외교부

ASAN Security Forum Keynote Speech

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. 

Eight decades later, we again find ourselves at a profound inflection point. The postwar order is fading. Security, economic, and technological landscapes are shifting in unprecedented ways. 

Geopolitical instability is rising, supply chains are being reconfigured, global trade is under stress, advanced technologies are fueling industrial transformation, and the climate crisis is forcing an urgent energy transition. Together, these forces have created a persistent, multifaceted state of risk.

Beyond the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, dangerous flashpoints remain in the Indo-Pacific—from the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea to the Korean Peninsula. Some even warn that the world may face conditions reminiscent of the interwar years. Korea is acutely mindful of its responsibility to ensure that the Peninsula never becomes the spark of a wider war. That’s why our government stresses that we must reduce tensions and open a new era of peaceful coexistence. 

Yet, at the same time, in an age of protectionism and strategic rivalry, Korea must safeguard its own interests while contributing more responsibly to the international community. Our government pursues diplomacy that is pragmatic, but never expedient. 

Pragmatism means aligning every instrument of diplomacy to safeguard our sovereignty, 
advance our national interests, and enhance the well-being of our people. Pragmatic diplomacy, therefore, is a deliberate strategy — one that balances values with interests, manages risks with foresight, and seizes opportunities for the future.

As rivalry among major powers intensifies, Korea will expand its diplomatic space, and as a responsible state, we will provide tangible public goods for the international community. Managing relations with our neighboring powers requires steady, principled statecraft: firm where we must, flexible where we can.

We will calibrate deterrence and dialogue, reduce risks of miscalculation, and expand practical cooperation where interests align.

With the US, we will advance toward a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance, 
deepening cooperation in security, technology, and the economy. The alliance with the US stands as the cornerstone of Korea’s diplomacy and the enduring foundation of our security. Just as we have advanced the alliance in step with the changing strategic environment, 
so too will we, in the years ahead, work in close concert with the US to modernize our alliance and to confront emerging challenges together.

With Japan, building on restored shuttle diplomacy and the 60th anniversary of normalization, 
we will pursue a mature partnership, managing issues with stability and mutual respect. This does not mean that we intend to disregard the issues of the past with Japan. Rather, it reflects our resolve to address these matters with candor, while managing them in a stable and predictable manner. A constructive atmosphere between our two nations will greatly contribute to advancing in this direction.

With China, our largest trading partner and an indispensable neighbor, we will pursue a stable and cooperative relationship, while strengthening supply-chain resilience and diversification. At the same time, on matters that touch upon our sovereignty, we will respond firmly and decisively, guided by international law and normative principles.

With Russia, we will take a prudent approach, explore cooperation in non-sensitive areas, and engage actively in international efforts to halt Russia–North Korea military cooperation.

Korea has already institutionalized its partnership with NATO, and we are now broadening that cooperation into concrete, future-oriented areas. Building on recent advances in defense industry collaboration and nuclear energy cooperation, we will work with NATO to deliver tangible outcomes in cyber defense, in the development and governance of emerging and disruptive technologies, and in the strengthening of non-proliferation norms, thereby contributing to the resilience and security of both Europe and the Indo-Pacific, whose stability is increasingly interconnected and mutually reinforcing.

Together with Australia, Japan, and New Zealand—the Indo-Pacific Four—we will deepen practical cooperation by scaling up joint efforts to counter regional threats, strengthening supply chain resilience across critical sectors, and advancing the shared norms that underpin regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Security today goes far beyond the military domain. It is about economic resilience, technological leadership, and defense against new forms of coercion. Korea will reinforce its economic-security architecture, strengthen overseas networks, and, as Chair of the Minerals Security Partnership, lead global conversations on critical supply chains. We will modernize our security posture in emerging domains—cyber, space, and AI—while working with partners to counter hybrid threats.

This October, Korea will host the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, where we will propose an AI Initiative to guide the region’s AI transition, strengthen policy–industry cooperation, and build capacity for the future.

Korea aspires to contribute at a level commensurate with a G7+ power. In this spirit, we are broadening both the scope and the depth of our global partnerships. We will not only deepen ties with NATO and Indo-Pacific partners, but also strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, Central Asia, and Africa. With ASEAN, we will advance the Korea–ASEAN Solidarity Initiative to deliver practical cooperation in education, health, climate action, and defense industry. With Central Asia, we are intensifying high-level dialogue and collaboration in critical minerals, digital government, and green transition. With Africa, building on the upcoming 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we will establish concrete programs in energy, infrastructure, and development cooperation. Through these multifaceted efforts, Korea will enhance its diplomatic diversification, contribute responsibly to global public goods, and demonstrate leadership.

At the same time, we will evolve as a responsible donor—moving beyond aid volumes to innovative, predictable partnerships with UNDP, UNICEF, and WFP—linking relief, recovery, and sustainable development.

Peace on the Korean Peninsula is inseparable from peace in the world. Korea will work with the US and others to foster conditions for dialogue and resume U.S.–DPRK and inter-Korean talks. Through a phased, practical approach, we will pursue denuclearization alongside a lasting peace regime, ensuring the Peninsula never becomes a flashpoint of global confrontation.

Korea’s diplomacy rests on continuity; continuity fosters trust, trust enables cooperation and cooperation sustains peace. In this era of profound transformation, Korea will stand with the international community to build a safer, more prosperous, and more inclusive order. We share a common interest in finding answers to similar dilemmas and challenges. 

I am grateful to the Asan Institute for Policy Studies for convening this forum and creating an opportunity to pool our wisdom in ways that can strengthen cooperation with Korea. 

I wish you a productive—and enjoyable—time together.

Thank you.