South Korea’s nuclear energy industry has for decades been facilitated through close cooperation with counterparts in the United States under what is known as a “123 Agreement”.  Today South Korea’s nuclear power program supplies roughly one third of the nation’s electricity and the country has begun a concerted effort to break into the nuclear export market.  But as South Korea’s nuclear power industry and infrastructure has grown, so too has its desire for peaceful nuclear sovereignty, something that would entail their acquisition of domestic reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities.

A problem arises from the fact that the current U.S. – South Korea nuclear cooperation agreement limits Seoul’s capacity to acquire the sensitive nuclear technologies required for both reprocessing and uranium enrichment. However, because that treaty expires on March 19 2014, Korean policy makers are currently negotiating with American counterparts to change the terms of agreement.

To date, the U.S. has opposed South Korea’s requests on the grounds of general non-proliferation policy and the complications that such activities might pose for other security issues on the Korean peninsula. On the other hand, South Korea needs to find a solution to its nuclear waste problem, and hopes  to join the ranks of U.S. allies like Japan and India trusted with enrichment and reprocessing technologies.

With scope for potential disagreement, the two parties are running out of time to find a mutually satisfactory solution to the dilemma, and even after any updated 123 agreement is filed, it must sit before congress for 90 days, with time reserved for any complications which may arise during the review process.

As debates continue to swirl about the future of U.S. – South Korea nuclear cooperation we invite you to join us for a special podcast that looks at the issue from a number of angles. Panelists include:

• Mr. Gordon Flake, Mansfield Foundation (Washington, DC)
• Mr. Mark Fitzpatrick, International Institute for Strategic Studies (London)
• Mr. Mark Holt, Congressional Research Service (Washington, DC)
• Prof. Seongho Sheen, Seoul National University (Seoul, ROK)

Not everyone in Korea or foreigners abroad want to hear about national advertising initiatives that focus on mainstream issues like K-Pop, Hallyu or ancient Korean Kimchi culture. Instead, many want to know what ordinary Koreans are talking about and how they feel while going about their daily lives.  But where do they go to find out about these kind of things without Korean language skills?

Well, stepping in to fill this void last year was a website called Korea Bang, developed by two postgraduate Korean Studies students hailing from the United Kingdom. Geared primarily at offering English translations of Korea’s most popular online stories and related comments, KoreaBang.com has grown rapidly to become one of the most visited English language websites in the world to focus exclusively on Korean daily life and culture.

To find out more, Korean Kontext spoke to one of the sites two founding editors, Mr. James Pearson. Through an in-depth interview with Pearson, we found out how the site plays an important role for both the general public and serious Korea watching communities. Pearson also gave details about the unique lens that the site provides and detailed some of the stories that often lay untouched by English language media.

After the event and ceremony, Korean Kontext got the opportunity to speak more with Eugene and Kyung, to find out more about their work, how Korean Americans are giving back, and what they thought about being recognized for their endeavors.  Join us for a very special podcast with the honorees of Korean American Day 2013!

With North Korea announcing to the world that it will be attempting to launch a second satellite for 2012, many analysts have been speculating as to why Pyongyang is so keen to try another launch just months after the last one ended in catastrophic failure. Marking the 100 year anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birth, 2012 is a highly symbolic year for North Korea and it seems likely that domestic motivations are playing an important role in understanding the timing of the next launch. But with South Korea’s presidential elections coinciding with the rocket launch window, it is also possible the DPRK may be attempting to influence that the ROK’s electoral outcome.

To make sense of what’s going on, Korea Kontext spoke to Mark Fitzpatrick, the Director of Non-Proliferation and Disarmament at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Following North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction programs for a number of years, Fitzpatrick has a close understanding of the drivers behind Pyongyang’s strategic thinking.  Prior to his appointment at IISS, Fitzpatrick focused on non-proliferation issues at the State Department in Washington DC for over 25 years. Among his duties, Fitzpatrick oversaw implementation of the Proliferation Security Initiative, advanced conventional arms and technology controls, proliferation sanctions, and export control cooperation programs.

Join us for a timely and insightful conversation on the impact and consequences of North Korea’s next satellite launch.

In Korea: The Impossible Country, Tudor examines Korea’s cultural foundations; the Korean character; the public sphere in politics, business, and the workplace as well as the family, dating, and marriage. In doing so, he touches on topics as diverse as shamanism, clan-ism, the dilemma posed by North Korea, the myths about doing business in Korea, the Koreans’ renowned hard-partying ethos, and why the infatuation with learning English is now causing huge social problems.

In the podcast we touch upon several of these subjects and take a close look at some of the unique qualities that have made South Korea the country it is today. Join us for a fascinating conversation and download the episode today!

For more information on Tudor’s new book, click here.

With worldwide familiarity of Korean pop culture increasing through the viral exposure of Korean musician Psy’s hit record “Gangnam Style”, this episode Korean Kontext speaks to Mark James Russell, author of “Pop Goes to Korea”.

Having lived in South Korea for over 13 years, Russell is a regular writer on Korean culture and entertainment for the New York Times, Newsweek, and Hollywood Reporter among other titles. Having also spent several years developing and producing several documentaries about Korean pop culture and history, Korean Kontext thought he would make an ideal candidate for trying to understand South Korea’s increasing prominence in the worlds of film, music and art.

What does the rise of Psy tell us about the popularity of Korean music in the United States, how is the internet helping bubble Korean content creators to the top of the game, and what role can government play in catalyzing the cultural output of its people? Mark answers these questions and more in essential listening for anyone interested in Korea’s growing cultural prominence.

In this episode we spoke to B.R. Myers, author of “The Cleanest Race” and regular contributor to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic.  Having been raised in South Africa and having received his MA in Soviet Studies just in time for the fall of the Berlin Wall, Myers went on to earn a PhD in North Korean literature in the early 1990s.  Now based in South Korea, Myers is an associate professor of international studies at Dongseo University in Busan

From his book “The Cleanest Race”, Myers stands out from the rest for arguing that North Korea’s political system is based neither on Communism or Stalinism and that attempts to understand North Korea as a Confucian patriarchy operating within a Cold War framework are misguided.  His views have received mixed opinions from the think-tank orthodoxy.  While some regard his outlook as a fresh approach to the topic, others have rebutted his interpretation of North Korea as a national socialist country and continue to view it through the lens of cold war politics.

Join us for a fascinating interview with Myers about his feelings on the North Korea watcher community’s reception to his work, his feelings of North Korea’s current situation and about the future of North-South relations.

In this interview Korea Kontext speaks with Dr. Jennifer Lind, assistant professor at the Department of Government, Dartmouth College.  Well known for her work on North Korea and N.E. Asia security issues, Lind’s research interests includes war memory and international politics, regime change and East Asian stability, and the evolution of nationalism.  She’s also well known for a paper she wrote last year with Bruce Bennett of the Rand Foundation, which focused on what force requirements would be needed in the event of a benign collapse of the Pyongyang regime.

With her North Korea focus, in this episode we caught up with Dr. Lind about the DPRK government’s resilience and whether or not it will be possible for Kim Jong-un to make substantial reforms moving forward.  If you enjoy the podcast, you may also be interested in reading an additional Q&A with her on the KEI blog website, on the subject of inter-state apologies in N.E. Asia.

In this episode we spoke to comedian and actor Steven Byrne, of the brand new TBS series “Sullivan and Sons”.  Known as one of the hardest working and energetic comics in the U.S., since his first show in 1997 Byrne has gradually risen to the top and become one of America’s premiere comics to watch. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Steve Byrne was born to a Korean mother and an Irish father and has been featured in numerous comedy tours and festivals including the The Kims of Comedy with fellow Korean-American comedians Bobby Lee, Ken Jeong and Kevin Shea.

In the podcast Korean Kontext talked to Byrne over Skype about his links to Korea, his decision to pursue a career in comedy, and his new project, Sullivan and Sons. Join us for a fascinating conversation with one of the funniest comedians in the U.S.

You can find out more about the show Sullivan & Sons at the TBS website.  Visit Steve Byrne’s website here.

L. Gordon Flake joined the Mansfield Foundation in February 1999.  He was previously a Senior Fellow and Associate Director of the Program on Conflict Resolution at The Atlantic Council of the United States and prior to that Director for Research and Academic Affairs at the Korea Economic Institute of America. He has authored numerous book chapters on policy issues in Asia and is a regular contributor to the U.S. and Asian press.  Mr. Flake has traveled to North Korea numerous times.  He is a member of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies and serves on the Board of the United States Committee of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific (USCSCAP) as well as on the Board of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the Advisory Council of the Korea Economic Institute of America.

To remember the past and look forward to the future, in this episode Korean Kontext spoke to current Chairman of The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation and Korean War veteran, Lt. General Robert G. Gard, Jr.

Having fought in the Korean war, for the first half of the interview General Gard reflects upon his initial deployment to Korea, details his first impressions of Korea, and describes the complex dynamics that the Cold War presented.  In the second half of the interview, Gard sets out his personal views and opinions on why efforts to prevent a nuclear North Korea ultimately failed and what opportunities were missed.

Beyond his contribution to the United States army, Gard served as Executive Assistant to two secretaries of defense; was the first Director of Human Resources Development for the U.S. Army; Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs; and President of National Defense University (NDU).

Gard also served for five years as director of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies Center in Bologna, Italy, and then as President of the Monterey Institute of International Studies from 1987 to 1998.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect General Gard’s own personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Korea Economic Institute.

“Please Look After Mom”, recently translated into English, traces the life of Park So-nyo, a wife and mother who suffers a stroke and becomes separated from her husband on the train when travelling from the countryside into Seoul. As her family search the South Korean capital’s streets for her, they remember So-nyo’s life and the sacrifices she has made for them.  ”Please Look After Mom” has already sold almost two million copies in South Korea alone, and is now set to be released in 32 countries.

In our conversation with Shin Kyung-sook, we asked her about why she thought the book had become so popular, what she thought of its reception in the U.S., and for her impressions of modern society and the changing media environment.

Picture Credit: Man Asian Literary Prize

In this special episode, Korean Kontext had the opportunity to speak to South Korean Minister for Trade, Bark Taeho, during his latest visit to Washington DC.

KEI’s Vice President, Dr. Abraham Kim led the conversation with Minister Bark, talking with him about Korea’s recovery from the global economic crisis, Korean investment in emerging economies, progress in implementing the KORUS FTA, and Asian regional integration.

Prior to his role with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Bark was the Dean of the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University.

Holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Minister Bark has ample practical experience in the field, having been Chairman of Korea Trade Commission, President at the Korean Association of Trade and Industry Studies, and Chair of the Investment Expert Group of APEC.  In addition to his impressive professional experience, Minister Bark was a former visiting scholar at both the World Bank and IMF, and also taught at the Asia-Pacific Research Center at Stanford University.

Join us for a must-hear conversation with the one and only Korean-American “Hero”!

In this episode, Korean Kontext spoke to Korean-American actor Steven Yeun.  Having acted in several high profile TV shows, Yeun’s interest in acting originated during his freshman year at Kalamazoo College after watching improv group “Monkapult”.  Originally studying Psychology at Kalamazoo, Yeun’s parents gave him two years to try acting and it didn’t take long for him to win his first roles.  Fast-forward to 2010 and Yeun was cast as Glenn in the hugely popular The Walking Dead, a character that put him on millions of TV screens worldwide.

Korean Kontext caught up with Steven over Skype for a chat about his career as a Korean American actor, current role in The Walking Dead, and future career aspirations.  Tune in for a fascinating conversation with Steven Yeun of The Walking Dead.

In this episode, Korean Kontext speaks with Ms. Jie-ae Sohn, President of Arirang TV & Radio, Korea’s first English language international broadcast system. Ms. Sohn worked as the former CNN Bureau Chief for Seoul and Head Correspondent for South Korea. She was also the spokeswoman for the Seoul G-20 Summit in November 2010. During the interview, Ms. Sohn spoke about modern Korean culture, K-culture, the South Korean elections, the role of women in South Korea, her experiences as a journalist, and more.

In an effort to resolve the issue, President Obama increased the pressure on Iran on December 31 2011, by signing into law the 2012 National Defense Authorization act, a move which laid the groundwork for a policy banning any state from transactions with the Central Bank of Iran. The policy in effect prohibits the signing or continuation of oil contracts with Iran and any third country or company that wants to continue to deal with the U.S.

As a close ally of the U.S. and a country with a clear commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, South Korea has a strong impetus to go along with international efforts to reduce oil imports from Iran. However, being an energy importing country that obtains nearly ten per cent of its oil supplies from Iran each year, South Korea is in a difficult position.

In an effort to better understand the situation and choices that Seoul now faces, Korean Kontext spoke to

- Dr. Matthew Kroenig, Stanton Nuclear Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations

- Dr. Balbina Hwang, Visiting Professor at the National Defense University / Georgetown University

- Philip Yun, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Ploughshares Fund

- Tim Boersma, Fellow at the German Marshall Fund’s Transatlantic Academy

Join us for a stimulating discussion on the complexities of the sanctions situation, South Korea’s bilateral relations with Iran, and how North Korea impacts on the decision making process.

By the time you read this, the KORUS FTA will have entered the implementation stage. To celebrate, Korean Kontext caught up with two of the main movers-and-shakers behind the deal to find out more about what it was like to work on the agreement and learn about their thoughts and hopes as things now move forward.

Starting the conversation, Korean Kontext spoke to Ms. Wendy Cutler, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC Affairs. During the conversation she talked about how the post-FTA U.S. – Korea relationship fits into the broader regional economic picture, what it had been like to work on Korea over the past decade, and what challenges still remained.

To get a better impression of Seoul’s perspective, Korean Kontext went to the ROK Embassy to speak to Minister for Economic Affairs Kim Ghee-Whan about his view on the agreement. He explained why the deal was so beneficial to Korea, how his country would take full advantage of it, and how he had found working in the U.S.

Download the podcast here and celebrate the implementation of what some are now calling the “third pillar” of the U.S. – Korea alliance.

This episode of Korean Kontext has a distinctly British flavor, featuring interviews with two leading Ambassadors that work closely on UK and Korea related affairs.

While recently in London, Korean Kontext had the opportunity of speaking to South Korea’s Ambassador to the UK,  Choo Kyu-ho. Through an insightful exchange with the Ambassador, Korean Kontext learnt about South Korea’s diplomatic objectives in the UK, what lessons North East Asian countries might be able to learn from the Eurozone crisis and EU integration, and what it was like for the Embassy to work in a country also sharing a DPRK diplomatic presence.

And back in Washington DC, Korean Kontext recently met with the UK’s new Ambassador to North Korea - Karen Wolstenholme.  A fascinating conversation with the UK’s top diplomat in North Korea reveals what life is like as an Ambassador in Pyongyang, what level of in-country contact the UK has with DPRK officials, and how things have been like since the death of Kim Jong-il.

Tune in and download the podcast today - it is an essential listen for any Korea-watcher!

The 2012 Yeosu Exposition will be taking place in the coastal town of Yeosu in South Korea from May to August 2012, and the U.S. will be represented among 103 countries at the USA Pavillion.  The United States’ commitment to World Expo 2012 highlights the strong relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea.