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ROK-U.S. Relations
A Transactional Alliance in a Strategic Era: What the U.S.–ROK Fact Sheet Reveals
Key takeaways:- The new U.S.–ROK fact sheet reveals a highly transactional alliance, with economic deals and investment commitments taking precedence over traditional security guarantees.- While Washington reaffirmed extended deterrence and welcomed Seoul’s increased defense spending, major modernization issues — including strategic flex
By Andrew Yeo [Senior Fellow and SK-Korea Foundation Chair]
ROK-Japan Relations
Can Takaichi Truly Spread Her Wings?
Key Takeaways:- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is positioning herself as Abe’s successor, advancing a pragmatic version of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” diplomacy while moderating her conservative instincts to build broad public support.- Despite her strong early approval ratings, Takaichi faces immediate diplomatic challenges with China a
By Tomohiko Satake [Associate Professor, Aoyama Gakuin University]
Trump & China
U.S. and South Korea Alliance Looking Warily to the Future
Key Takeaways:- The U.S.–ROK alliance in 2025 is defined by unprecedented uncertainty, with fragmented leadership in both Washington and Seoul, escalating transactional demands, and conflicting interpretations of summit outcomes.- Trump’s revived skepticism of alliances and push for greater South Korean defense and financial commitments—paire
By Bruce Klingner [Senior Fellow, the Mansfield Foundation]
ROK-US Trade
The National Economic Security Fund (NESF) and the Korea–U.S. Strategic Investment MOU: A Precarious $350 Billion Voyage
Key Takeaways:- The U.S. shift from a formal sovereign wealth fund to the improvised National Economic Security Fund (NESF) pushes structural and political risks onto Korea, despite its unprecedented $350 billion investment pledge.- Because NESF is an executive-driven mechanism with weak governance and wide U.S. discretion, Korean capital may
By Wonho Yeon [Head, Global Economic Security Group, Hyundai Motor Group]
Ukraine War
Lessons in Adversary Bias From The Korean Peninsula to Russo-Ukraine and Back Again
Key Takeaways:- All belligerents in The Korean War suffered from cognitive biases – including Hostile Attribution Bias, Oversensitivity to Consistency, and Overcentralization of Decision-making – that led to misjudgment and escalation. - Similar cognitive biases – including Hostile Attribution Bias, Egocentric Bias, Confirmation Bias, Sc
By Jonathan Corrado [Director of policy, The Korea Society]

TOPICS

Trump & China
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ROK-U.S. Relations
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Prospects for U.S.–North Korea Engagement
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ROK-Taiwan Economic Cooperation
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Transnational Criminal Networks and National Security
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ROK-China Summit
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Latest Articles

Prospects for U.S.–North Korea Engagement
Next Steps for Engagement with Pyongyang
Key Takeaways:- Should President Trump, under any conditions (hopefully including CVID), agree to meet with Kim in Korea, he should insist that i
APEC 2025
APEC and Developing Economies: Challenges and Opportunities
Key Takeaways:- APEC 2025 reaffirmed commitments to trade, innovation, and digital transformation, but the benefits for developing economies remain un
South Korea's Defense Partnerships
A Maturity Test for the Poland-South Korea Partnership
Key Takeaways:- While swift deliveries of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers successfully opened the European market for South Korea, the resulting $10 billion
Transnational Criminal Networks and National Security
Online Scams in Southeast Asia as a Global Security Threat
Key Takeaways:- Geopolitical & Criminal Fusion: The proliferation of "scam compounds" in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos is driven by the migration of
ROK-U.S.-Japan Cooperation
Prospects for the Revision of the National Security Strategy Under Japan’s New Leadership and the Future of the Japan-Korea Security Partnership
Key Takeaways:- Accelerated Strategic Revision: Driven by the deepening military alignment between Russia, China, and North Korea, alongside the unpre
Alliance Modernization
Modernizing the U.S.-South Korean alliance for a new era
Key Takeaways:- A shifting U.S. strategic posture—driven by budget pressures and prioritization of China—requires South Korea to rethink its defen

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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