Beyond Traditional Partnerships: South Korea's Expanding Global Engagement and Strategic Relations

This panel explores South Korea's evolving role in global affairs through the lens of its diverse international partnerships, strategic alliances, and emerging spheres of influence. The discussions will examine how traditional security paradigms are being transformed, from the dynamics of military alliance commitments to the complex interplay of historical reconciliation between South Korea and Japan. The panel will analyze how domestic politics intersects with international relations, particularly in the context of South Korea-Japan relations and their impact on presidential approval ratings. Special attention will be given to South Korea's expanding global footprint, including its pioneering role in Arctic cooperation and scientific advancement, and its strategic partnership with Bulgaria in nuclear energy development, exemplifying new patterns of democratic alliance integration. The panel will also address how the Russia-Ukraine War has catalyzed transformations in EU-ROK relations, highlighting South Korea's adaptability in an evolving global order. Through these diverse case studies, the panel illuminates South Korea's emergence as a significant global actor capable of building and maintaining complex international relationships while navigating historical challenges and embracing new opportunities for cooperation.