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ROK-US Trade
How South Korea Might Navigate the New Age of Uncertainty in Trade
- The Supreme Court’s decision striking down the administration’s use of IEEPA tariffs has not resolved uncertainty in U.S. trade policy but instead introduced new legal and political complexities. - Although the ruling reaffirms congressional authority over tariffs, the administration retains alternative legal tools, contributing to continued
By J. James Kim [Program Director, Korea, Stimson Center]
Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ)
Two Seas, One Logic: How China Normalises Power
Key Takeaways:- Using patrols, infrastructure-building and other grey-zone tactics, China seeks to exert greater control at sea- Boundary-testing is the one logic behind open confrontation in the South China Sea and quieter pressure in the Yellow Sea- By taking advantage of uneven state capacity, China imposes decisions that gradually undermine reg
By Lizza Bomassi and Laura Catherine Remy [EU Institute for Security Studies]
Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ)
Reframing the Yellow Sea as an Indo-Pacific Domain: Countering China’s Gray-Zone Tactics
Key Takeaways:- South Korea must view the Yellow Sea as part of the Indo-Pacific maritime domain and recognize that it is directly linked not only to South Korea’s own security, but also to the maritime security of democratic partners across the Indo-Pacific, including its ally the U.S., European partners, and the IP4 (Indo-Pacific Four) countrie
By Tae Eun Song [Assistant Professor, Korea National Diplomatic Academy]
Transnational Criminal Networks and National Security
South Korea’s Tech-Security Crisis
Key takeaways:- Unsurprisingly, Korean enforcement authorities say the majority of serious leakage cases now involve Chinese counterparts, whether directly or through front companies.- Korea is taking steps to build a functional architecture of laws, screening mechanisms, and enforcement measures. But these tools still do not fully match the threat
By Ben Forney [Founder, Lazlo Intelligence]
Sanction Regime
North Korea’s Recovery under Sanctions: An Assessment of its Limits
Key Takeaways: - During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024, it was revealed that bilateral trade had already grown by 54% year-on-year in the first five months of 2024.- The People’s Economic Planning Law significantly reinforced state control over the processes of economic planning, implementation, and ex post revi
By Jongkyu Lee [Director, Office of Global and North Korean Economic Studies at KDI]

TOPICS

China & Russia
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Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ)
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Water Securitization
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Military Denuclearization
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Implications of ROK Nuclear Submarine Acquisition
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Cybersecurity
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Latest Articles

China & Russia
Implications of Enhanced China–Russia Strategic Cooperation and the Expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Key takeaways:- They have also highlighted that Russia has served as the BRICS chair and China as the SCO chair, agreeing to deepen cooperation to opp
Sanction Regime
Beyond the UN Panel of Experts: Sanctions Implementation Challenges and the Role of the MSMT on North Korea
Key takeaways:- As an impartial body, the Panel conducted investigations into cases regardless of their geographic location or scale. Responding to in
Prospects for U.S.–North Korea Engagement
Assessment of North Korea’s Foreign Policy in 2025 and Outlook for 2026
Key Takeaways:- The defining shift in 2025 was North Korea’s institutionalization of South Korea as a "principal enemy" rather than a partner for un
Alliance Modernization
A South Korean Perspective on Alliance Modernization
Key takeaways:- The key outcomes of the 57th ROK–US SCM demonstrate the agreed-upon direction of alliance modernization.- The ROK has agreed to incr
Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization (E.N.D.) initiative
Denuclearization Has Lost Momentum – What Next?
Key Takeaways:- North Korea’s policy evolution demonstrates how favorable external conditions — improved relations with China and deepening ties w
Korea-China Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ)
Resilience Building Against Undersea Hybrid Operations
Key takeaways:- Preparedness part of resilience is a test in self-awareness and patience to practice endlessly.- Vulnerability can also be reduced by

About KOP

Korea On Point by the Korean Association of
International Studies

Korea On Point by the Korean Association of International Studies aims to provide an open forum for debates on the most pressing issues that affect the Korean Peninsula. Each week, the editorial board invites a select group of experts from around the world to contribute their views and analyses. Korea On Point does not advocate particular views, beliefs, or ideologies; rather, it strives to publish balanced and incisive commentaries that lay bare key points of agreement as well as differences among relevant actors. Ultimately, Korea On Point aims to further stimulate discussions in the international community that lead to consensus and dialogue.

*The opinions expressed by our invited authors do not represent the official positions of Korea On Point or the Korean Association of International Studies.

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