Sang Ki Kim, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, analyzes the patterns of North Korea’s nuclear and missile test activities during the past negotiation and deadlock phases, and concludes that nuclear negotiations have been instrumental in postponing the development of DPRK’s weapon programs. Kim warns that the enduring stalemate will only accelerate North Korea’s development of nuclear and missile technology. In light of these concerns, Kim urges South Korea and the U.S. to actively foster an atmosphere conducive to negotiations while maintaining military deterrence, with the aim of de-escalating tensions on the Peninsula and embarking on efficient crisis management.

Yang Gyu Kim, Principal Researcher at EAI, examines the strengthening of the U.S.-Japan alliance following the recent summit and provides insights into future foreign policy directions for South Korea. Kim emphasizes that Japan's prospective participation in AUKUS Pillar 2 and its key position in numerous U.S.-led mini- and multilateral cooperation frameworks stem from the Japanese government's active endeavors and investments in aligning its China strategy with that of the U.S. In this context, Kim suggests that South Korea should enhance its cooperation with the U.S. to meet the goals of Defense Innovation 4.0, while also proactively responding to potential opposition from China and the challenges posed by North Korea's New Cold War diplomacy.

Chaesung Chun, Chair of the EAI’s National Security Research Center and Professor at Seoul National University, examines the complex dynamics of the DPRK-China-Russia alliance, highlighting its inherent weaknesses. As North Korea advances its New Cold War diplomacy against the backdrop of the Ukraine-Russia War and U.S.-China rivalry, Chun explores the dilemma South Korea faces: should it consider the tripartite alliance sustainable, or see North Korea as potentially open to negotiations with the U.S. and ROK? While the outcome is uncertain, Chun emphasizes that South Korea must dissociate great power politics from nonproliferation efforts and foster a cooperative framework that will encourage DPRK to give up its nuclear arsenal and return to the negotiating table.