U.S. Imperialism, Northeast Asian Security Crisis, and the Politics of Repression in South Korea

Since the launching of far-right President Yoon Suk-yeol administration in 2022, the relationship between South Korea and North Korea has continued to deteriorate markedly, leading to heightened concerns about regional security in Northeast Asia—on a level not seen in several decades. Ahead of a crucial general election in South Korea this April, which has the chance to put a brake to this trend, Dr. Simone Chun will analyze how the current U.S. administration’s new Cold War policy has contributed to this situation, along with the resurgence of autocracy in South Korea, which has been emerging in tandem with the Yoon administration’s belligerent attitude toward North Korea.

Dr. Simone Chun is a researcher and activist focusing on U.S. foreign policy on the Korean Peninsula. She serves on the board of directors of the Korea Policy Institute.