established precedents over restrictions regarding the amount of times and frequency," Yoon's legal team said in a statement, adding that the lawyers are running out of time to review records for witness examinations at the impeachment trial as the Constitutional Court hastens the procedure.
Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party's Reps. Yoon Sang-hyun and Kim Meen-geon on Friday went to the Seoul Detention Center to visit Yoon, following other ruling party lawmakers' visit there Monday.
Rep. Yoon told reporters after a 30-minute jail visit Friday morning that President Yoon urged his supporters to remain organized in the face of the crisis of South Korea's liberal democracy.
He added that the impeached president said his decision to appear at the impeachment trial himself was a good one, claiming the trial would have continued misrepresenting what had happened on the night of the martial law declaration otherwise.
koreaherald.com · by Son Ji-hyoung · February 7, 2025
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
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