Category: Geopolitical Affairs

Publications and news appearances by The Korea Society team. |

 

 

2/11/26 |  
THE CHOSUN Daily |

Korea Society Leader Stresses Educating Americans Beyond K-Culture

On his inaugural visit to Korea, newly inducted Korea Society President and CEO Abraham Kim gave an interview with The Chosun Daily detailing his vision for the organization as its first Korean American president in nearly 70 years. Kim highlighted the importance of The Korea Society’s role as a bridge between the U.S. and Korea and affirmed that while economic tensions have grown, the alliance remains strong as ever.

For full article, click here

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4/18/25 |  
THE HILL |

As change rocks the US and South Korea, they offer each other safe harbor
 
The Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne published an article in The Hill addressing the resilience of the U.S.-South Korea economic partnership despite the political turbulence in both countries. Byrne highlights growing Korean investment across U.S. industries and calls for expanded cooperation, with an emphasis on shipbuilding, to mirror the success of the CHIPS Act.

For full article, click here

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1/20/25 |  
The National Interest |

From CHIPS to Ships: The Next Step in the U.S.-ROK Alliance
 
The Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne published an article in The National Interest proposing a solution to the United States’ lacking presence in the shipbuilding industry. President Byrne asserts that cooperation with allies like South Korea could bolster U.S. shipbuilding capacity, similar to how American manufacturing has benefitted from the CHIPS Act attracting South Korean investment.

For full article, click here

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11/13/24 |  
Chosun Ilbo |

Thomas Byrne, President of Korea Society: “We Need to See the Positive Side of Trump’s Second Term” [Translated from Korean by Google]
 
The Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne was interviewed by Chosun Ilbo on the topic of President Trump’s second term and how it will impact U.S.-Korea economic relations. While acknowledging South Korea’s concerns regarding trade tariffs, President Byrne posits that the U.S. and Korea have an opportunity to focus more on cooperation in the shipbuilding industry.

For full article, click here

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3/15/24 |  
Korea Economic Daily |

Thomas Byrne “entrepreneurship is competitive in the U.S….”No matter who becomes president, I will work hard for companies.” [Translated from Korean by Google]
 
The Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne was interviewed by Korea Economic Daily in regards to Korean companies’ concerns about policy risks related to the U.S. presidential election in November. President Byrne noted that America will retain its competitiveness no matter the result of the election and that The Korea Society will continue to highlight the importance of the U.S.-Korea relationship.

For full article, click here

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11/2/23 |  
Korea JoongAng Daily |

[INTERVIEW] U.S. faces ‘K-investment wave’ as Korean firms go global
 
The Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne was interviewed by Korea JoongAng Daily on increasing Korean investment in the United States as Korean chipmakers and automakers pledge more than $100 billion in states such as Georgia and Indiana. As Honorary Ambassador for Foreign Investment Promotion for Korea, President Byrne notes that soft power plays a crucial role in securing foreign investment both in and out of Korea, and that the spread of Hallyu will help propel the so-called “K-investment wave.”

For full article, click here

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4/25/2023 |  
Channel News Asia |

US President Biden to hold summit with South Korean President Yoon
 
Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne was featured on a Channel News Asia Segment on South Korean President Yoon Seok Yeol’s state visit. Speaking alongside Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President Daniel Russel and Senior Fellow for Korea Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations Scott Snyder, President Byrne notes that the recent improved relations between Japan and South Korea is likely in part propelled by concerns on North Korea’s astounding progress in weapons development and China’s geopolitical ambitions in the region.

To watch the segment, click here

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2/2/23 |  
The Korea Times |

INTERVIEW | US-NK summit is unlikely in 2023: Korea Society
 
Korea Society President and CEO Thomas Byrne was the featured expert in a Korea Times article. President Byrne discusses issues related to the US-ROK alliance, including nuclear sharing, stating “the best diplomatic and strategic outcome would be [the] denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and nuclear weapon non-proliferation regionally and globally.”

For full article, click here

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10/18/22 |  
Bloomberg |

Hyundai Lobbies US to Ease EV Rule That Hurts Foreign Carmakers
 
Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne was quoted in Bloomberg on the new EV subsidies from the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and their impact on South Korean company Hyundai Motor and its investments in the U.S. market. President Byrne notes the efforts of Korean trade ministers who are advocating for fair, rules-based treatment under the IRA.

For full article, click here

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10/8/22 |  
REAL CLEAR POLITICS|

South Korean Entertainment Makes Gains in the Digital Age
 
Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne published an Op-ed in the non-partisan political news website RealClearPolitics (RCP) on the broad appeal of the South Korean Entertainment Industry’s exports of K-drama, K-pop, and Korean cinema. President Byrne notes the efforts of South Korean entertainment giant CJ Group to promote these products, and highlights the role such cultural exports play in strengthening U.S.-Korea relations, remarking that K-pop is “one of the key channels of people-to-people diplomacy between the U.S. and South Korea.”

For full article, click here

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10/6/22 |  
Financial Times|

Georgia wins top EV contracts thanks to long South Korea courtship
 
Korea Society President/CEO Tom Byrne was quoted in the Financial Times special report series, “Investing in America” on burgeoning Georgia-South Korea investment ties. President Byrne notes the importance of investment in “technologies that are strategic over a long-term horizon” to shore up U.S. supply chains as well as reduce South Korean companies’ dependence on China.

For full article, click here

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5/20/22 |  
Bloomberg |

Biden Struggles to Woo Asian Nations Wary of Upsetting China
 
Korea Society President and CEO Tom Byrne was quoted in Bloomberg on President Biden’s recent visit to a Samsung Electronics Co. semiconductor complex in Pyeongtaek, South Korea as part of his first trip to Asia. When asked by the reporter about the “sleeping elephants” in the US-ROK alliance, President Byrne emphasized the urgent need to shore up semiconductor supply chain resiliency and boost fab manufacturing in the U.S. through passage of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America (CHIPS) legislation.

For full article, click here

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3/16/22 |  
THE HILL |

Why the international community should move to mass vaccinate North Korea — now
 
In an article first published in The Hill, Korea Society President and CEO Tom Byrne argues that the international community– and the new South Korean president– should urgently work to vaccinate the entire North Korean population. Despite North Korea’s recent provocations, Byrne argues that geopolitical concerns and trust-building measures need to be set aside as “the urgency to effectively control this global pandemic offers the best rationale” for humanitarian vaccine aid by eliminating a potential reservoir for the emergence of an even more lethal variant—and North Korea has the demonstrated organizational capacity to pull this off. 

For full article, click here

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3/14/22 |  
The New York Times |

Wonju Seo: Travelogue at the Korea Society
 
The Korea Society’s current exhibition Travelogue by Wonju Seo was featured in the New York Times. The exhibition runs through May 27. Writer Will Heinrich writes on the “subtle textile abstractions in an alluring exhibition high over Midtown.” 

For full article, click here

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02/08/22 |
The Diplomat|

In an article for the Diplomat, Korea Society President and CEO Tom Byrne discusses the new wave of South Korea investment into the U.S. and the rise of partnerships between U.S and Korean corporations in technologies such as batteries, semiconductors, and vaccines. “These fields — critical nodes in the most important 21st-century production networks — are quickly coming to define the next era of South Korea-U.S. business ties.”

For full article, click here

For PDF article, click here

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11/08/21 |  
Korea JoongAng Daily|

Amb. Kathleen Stephen’s Mention of Korea Society Founder General Van Fleet and The Korea Society Annual Dinner
 
In an article for the Korea JoongAng Daily, Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens’ wide-ranging remarks touch on retired General James Van Fleet and his goal to ” build people-to-people ties between Koreans and Americans” through the establishment of The Korea Society. The Van Fleet Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of U.S.–Korea relations, is formally presented to distinguished recipients each year at The Korea Society’s annual dinner. The photo of Ambassador Stephens was taken at Arlington Cemetery on 4 November 2021.

For full article, click here

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10/08/21 |  
The Diplomat|

What’s Behind North Korea’s Extreme Vaccine Hesitancy?
 
In an article for the Diplomat, Korea Society President and CEO Thomas Byrne opines on North Korea’s recalcitrance in joining the international Covid-19 vaccination campaign. If North Korea had engaged the international community on security issues and South Korea on economic cooperation decades ago, President Byrne argues, “it would be in a better position today to manage the challenges of the pandemic.”

For full article, click here

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9/25/21 |  
NEW YORK POST|

US never stopped ‘longest war’ in South Korea — and now democracy thrives
 
In an article published by the New York Post, Korea Society President and CEO Tom Byrne remarked on the history of assistance American forces gave in protecting freedom and democracy in South Korea, noting that institution building was also a vital component, and that it took hold in South Korea. But it was the “mutual defense treaty (that) preserved South Korea as an independent nation” in the immediate aftermath of the Korean War.

To read the full article click here

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7/5/21 |  
South China Morning Post

How will ‘emaciated’ Kim Jong-un ride out a famine in North Korea? With China’s help|

In an article for the South China Morning post, president Tom Byrne and policy director Jonathan Corrado comment on North Korea’s current economic woes and food shortages. President Byrne remarks that, “With no government debt market, Kim is perversely forced to run a harsh austerity policy when any normal country would do the complete opposite in such a historical crisis.” Mr. Corrado attributed the volatility in food prices to “‘a perfect storm of events’ comprising bad weather, a lacklustre harvest, border closures and the government crackdown on the use of foreign currency.”

To read the full article click here

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7/2/21 |  
Pacific Forum |

Issues & Insights Vol. 21, WP 10 — South Korea’s Demographic Advantage is Over: The Regional Context and the Economic and Security Implications
 
In a paper for Pacific Forum’s Issues & Insights, president Tom Byrne and policy director Jonathan Corrado write on the economic and security risks South Korea’s low birth rate poses to its future, writing that “South Korea will have to make tough policy and fiscal choices, unless it can achieve another ‘Miracle on the Han’ —this time overcoming its demographic challenge.”

For PDF, click here

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6/27/21 |  
Fox News|

The Korea Society’s 30th Annual Van Fleet Memorial Golf Tournament was mentioned by Fox News host Jesse Watters, who attended the tournament.

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6/24/21 |  
The National Interest|

Is North Korea On the Precipice of State Failure?|

In an article for the National Interest, Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne and policy director Jonathan Corrado remark on North Korea’s stability, writing that while the country remains intact through political repression and outside aid from China, the Kim dynasty could be threatened by the “intensification of the country’s prolonged economic distress that deprives the elite of its economic benefits.”

For full article, click here

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5/5/21 |  
Bloomberg Quicktake “Take the Lead”|

US to distribute more vaccines to developing world|

In an interview on Bloomberg Quicktake, president and CEO Tom Byrne discusses the potential for a vaccine swap between the United States and South Korea as well as South Korea’s assistance to the U.S. in the early stages of the pandemic and its progress in vaccine rollout.

To watch the full episode, click here

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5/3/21 |  
The National Interest|

The U.S. has swapped currencies with South Korea, now it is time to swap vaccines|

In an article for the National Interest, Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne proposes that “a U.S.-South Korea vaccine swap would be an all-around win-win policy.” 

For full article, click here

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4/20/21 |  
The National Interest|

North Korea Is More Isolated Than Ever Before|

In an article for the National Interest, President Tom Byrne notes that North Korea submitted a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine order to the UN affiliated vaccine alliance, GAVI, but the country is still waiting for its modest 1.7 million dose allotment, relative to its needs. “North Korea was not among the 104 countries that received vaccine doses as of early April, and they likely won’t arrive in May, either. North Korea is reaping what it has sowed in shunning engagement with the international community”

For full article, click here

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2/3/21 |  
Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia|

U.S., S. Korea Should Work Closely on N. Korea: Former Ambassador
 
In an interview on Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia, Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens discusses the future of the U.S.- South Korea partnership in the Biden era, as well as the possibility of pursuing dialogue with North Korea in conjunction with regional partners like China, despite ongoing tensions.

To view the video on Bloomberg page: click here

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1/29/21 |  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #5 – North Korea Doubles Down on a Dead End
 
In an article for Pacific Forum PacNet on North Korea’s economic plan announced at the recent party congress, president Tom Byrne and policy director Jonathan Corrado write that, “The plan leaves unanswered the question of the sources of financing. North Korea has scant domestic savings, no access to international credit and has squeezed the foreign currency savings of the donju entrepreneurs and financiers.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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1/22/21 |  
The South China Morning Post: Letters |

In a letter to the South China Morning Post, Korea Society President and CEO Thomas Byrne calls for the Biden administration to strengthen cooperation with South Korea in its diplomatic approach towards North Korea, including the possibility of resuming summit meetings. President Byrne remarks that “It’s time to combine maximum engagement with maximum pressure, in close coordination between the US and South Korea.”

To read the full article click here

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1/5/21 |  
Financial Times|

Letter: North Korea is not quite ready to join the IMF
 
In a letter to the Financial Times, Korea Society President and CEO Thomas Byrne comments on North Korea’s economic outlook, writing that, “Until Pyongyang approaches the IMF, it is safe to observe that there is no hope that North Korea harbours the willingness and ability to reform and reap the economic development benefits of international finance and trade.”

For full article, click here

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11/12/20 |  
The Diplomat|

WTO Director Race: The Case for Yoo Myung-hee
 
In an article for the Diplomat, Korea Society President and CEO Thomas Byrne writes on South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee’s candidacy for Director-General of the World Trade Organization, pointing out that Trade Minister Yoo “has convincingly presented herself as a fair mediator on the global stage. She is a bridge candidate, who can speak to the U.S. and China, as well as to both developed and developing nations.”

For full article, click here

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11/5/2020 |  
Arirang Issue|

[Special Live] United States Presidential Election 2020 Part II: IMPACT ON S. KOREA-U.S. TIES
 
Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and Korea Society CEO and President Thomas Byrne join a panel of experts on Arirang TV to discuss the impact of the US presidential election on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia region. Both analyze topics ranging from America’s current political tensions, the US-South Korea security alliance, US-China trade relations, and Trade Minister Yoo Myung-Hee’s candidacy for the World Trade Organization.

To view the video on YouTube page: click here

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10/27/20 |  
Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia|

Previewing Post-Election U.S.-South Korea Ties
 
In an interview on Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia, Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens discusses U.S.-Korea ties after the upcoming Presidential election, specifically the U.S.-South Korea security and economic relationship, as well as South Korea’s regional relations.

To view the video on Bloomberg page: click here

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9/26/20 |  
NEW YORK POST|

Korean War 70th Anniversary: Remember the lives a ‘Forgotten War’ took
 
In an article published by the New York Post, Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens remarked on the 70th Anniversary of the Korean war and the integral assistance American forces under the UN flag gave in protecting freedom and democracy for South Korea.

To read the full article click here

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9/25/20 |  
The South China Morning Post: Letters |

70 years since Seoul win in Korean war, UN remains as relevant as ever
 
In a letter to the editor published by the South China Morning Post, Korea Society CEO and President Thomas Byrne remarks on the 70th anniversary of the recapture of Seoul by UN forces on September 25th and South Korea’s enduring commitment to international institutions.

To read the full article click here

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9/7/2020 |  
Great Decisions on PBS|

U.S.- South Korea Relations – Narrated by David Strathairn
 
Korea Society CEo and President Tom Byrne was featured in the Documentary “U.S.- South Korea Relations”, part of the Great Decisions documentary series by the Foreign Policy Association.

Click here to watch the episode on YouTube

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7/29/20 |  
The South China Morning Post: THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC |

Coronavirus: Bill Gates predicts ‘substantial’ reduction in death rate by end of year
 
An article published by The South China Morning Post featured an interview between Korea Society President Thomas Byrne and South Korean pandemic expert Dr. Kim Woo Joo, who discussed COVID-19 treatments. “‘If everything goes well, I am hoping that the effectiveness of these drugs will be scientifically proven within three to four months,’ Kim, a professor of infectious diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital, said in an April 16 interview with the president of the Korea Society, Thomas Byrne.”

To read the full article click here

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6/29/20 |  
WALL STREET JOURNAL: OPINION |

North Korea Responding to Financial Dearth
 
In a letter to the editor published by The Wall Street Journal, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne explains the economic factors impacting North Korea’s recent foreign policy decisions, writing: “What has likely prompted Kim Jong Un to ‘hit the pause button’ regarding his threats against South Korea isn’t a desire to place North-South reconciliation back on track but financial desperation.”

To read the full article click here

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6/25/20 |  
Daily News: OPINION |

70 years later, remember the ‘The Forgotten War’ and appreciate the South Korean-American relationship
 
In a new article for New York Daily News, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne writes, “As the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War is marked, the two allies remain in a strong position to overcome difficulties. North Korea’s recent provocations have once again highlighted that the U.S.-South Korean alliance is the ballast supporting peace and prosperity in the region. It must not give way.”

To read the full article click here

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6/10/20 |  
The National Interest|

South Korea’s Economic Policies Prepared It for the Coronavirus—North Korea’s Did Not|

In a new article for The National Interest, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne writes, “the coronavirus pandemic casts into sharp contrast the fortunes of North and South Korea, showing how differently they have evolved in the seven decades since the Korean War. Pyongyang’s inability to deal with the virus in any way other than to shut its borders and restrict domestic travel has sparked a huge shortfall in government revenue… Meanwhile, Seoul’s timely and effective response to the virus that avoided lockdowns and blockades is held up as a worldwide example, burnishing South Korea’s status as a financial safe haven which allows it to affordably fund stimulus measures with government debt.”

For full article, click here

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5/3/20 |  
Fox 5 | New on the Hill | Washington DC|

In an interview with Fox 5 DC On the Hill, Korea Society President Tom Byrne discusses the impact of North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un’s prolonged absence on denuclearization talks and South Korea’s approach to dealing with coronavirus, saying, “Korea not only flattened the curve; they were ahead of the curve.”

Running time 04:38

To watch the interview, click here

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4/27/20 |
Foreign Policy |

The Coronavirus Has Pushed North Korea’s Economy to the Edge

In a new article for Foreign Policy about North Korea’s current economic prospects, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne writes, “North Korea is left to its own devices, facing the coronavirus pandemic without access to credit or emergency financing from the IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, or other governments—let alone access to global capital markets. Nevertheless, there are no indications from Pyongyang that it is ready to throw in the towel on Juche, its policy of self-reliance, and embark on reform and opening. The same obstacles that prevented progress in 1997 prevail today, and nothing has changed institutionally in more than two decades—except the addition of international sanctions.”

To read the full article, click here

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4/21/20 |  
FOX News |

During the coronavirus crisis, how is North Korea really handling its ‘zero cases’?
 
In a new article for Fox News about the impact of coronavirus on North Korea, “Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society, pointed out that several news items emerged this week, indicating the regime’s economic fallout as well from the pandemic.”

To read the full article, click here

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4/18/20 |  
South China Morning Post |

 
Dr Kim Woo Joo, who led South Korea’s response to Covid-19 and the outbreak of Mers in 2015, said he was ‘not very optimistic’ about the availability of a Covid-19 vaccine in the next 18 months, but said evidence about the effectiveness of remdesivir, an experimental antiviral developed to treat Ebola; AbbVie’s Kaletra, an anti-HIV drug; or other medicines might be possible sooner. ‘If everything goes well, I am hoping that the effectiveness of these drugs will be scientifically proven within three to four months,’ Kim, a professor of infectious diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital, said in an interview on Wednesday with the president of the Korea Society, Thomas Byrne.

Link to the full article, click here

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4/15/20 |
CNBC |

South Korea’s opposition had ‘surprisingly big defeat’ in elections: The Korea Society

In an interview with CNBC on South Korea’s National Assembly election on April 15, Korea Society Board Chair Ambassador Kathleen Stephens said, “Korea is benchmarking a lot of good practices for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. This became the issue in the election and eclipsed some of the other issues that were not playing so well for Moon Jae-in and the ruling party… The citizens came out and said that they appreciate what this government has done, but I think it was a surprise to everybody that the turnout was as strong as it was. Koreans really do value their institutions and their democracy and so they were ready to vote.”

To view the interview on CNBC site, click here

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4/15/20 |  
Bloomberg |

South Korea’s virus response had high degree of transparency and competence
 
In an interview with Bloomberg Daybreak Asia (39:35) on Korea’s response to the coronavirus, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne says, “Korea responds well when there is a crisis, and Koreans really have grit. They responded well to the 1997 IMF financial crisis and they are responding very well now. Everything came together really quickly in the middle of February. The government has orchestrated a good program with the government, the public health institutions, and the citizens all chipping in, all three of them together to manage this crisis.”

For full video, click here

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4/7/20 |
REUTERS: BREAKINGVIEWS|

Come together
 
In an opinion piece published by Reuters BreakingViews, Korea Society Board Member Bill Rhodes urges the importance of multilateral cooperation to deal with the effects of coronavirus, writing, “it is increasingly likely that the world faces a longer, harder, much more fitful, difficult path to normalcy. We must gird ourselves for the long haul. That requires much greater coordination internationally of our responses to maximize the impact. So far that crucial piece of the puzzle has been missing.”

For full article, click here    |   For full article at EACC (FREE), click here

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3/17/20 |  
The Washington Post |

South Korea’s coronavirus success story underscores how the U.S. initially failed
 
In an article by the Washington Post, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne writes, “No nation’s response has been perfectly effective, but the high degree of transparency and competency of South Korean health officials provides helpful lessons about containment efforts for other countries, and about the nature of this pandemic for the international scientific community.”

For full article, click here

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3/16/20 |  
Bloomberg |

No One Knows How Many Virus Cases North Korea Has. It Says Zero
 
In an article for Bloomberg, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne discusses North Korea’s human rights situation and public health system amid ongoing concerns about the potential for the novel coronavirus to spread in the country.

For full article, click here

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3/14/20 |  
South China Morning Post |

 
In a new letter to the editor of the South China Morning Post, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne writes, “South Korea is providing other societies with an example of how to respond in a smart and targeted way, while shunning travel bans, with limited exceptions, and avoiding widespread lockdowns whose social costs might outweigh the health benefits.”

Link to the full article, click here

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3/11/20 |  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #11 – Two tasks for making US-ROK troop burden sharing sustainable
 
In a new article about the U.S.- Korea military cost sharing deal for Pacific Forum PacNet, Korea Society chairperson Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and president Tom Byrne write, “The time is now for the United States and South Korea to come to terms on a deal that works for both sides. The smooth functioning of the alliance should not be impaired by an accounting impasse that loses sight of the incalculable benefits from 70 years of partnership.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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1/5/20 |  
Fox 5 | New on the Hill | Washington DC|

Tom Byrne, president of the Korea Society joins Fox 5 News On The Hill to discuss the latest out of North Korea.

Running time 05:11

To watch the full interview, click here

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1/2/20 |  
Bloomberg |

Kim Jong Un’s New Year Comments Are Ominous (Radio)
 
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses the meaning of Kim Jong Un’s “new way” and the implications of his plenary speech on the Bloomberg Radio program Daybreak Asia.

Running time 06:10

To listen to the full interview, click here

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11/26/19 |  
The New York Times |

The U.S. and South Korea: Ways to Bolster an Alliance
 
In a letter to the editor of the New York Times, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne writes that, “The failure of the most recent round of talks between the United States and South Korea on how to equitably share the costs of American troops on the peninsula is dangerous to the future of this crucial alliance, which has kept the peace in Northeast Asia for more than six decades. The alliance has also underpinned South Korea’s prosperity and fostered trade and investment relations increasingly beneficial to America.”

For full article, click here

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11/23/19 |  
VOA |

 
Korea Society Board Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard discusses dynamic aspects of the U.S.-Korea Alliance during a Voice of America Segment. Together with the Council on Foreign Relations’ Scott Snyder, Ambassador Hubbard explores the meaning of Korea’s decision not to suspend an intelligence sharing agreement with Japan and the current state of cost sharing measures for hosting America troops in Korea.

To view on VOA site, click here

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11/20/19 |  
KBS WORLD RADIO |

Concerns Mount Over US Demand for S. Korea to Pay More for Defense
 
KBS World Radio ran an article citing an article by president Thomas Byrne and board director General Walter Sharp. “Several former leaders of U.S. troops in South Korea and other American figures are voicing their concern over Washington’s demand for Seoul to quadruple its defense cost-sharing contribution, calling for a “creative solution” to satisfy both allies. In a joint article published in the U.S.-based magazine National Interest on Wednesday, Thomas Byrne, President of the Korea Society, and Walter Sharp, former U.S. Forces Korea Commander, warned that after more than 60 years, the countries’ alliance could be strained over the issue.”

For full article, click here

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11/19/19 |  
The National Interest |

America and South Korea Must Negotiate a Fair Extension of the SMA
 
In an opinion article published by The National Interest, the Korea Society’s president and CEO Thomas Byrne and Board Director General Walter Sharp evaluate the ongoing negotiations to the U.S.-ROK Alliance cost sharing agreement. They write: “It is in the interest of the U.S. and South Korea to negotiate a fair extension of the SMA that does not raise accusations among the Korean population that the U.S. is a mercenary force in their country while also addressing the concerns of the U.S. that its allies shoulder as much of their own defense burden as possible. Much is at stake in maintaining global order. The 66-year U.S.-South Korea alliance has kept the peace and maintained geopolitical conditions for mutual prosperity. South Korea is America’s sixth-largest trade partner and its major corporations are increasingly investing in the U.S.”

For full article, click here

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11/16/19 |  
Radio 1490 WGCH | ASIA TODAY| | 

 
Korea Society president Thomas J. Byrne discusses the Korea Society on Asia Today with Jeffrey Bingham Mead. Asia Today with Jeffrey Bingham Mead airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA and WGCH.com. 

To listen to the full interview, click here

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10/17/19 |  
YONHAP NEWS AGENCY |

Finance minister holds overseas roadshow on S. Korean economy
 
An article of Yonhap News quoted Korea Society president Thomas Byrne. “South Korea’s finance minister held an overseas roadshow on the country’s economy to some 100 investors in New York amid growing uncertainties about Asia’s fourth-biggest economy. Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society, asked about the possibility of Korea entering a deflation given the country’s record-low consumer price level.”

To read the full article, click here

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9/12/19 |  
UPI |

Analysts: U.S. approach ‘inadequate’ to restore South Korea, Japan ties
 
Amb. Thomas Hubbard, chairman of the Korea Society and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, joined by Sheila Smith, senior fellow for Japan studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington were quoted in an article of UPI. At a Korea Society program on September 12, 2019, Smith said the (U.S) president’s approach to U.S. alliances represents a setback for key partners in Northeast Asia and Amb. Hubbard said past U.S. administrations took a more active approach to handling bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, including during the Bush administration, when he served his term as U.S. ambassador to South Korea.

To read the full article, click here

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8/18/19 |  
Bloomberg |

Tensions Between South Korea And Japan Could Spiral (Radio)
 
Thomas Byrne, President, The Korea Society, joined Rishaad Salamat on Daybreak Asia. He discusses some of the factors behind the deterioration in relations between South Korea and Japan. He goes on to whether the U.S. could do more in helping mediate between the two.

Running time 06:07

To listen to the full interview, click here

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8/7/19 |  
The Washington Post |

Our allies in Asia must find common ground on North Korea
 
In an oped published by the Washington Post, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne and Board Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard contend that, “The United States has a deep stake in northeast Asia and must play an active and constructive role in fostering healthy Korean-Japanese relations. Korea and Japan are both treaty allies with the United States. Our defense interests are closely linked, and it is crucial that our militaries work together as we face the North Korean denuclearization challenge. The prosperity that the United States, South Korea and Japan share depends on expanding trade ties and maintaining a rules-based economic order free of political interference and tenuous national security concerns. It is urgent that our key allies in northeast Asia find common ground before their deteriorating relations cause irreparable strategic and economic damage.”

For full article, click here

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7/26/19 |  
Daily News: OPINION |

An armistice and an alliance worth honoring: Why the strategic partnership between United States and South Korea must remain strong
 
Marking the 66th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the Korean War in an oped for Daily News, Korea Society President writes, “The U.S.-South Korea alliance remains vibrant today and crucial to peace and prosperity in the region thanks to those who fought and died for both countries in the Korean War.”

To read the full article click here

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6/25/19 |  
REUTERS: BREAKING NEWS |

Payback time
 
In a new article published by Reuters Breaking Views, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne contends that, “Collateral damage from the trade war is piling up in South Korea, whose two largest foreign markets are the United States and China. Exports have fallen for six straight months and the economy is contracting… Significant steps by Seoul to bolster its already strong economic partnership with the United States deserve to be rewarded with more than just words… An exemption from the auto tariffs would be a good place to start. In addition, the United States could return to a predictable, equitable and long-term military cost-sharing agreement with South Korea when it comes up for renegotiation in the year ahead.”

For full article (Subscription required), click here

For Nasdaq article (FREE), click here

Download PDF

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6/21/19 |  
REUTERS: WORLD NEWS |

North Korea has more than sanctions to overcome for foreign investment: report
 
A Korea Society report was featured in a Reuters article about North Korea’s economy. The article says, “While there are no signs that international sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear weapons will be officially lifted soon, researchers at a U.S.-based think tank say North Korea has more fundamental problems to overcome if it wants access to foreign finance… ‘North Korea will require substantial and sustained amounts of external financing, hence the need for it to establish creditworthiness,’ said co-authors Thomas Byrne and Jonathan Corrado.”

Reuters article link

Full report by The Korea Society in PDF

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6/19/19 |  
dongA.com |

Hopes for Improvement in Korea-Japan Relations
 
In an oped for the Dong-A Ilbo, Korea Society Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard explains the integral role that cooperative Korea-Japan relations play in a successful approach to North Korea. Ambassador Hubbard states, “South Korea and Japan are allies that the U.S. has deep relations with. In the defense sector, the interests of the three parties are closely related. We all want peace and security in Northeast Asia. The first response from our military is directed at a challenge from North Korea. Everyone is in agreement on the security of the Korean Peninsula, and it is important for South Korea, the U.S., and Japan to cooperate effectively. Japan knows that peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is also key to its security. South Koreans should also acknowledge that U.S. troops in Japan are key to fulfilling the U.S. defense commitment.”

To read the full article in Korean, click here

Download PDF in ENGLISH

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5/21/19 |  
TRT World Now
 
Dr. Stephen Noerper of the Korea Society addressed today’s comments of the North Korean Ambassador to the UN around the UN ship seizure. He appeared on TRTWorld’s noon broadcast.

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5/16/19 |  
The National Interest |

South Korea ‘Probably Doesn’t Like Us Too Much’? That’s Just Not Correct.
 
In an article for The National Interest, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne writes that the US-Korea Alliance “is one of the closest and most strategically important of any that the United States maintains. There is a strong sense in both countries of shared values and appreciation for their mutual prosperity.” 

For full article, click here

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5/10/19 |  
South China Morning Post |

 
In an opinion article for the South China Morning Post, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne offers a retrospective look at the South Korean Moon presidency at two years, saying that despite the recent impasse in denuclerization negotiations with North Korea, “the diplomatic achievements of the last year are an impressive testament to Moon’s persistence.”

Link to the full article, click here

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5/1/19 |  
i24 NEWS | CLEAR CUT PLUS with Michelle Makori
 
Dr. Stephen Noerper of the Korea Society addresses North Korean comments on negotiations with the US and concerns about Huawei among US allies.

To watch the clip on their site, click here

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4/27/19 |  
V News |

 
Stephen Noerper, senior director at the Korea Society in New York discuss North Korea issue on Vnews.

For link to the recorded interview (from minute 14’15” to 16’50” and from minute 18’50” to 19’30” ), click here

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4/9/19 |  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #24: Kim Jong Un’s choice – Economic reform would be a risk well taken by North Korea
 
Economic reform would be a risk well taken by North Korea, according to Korea Society president Thomas Byrne and associate director Jonathan Corrado. In a new article for Pacific Forum PacNet, the authors content that, “Pyongyang’s leadership seems to be more attuned than ever about benefits from economic development, but so far bold action and systemic reform are missing. The cases of China and Vietnam show a path to prosperity if North Korea embraces a pluralistic communist system in which new interest groups coalesce to support reform. Such a transition would likely allow the international community—including the U.S., South Korea, Japan and the international financial institutions, including the IMF, the World Bank, ADB and even the AIIB—to help Pyongyang proceed down that road. Economic benefits from this process could change Pyongyang’s suspicious attitude towards the U.S. and the outside world.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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3/31/19 |  
Gingrich 360: Newt’s World |

Episode 8: How It Happened – Two Koreas
with Stephen Noerper
 
The history of US and Korea. How did we get here? The story behind the politics of the moment.

Listen to the full Podcast, click here

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3/12/19 |  
The National Interest |

The Hanoi Summit – We Asked Stephen Noerper What Happens Next in U.S.-North Korea Relations
 
In an article for The National Interest, Korea Society Senior Director Stephen Noerper writes, “The Hanoi Summit was not the unmitigated disaster many observers termed it. It is step two in a likely long and arduous process that will entail breakoffs, walkaways and other setbacks that accompany denuclearization.”

For full article, click here

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3/2/19 |  
FOX News |

Judith Miller: Trump’s bad week (it could have been a lot worse)
 
But many Korea experts welcomed Trump’s decision to walk away. “Better no deal than a bad deal,” said Thomas Byrne, the president of the Korea Society. A deal that would not lead to “full, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization,” one that would have accepted North Korea’s status as a nuclear power, would have weakened America’s alliance with South Korea and Japan and proven destabilizing, he said.

To read the full article, click here

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3/2/19 |  
Vietnam News Agency |

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency about the results of the second Trump-Kim summit in Vietnam, Korea Society Senior Director says, “Seoul is playing a critical role as a mediator, pushing the momentum forward. This isn’t 2017 or 2018. The tensions are lower. But we have to find a way to make progress. North Korea has to be more forthcoming to realize what it wants.”

To watch the full interview on site, click here

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2/28/19 |
CNBC |

I’m glad that Trump’s tone was ‘realistic’: Former US ambassador

Thomas Hubbard of the Korea Society says it is good that both leaders had positive attitudes ahead of talks at the Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi. Hubbard, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, also says that U.S. President Donald Trump is right to not expect an “immediate success” out of this meeting.

To view the interview on CNBC site, click here

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2/27/19 |  
Bloomberg |

U.N. Would Like Full Denuclearization of North Korea (Radio)
 
Thomas Byrne, President, Korea Society, joined Bryan Curtis and Paul Allen on Daybreak Asia. He says that if North Korea is genuinely interested in economic development, they will have to have to make the choice to give up nuclear weapons. He also reacts to initial comments ahead of the summit on Thursday morning.

Running time 07:22

To listen to the full interview, click here

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2/25/19 |  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #17 – Preserving the US-ROK alliance is critical
 
In a new article for PacNet about the upcoming Trump-Kim summit in Vietnam, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne & board director General Walter Sharp emphasize the importance of the US-South Korea Alliance in the negotiation process. “In any scenario post-Hanoi,” they write, “the steady hand of the alliance will be key. With luck, it will be the cornerstone of a new era of non-hostile engagement & cooperation w/ North Korea.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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2/24/19
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill 

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2/6/19 |  
The National Interest |

North Korea and America’s Second Summit: Here’s What Tom Byrne Thinks Will Happen
 
In a new article for The National Interest, Korea Society President Tom Byrne writes, “Chairman Kim Jong-un declared in his New Year’s speech that 2019 will be the year for economic development. A brighter economic future would be best served by rapid progress in verified denuclearization.”

For full article, click here

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2/6/19 |  
The National Interest |

North Korea and America’s Second Summit: Here’s What Stephen Noerper Thinks Will Happen
 
In a new article for The National Interest, Korea Society Senior Director Stephen Noerper says that the Trump-Kim summit will yield “a limited declaration of some North Korean missile and nuclear capabilities and some acceptance of verification in exchange for a lessening of sanctions, aid package & move towards normalization.”

For full article, click here

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1/1/19
CNBC

There was ‘frustration’ in Kim Jong Un’s message: Expert

Thomas Byrne of The Korea Society says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s New Year address had an “underlying element of frustration” over a lack of progress in negotiations with the U.S.

To view the interview on CNBC site, click here

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12/20/18 |  
The Washington Post |

The U.S.-South Korea alliance can withstand the current diplomatic pressures
 
In a new The Washington Post oped, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne says, “An alliance that can continue to adapt to changing conditions, amid the crosscurrents of denuclearization, is essential for moving the process forward.”

For full article, click here

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12/20/18 |
Newsweek | 

“I am one American who would like to see South Korea in the lead of this process, bringing North Korea into the world… and perhaps the U.S. advising caution here and there.” – Korea Society Chairman Thomas Hubbard

Link to the original article, click here

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11/28/18 |  
Bloomberg |

Kim Jong Un’s Puppy Diplomacy Pays Off With Korea Railway Study
 
Stephen Noerper, senior director at the Korea Society in New York says, “Should South Korea request some sanctions relief aimed at economic aid that is part of inter-Korean easing, the U.S. should be able to live with that… North Korea has to show progress to give Moon the political space he needs to proceed.”

For full article, click here

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11/14/18 |  
Bloomberg |

Focus Now on Second Trump-Kim Summit (Radio)
 
Thomas Byrne, President, Korea Society, joined Doug Krizner and Paul Allen on Daybreak Asia, discussing the latest on relations between the U.S. and North Korea, starting with President Trump’s reaction to reports of undeclared nuclear sites.

Running time 06:27

To listen to the full interview, click here

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10/19/18 |  
dongA.com |

North Korea: High-Level Engagement Lends Momentum to Talks
 
In an oped for Dong-A Ilbo, Korea Society Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard evaluates the evolving situation on the Korean Peninsula, writing, “Indeed we have come a long way from last year.” Describing this progress, Ambassador Hubbard writes, “A year ago, we were watching the North Koreans carry out increasingly threatening nuclear and missile tests and worried about imminent war on the Peninsula. Now nearly a year has passed without provocative North Korean tests, and far from talking about war, we engaged in an unprecedented flurry of top-level meetings, beginning with President Moon’s meeting with Kim Jong-un at Panmunjom during the Winter Olympics. Thanks to this initiative, and President Trump’s willingness to follow up with his own meeting with Kim in Singapore, we appear to have unprecedented momentum toward progress on the Korean Peninsula.”

To read the full article in Korean, click here

To download the English translation of the full article in PDF, click here

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10/11/18 |  
South China Morning Post: United States & Canada |
 
US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley steps down as Trump lauds her work with North Korea

Asked about the impact of Nikki Haley on the Korean Peninsula by The South China Morning Post, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne credited Haley with assuming a key role at a sensitive time in relations with North Korea. “The US-led resolute response to North Korea’s escalation of provocative launches and nuke tests was effective, as it worked to get North Korea to the negotiating table in 2018,” he said.

To read the full article, click here

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9/26/18 |  
Money Today |
 
Confirmation from North Korea’s willingness to join the IMF

South Korean President Moon Jae-in was asked by Korea Society President Thomas Byrne if North Korea is willing to become a member of International Monetary Fund (IMF). President Moon replied, “based on the premise that a process of denuclearization is either complete or irreversible and as a result, economic sanctions on North Korea are removed, South Korea is willing to take the lead to build infrastructure for economic development in North Korea. I believe the effort will not only help North Korean development, but it will be a new force of growth for the South Korean economy.”

To read the full article in Korean, click here

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9/26/18 |  
Kukmin Ilbo |
 
North Korea cannot endure U.S. retaliation. Trust honesty of Kim Jong Un.

When asked by Korea Society President Tom Byrne whether North Korea has expressed willingness to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF), South Korean President Moon Jae-in said, “North Korea has confirmed they are willing to reform by joining several international organizations, such as IMF and World Bank (WB).”

To read the full article in Korean, click here

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9/25/18
Bloomberg 

South Korea’s Moon Becomes Kim Jong Un’s Top Spokesman at UN

Senior Director Stephen Noerper says “I don’t see Moon as Kim’s spokesperson, but as a leader who needs Kim and Trump amenable to agreement.”

To read the whole article, click here

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9/19/18 |  
The Chosun Ilbo. |
 
“Kim Jong Un will eventually denuclearize as he wants to remain in power for the next 40 years,” says Gen. Sharp, Korea Society board director, in an interview with Chosun Ilbo. General Sharp also mentioned that, “filing an accurate report of the North’s nuclear arsenal, destroying intercontinental ballistic missiles or agreeing to a specific time frame for denuclearization would ensure U.S. support.” He also believes it is unlikely the U.S. will withdraw troops from South Korea following a declaration to end the Korean War.

To read the full article, click here

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9/18/18 |  
REUTERS: BREAKINGVIEWS |
 
President Donald Trump’s trade war threatens the possibility of peace in Korea, say Korea Society President Thomas Byrne and Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard in a new Reuters Breaking Views article. The two write, “Capricious auto tariffs on the flimsy pretext of national security only complicates denuclearization negotiations already fraught with mistrust.”

To read the full article, click here

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7/26/18 |  
Bloomberg Opinion |
 
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne explains that Korean War Armistice, “has kept relative peace on the Korean peninsula, underpinned one of America’s most important alliances, & enabled South Korea’s remarkable rise to prosperity.”

To read the full article, click here

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7/18/18 |  
i24 NEWS |
 
Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke to i24 television about Trump, Pompeo, and North Korea.

To watch the clip, click here

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7/12/18
Bloomberg 

Dr. Stephen Noerper speaks to White House and State negotiations with the DPRK. 

“Trump is tacking toward viability,” said Stephen Noerper, senior director of the New York-based Korea Society and an adjunct political science professor at Columbia University. “He wants a deal and is comfortable letting Secretary Pompeo usher this through. He is willing to overlook the diatribe that followed the secretary’s Pyongyang visit.”

To read the whole article, click here

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6/24/18
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill 

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6/20/18
CNBC

China’s boycott of US goods remains a real threat

“Boycotts politicize trade and thus make consumers and corporations worse off,” Thomas Byrne, the president of The Korea Society, told CNBC. “China scores political points, and does not reap economic gains by the use of boycotts. They are in effect de-factor quotas, and in that sense are worse than tariffs. Smaller countries that have faced boycotts of some of their goods and services sold in China, namely South Korea, are often highly dependent on China’s market…”

To read the whole article, click here

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6/12/18
Bloomberg

Trump-Kim Agreement ‘Disappointing,’ Former U.S. Ambassador Says

Thomas Hubbard, chairman of the Korea Society and a former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, talks about the talks between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Hubbard speaks with Ramy Inocencio and Haidi Lun on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia.” (Source: Bloomberg)

To watch the video, click here

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6/12/18
BBC: World News

North Korea’s Economy

Asked about how the summit is viewed in the US, President of the Korea Society Thomas Byrne said that the 12 June summit in Singapore is unconventional given its top-down nature. The fact that two rounds of more traditional bottom-up negotiations have failed in the past, however, means it is possible this new approach will yield positive results. 

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6/11/18 
Bloomberg TV

Bloomberg Daybreak: Americas’ Full Show

(Minute 49:00 onward) Dr. Stephen Noerper speaks to the Trump-Kim Singapore summit.

To watch the video, click here

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6/11/18 
CNBC

Wouldn’t be surprised if Kim Jong Un tries to hang onto nukes

Amb. Thomas Hubbard, Korea Society chairman and former U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and Rod Hunter, Baker McKenzie partner and former National Security Council senior director, discuss the expectations for the summit between President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.

To watch the video on site, click here

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6/11/18
TBS: This Morning with Alex Jensen

The Korea Society chairman, Ambassador Thomas Hubbard spoke to TBS, This Morning with Alex Jensen radio to discuss his views on the Trump-Kim Singapore summit.

To listen/download the interview, click here

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5/27/18
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill

Asked about the upcoming June 12 summit in Singapore between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, Korea Society president Tom Byrne told Fox 5 DC that more important than the timing of the summit is, “What will they agree on? The definition of denuclearization still has to be defined. North Korea’s concerns about the US stopping its hostile attitude have to be defined. That’s more important than the actual date of the agreement.” 

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5/24/18 
Bloomberg Daybreak Asia

Door Open For Future North Korea Summit

Thomas Byrne, President, The Korea Society, discussed President Trump’s cancellation of the summit with North Korea with Doug Krizner and Juliette Saly. He tells them he sees a diplomatic game ahead, explains the Libyan model and gives his analysis of Moon Jae-In’s role in matters.

To listen to the radio interview, click here

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5/24/18 
South China Morning Post: EAST ASIA

‘They stood us up’: White House says it cancelled Kim Jong-un meeting because North Korea refused to talk – despite Donald Trump’s earlier claims

Inability to agree on the content of the discussions or what the two sides would agree to likely contributed to Trump’s move on Thursday, said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society…

To read the full article, click here

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5/24/18 
CGTN AMERICA

Backchannel contacts between Washington and Pyongyang likely to continue

“The State Department has until recently had a point person on North Korea, who is basically the lead in terms of managing that,” Stephen Noerper, Senior Director at the Korea Society said. “A special representative, and that individual communicates directly with the North Korean mission here in New York…”

To read the full article, click here

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5/24/18 
CNBC

Summit was probably a bad idea in the first place, says former ambassador

Amb. Thomas Hubbard, former ambassador to the Republic of Korea and chairman of The Korea Society, weighs in on President Trump’s decision to cancel the summit between the U.S. and North Korea.

To watch the video on site, click here

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5/23/18 
Bloomberg TV

U.S.-China Trade Tension

(Minutes 30:30-36:00) Korea Society Senior Director Dr. Noerper: “Pyongyang wants a security guarantee, economic benefits, and diplomatic normalization. US troops are not on the table at the moment. South Korea is driving this process.”

To watch the video, click here

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5/22/18 
Bloomberg Daybreak Asia

Preparations For Trump-Kim Summit Very Unorthodox

Thomas Byrne, President, President, The Korea Society, joined Doug Krizner and David Ingles to discuss doubts over the summit between North Korea and the U.S. going ahead. He explains how definitions of denuclearization are now being refined and what each side hopes to gain.

To listen to the radio interview, click here

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5/22/18 
CNBC

Both Trump and Kim want a summit to happen: Former US ambassador

President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un want to see the June 12 summit in Singapore go ahead, says Thomas Hubbard of McLarty Associates and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea.

To watch the video on site, click here

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5/13/18  
WALL STREET JOURNAL
 
Korea Society contributes data to Wall Street Journal article about military cost sharinge

A new Wall Street Journal article looks at the military cost sharing deal between the US and Korea, and suggests that the US derives tactile benefits like free rent on top of intangible values-based benefits from the arrangement. Korea Society contributed data to the report, resulting in a graph that shows how South Korea’s contribution to host U.S. troops has risen faster than inflation.

Link to the article, click here

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5/10/18  
South China Morning Post: EAST ASIA
 
Donald Trump hopes for ‘world peace’ as he announces he will meet North Korea’s Kim Jong-un in Singapore in June

Asked about the developing diplomatic process with North Korea by the South China Morning Post, Korea Society President Tom Byrne says, “Even the skeptics, who look at the history of the negotiations with North Korea, look upon this as an opening for a breakthrough. I don’t get a sense that there’s a significant number of people saying it’s just a trap and to stay away.”

To read the entire article, click here

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5/10/18 
Foreign Policy 

The Stars of North Korea Talks Revolve Around Moon

Dr. Stephen Noerper speaks to South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s adroit diolomacy in the summit process.

“Moon spent 10 years in the woods,” says Stephen Noerper, the Korea Society’s senior director for policy. “That gave him a great deal of time to think about North Korea policy.” Some of that thought went into refining the “sunshine” approach: Moon isn’t quite as far left as many in his inner circle. He wanted engagement, but with caution.

To read the full article, click here

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5/10/18 
CTV (Canada)

Dr. Stephen Noerper appeared on the 6:30 PM national broadcast of CTV, commenting on the lead-up to the Trump-Kim summit, the leading role of Moon Jae-in, and the complex of international actors: South Korea, North Korea, United States, China, Japan and Russia.

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5/1/18
CBC NEWS

Trump winning the Nobel Peace Prize? Why experts give him credit for North Korea talks

Dr. Stephen Noerper describes the evolution of the summit process and Kim Jong Un’s desire for economic modernization.

To read the full article, click here

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The Korea Society in the News Archive 

 

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Contributions by the Korea Society team in academic and policy journals. |

 

8/16/2023 |

Biases blind us to the risk of Chinese military intervention in Korea | 

In an article published by the Atlantic Council, Biases blind us to the risk of Chinese military intervention in Korea, Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado examines the historical record to highlight the cognitive biases that have plagued US intelligence assessments, with a particular focus on failures preceding China’s intervention in Korea over 70 years ago. Corrado warns that the “alchemy of cognitive and organizational biases is uniquely suited to advantage a PRC self-defensive counterattack strategy,” and offers some suggestions for how to avoid those pitfalls.

 

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6/30/2023

Indo-Pacific Strategies and Foreign Policy Challenges
The US-China Strategic Competition

In a new Routledge book titled Indo-Pacific Strategies and Foreign Policy Challenges: The US-China Strategic Competition, Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado contributes a chapter, “Strengthening Indo-Pacific Chip Supply Chain: Opportunities and Obstacles for a Tech Alliance.”

 

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10/27/2022

South Korea as a Global Vaccine Hub

In a submission for the 2022 KEI Academic Paper Series, Coauhors Tom Byrne, Claire Callahan, Irene Kyoung, and Salomé Da Silva Duarte Lepez explore South Korea’s aspiration to achieve the status of global vaccine hub as a national strategic policy priority. The paper first outlines the characteristics of a global vaccine hub and a WHO biotechnology hub, touches on collaborative vaccine efforts in Asia, and then discusses the institutional structure of South Korea’s global vaccine hub and the country’s Covid-19 partnerships. The paper provides an overview of global vaccines, including Covid-19 vaccine production, showing where South Korea fits into that ecosystem, and summarizes global vaccine diplomacy efforts. The paper notes the laudable achievements of Operation Warp Speed in the U.S. (and in the presentation, the Vaccine Task Force in the U.K.) in rapidly producing safe and effective vaccines early in the pandemic, although vaccine nationalism inevitably prevailed as global demand exceeded supply. The paper also notes the shortcomings of national and bilateral vaccine diplomacy, as well as multilateral mechanisms, in providing vaccine access and ensuring equity. It concludes that South Korea’s demonstrated capabilities to rise as a global vaccine development, manufacturing, and training hub will help bolster global public health capacities in the future.

Click here to read.

To watch the paper presentation program, click here

 

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9/12/2022

How the United States can build a chip alliance in Northeast Asia without decoupling

In an article co-authored with Major Jessica Taylor for Pacific Forum PacNet, Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado discusses how the United States can build a chip alliance in Northeast Asia without decoupling. They write that “a successful collaboration will address risks to key points of the semiconductor supply chain by adding rigor to the system, ensuring continued access to supply, and maintaining an environment of innovation… The effort will fall short if the alliance cannot address members’ concerns and respond to the risks posed by the People’s Republic of China without tripping down the slippery slope of technological decoupling.”

Click here to read.

To download the article as PDF, click here

 

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7/29/2022

Can Korea Join the Quad? How Should the Group Evolve?

In an article for Korea On Point by The Sejong Institute, Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado discusses how the timing of Korea’s enhanced engagement with the Quad will be shaped by domestic political factors, changes in the regional security environment, and the preferences of the Quad member countries. He writes, “Korea’s ability to engage in this emerging security group will not merely be a test of its ambitions, but will also serve as a measure of the Quad’s durability and effectiveness.” Corrado uses the results of an expert survey administered as part of a Pacific Forum fellowship to reveal areas of both considerable symmetry and stark differences between U.S. and Korean experts. He concludes that, “It will be important to interrogate these divergences to optimize the Quad’s success.”

The article is available here.

 

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5/5/2022

Ideology and Economic Policy in North Korea

Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado published an article for Ideology and Economic Policy in North Korea, published by the North Korea Economic Forum (NKEF) at George Washington University’s Institute for Korean Studies (GWIKS). In an article titled, “Rose-Colored Glasses: The Information Ecosystem’s Influence on Generational Variation in Attitudes on North Korea’s Economic Management,” Corrado assesses a generational variation in North Korean attitudes about the government’s economic management, using survey data to find that the younger cohort has become more positive. Corrado’s analysis offers a basis for further investigation, suggesting that the young cohort has become more positive in their views of the leadership’s economic management because their lack of market experience makes them vulnerable to changes in the information ecosystem, including a concerted youth loyalty campaign and a reduction in the availability of foreign information.

The volume is available here.

 

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12/2021

Next Generation Perspectives on Korean Peninsula Security

Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado writes about “Strengthening US-South Korea Cooperation on Semiconductor Supply Chain Resilience and Innovation” for an edited volume of the Emerging Leaders’ policy papers on Next Generation Perspectives on Korean Peninsula Security published by The National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP).

The volume is available here.

 

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7/14/2021

Rethinking Intelligence Failure: China’s Intervention in the Korean War

Policy Director Jonathan Corrado published an article titled “Rethinking Intelligence Failure: China’s Intervention in the Korean War” in The International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence. The article evaluates how the U.S. Intelligence Community and policymakers failed to predict and prepare for China’s entrance into the Korean War and North Korea’s invasion. Diplomatic cables, personal accounts, and declassified national security documents reveal that warnings about possible intervention were undercut by contradicting analysis. Cognitive bias led to faulty assumptions and ambiguous conclusions. The negative effects of bias and politicization were mutually reinforcing, imperiling the efforts of actors who tried in vain to address them. Lessons gleaned from this history shed light on insights for persistent security challenges, such as the relationship between miscalculation and escalation and the difficulty of knowing one’s adversary, as well as America’s present strategic competition with China.

The article is available here.

 

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7/2/21 |  
Pacific Forum |

Issues & Insights Vol. 21, WP 10 — South Korea’s Demographic Advantage is Over: The Regional Context and the Economic and Security Implications
 
In a paper for Pacific Forum’s Issues & Insights, president Tom Byrne and policy director Jonathan Corrado write on the economic and security risks South Korea’s low birth rate poses to its future, writing that “South Korea will have to make tough policy and fiscal choices, unless it can achieve another ‘Miracle on the Han’ —this time overcoming its demographic challenge.”

For PDF, click here

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4/2021

Partners in Democracy: Perspectives on the U.S.-Korea Alliance

The Korea Society and The Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) are proud to release a new publication Partners in Democracy: Perspectives on the U.S.-Korea Alliance.

This series of essays sheds light on the dynamic partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea, featuring insights from: Republic of Korea Ambassador to the United States Lee Soo-Hyuck; U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii); Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska); Representative Ami Bera (D-Calif.); Korea Foundation President Geun Lee; former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Kathleen Stephens; General Walter “Skip” Sharp, former Commander, United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command / United States Forces Korea; and Professor Victor Cha, CSIS Korea Chair.

On the significance of the publication, Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne said: “By showcasing influential voices from the United States and Korea, this timely series of essays demonstrates the many mutually beneficial aspects of the U.S.-ROK relationship, and outlines the key challenges and opportunities for our partnership going forward. We are confident that it will serve as a helpful tool for policymakers and stakeholders. The Korea Society is proud of its collaboration with FMC on the Congressional Study Group on Korea and looks forward to participating in an even more ambitious agenda in the future.”

Click here to read.

To download the article as PDF, click here

 

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7/2/19
National Committee on American Foreign Policy

A TICKING CLOCK OR A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY? A U.S.-ROK-CHINA TRILATERAL REPORT

A new report written by Korea Society associate policy director Jonathan Corrado for the National Committee on American Foreign Policy highlights a conference discussion on prospects for trilateral and broader multilateral cooperation in addressing Northeast Asian security challenges. The trilateral conference, co-hosted by The Korea Society, provides a useful opportunity to evaluate the year’s most significant geopolitical developments. Stark differences in the tone and content of this year’s dialogue underscore the region’s dynamism and strategic significance. Denuclearizing North Korea remains the major driver of concern. Conference participants explored the ramifications and likelihood of alternate futures, ranging from breakthrough to muddle through to breakdown. Participants also discussed the possibility of North Korean change from within, the opportunity for China to play a greater role in denuclearization talks, methods for preventing an arms race in Northeast Asia, and the future structure of the U.S.-ROK alliance.

To read the full article, click here

To download the article as PDF, click here

 

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1/29/21 |  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #5 – North Korea Doubles Down on a Dead End
 
In an article for Pacific Forum PacNet on North Korea’s economic plan announced at the recent party congress, president Tom Byrne and policy director Jonathan Corrado write that, “The plan leaves unanswered the question of the sources of financing. North Korea has scant domestic savings, no access to international credit and has squeezed the foreign currency savings of the donju entrepreneurs and financiers.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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3/11/20 |  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #11 – Two tasks for making US-ROK troop burden sharing sustainable
 
In a new article about the U.S.- Korea military cost sharing deal for Pacific Forum PacNet, Korea Society chairperson Ambassador Kathleen Stephens and president Tom Byrne write, “The time is now for the United States and South Korea to come to terms on a deal that works for both sides. The smooth functioning of the alliance should not be impaired by an accounting impasse that loses sight of the incalculable benefits from 70 years of partnership.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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4/9/19  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #24: Kim Jong Un’s choice – Economic reform would be a risk well taken by North Korea
 
Economic reform would be a risk well taken by North Korea, according to Korea Society president Thomas Byrne and associate director Jonathan Corrado. In a new article for Pacific Forum PacNet, the authors content that, “Pyongyang’s leadership seems to be more attuned than ever about benefits from economic development, but so far bold action and systemic reform are missing. The cases of China and Vietnam show a path to prosperity if North Korea embraces a pluralistic communist system in which new interest groups coalesce to support reform. Such a transition would likely allow the international community—including the U.S., South Korea, Japan and the international financial institutions, including the IMF, the World Bank, ADB and even the AIIB—to help Pyongyang proceed down that road. Economic benefits from this process could change Pyongyang’s suspicious attitude towards the U.S. and the outside world.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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2/25/19  
Pacific Forum |

PacNet #17 – Preserving the US-ROK alliance is critical
 
In a new article for PacNet about the upcoming Trump-Kim summit in Vietnam, Korea Society president Thomas Byrne & board director General Walter Sharp emphasize the importance of the US-South Korea Alliance in the negotiation process. “In any scenario post-Hanoi,” they write, “the steady hand of the alliance will be key. With luck, it will be the cornerstone of a new era of non-hostile engagement & cooperation w/ North Korea.”

For full article, click here

For PDF, click here

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6/8/18
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies

PacNet #39 – Rapid Denuclearization Made Economic Sense for Libya – and Could for North Korea, Too

The big question is, will Kim Jong Un pivot North Korea towards an economic development track and away from its heavy emphasis on military expenditures?  A good test of that would be whether North Korea follows the Libya model.  President Donald Trump called off – briefly – 

To read the full article, click here | To download the article in PDF, click here

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1/10/18
CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies

PacNet #3 – Kim Jong Un’s New Year’s Resolution: What It Means

Korea Society President Tom Byrne explains why Kim Jong Un is suddenly warming up to South Korea after giving the Moon administration the cold shoulder for much of 2017. The New Year’s Day gambit is a play to get $ relief and drive a wedge in US-ROK denuclearization policy.

To read the full article, click here | To download the article in PDF, click here

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11/3-5/17

Beijing Forum

November 3-5, 2017  — Tom Byrne presented at the Beijing Forum held at Peking University on the topic of the “Belt Road Initiative and Global Economic Governance.” The Beijing Forum, co-hosted by the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies and Peking University since 2004 is an annual academic conference. This year it was held on 3-5 November this year over a three-day period at Diaoyutai State Guest House and Peking University in Beijing, China.

 

 

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4/29/18 
Bloomberg TV

A Time to Be Hopeful

Former Ambassador to South Korea Thomas Hubbard weighs in on the thawing relations between South and North Korea. He speaks on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia.” (Source: Bloomberg)

To watch the video, click here

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4/27/18 
Bloomberg TV

The Long Road Ahead for North and South Korea Relations

Dr. Stephen Noerper, Korea Society senior director, discusses the historic meeting between the North and South Korean leaders, saying it’s something to be excited about with so much enthusiasm but that we need to see how it plays through. He speaks on “What’d You Miss?” (Source: Bloomberg)

To watch the video, click here

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4/26/18 
CNBC

North-South Korea summit is ‘just the beginning’: Former US ambassador

Thomas Hubbard of The Korea Society and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea and the Philippines says he hopes today’s North-South Korea summit will lead to a “process” which results in discussions about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

To watch the video on site, click here

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4/25/18 
Foreign Policy 

Why Trump Needs the Swedes in Pyongyang

Korea Society Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper discussed the Swedish representation of US interests in North Korea with Foreign Policy. “It’s been suggested that a gesture like freeing the Americans would be something that would serve as a confidence builder. There’s no doubt that the Swedes have brought this up on behalf of the Americans.”

To read the full article, click here

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4/25/18 
UPI

North Korea accuses U.S. of ‘highway robbery’ in defense deal with South

“The peace dividend would have immediate and immense benefits for North Korea, rather than South Korea, and that is why Kim Jong Un is pushing this,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society in New York.

To read the full article, click here

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4/24/18
Bloomberg Markets

North Korea Would Benefit Most, by Far, From Peace on Peninsula

When asked about the financial implications of a turn towards peace on the Korean Peninsula, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne told Bloomberg Markets that, “The peace dividend would have immediate and immense benefits for North Korea, rather than South Korea, and that is why Kim Jong Un is pushing this.”

To read the full article, click here

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4/24/18
CBC NEWS

Trump says North Korea agreed to ‘denuclearization’? Not so fast, say experts

Speaking with the CBC about how to approach the upcoming summits with North Korea, Senior Director Stephen Noerper says, “We have every reason to be guarded, but every reason to open the window and see what the breeze brings in.” If Kim Jong Un is truly willing to open up to the outside world to modernize the economy, then “we shouldn’t give up on that, because to bring someone in from the cold would be a remarkable accomplishment.”

To read the full article, click here

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4/22/18
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill

When asked about the upcoming summits with North Korea in a televised interview, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne said, “People in senior levels of the US government view this as an opening for an opportunity.” Speaking to FOX 5 News The Hill, President Byrne explained that, “They don’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past, which include misreading North Korean intentions and providing benefits before anything is received from North Korea tangibly.” He added, “Everyone has become a bit more more realistic about dealing with the North Koreans, but I think that South Koreans are hopeful. They do wish to end the division of the country.”

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4/19/18
CBC NEWS

Why sending the U.S. spy chief to meet Kim Jong-un was a ‘savvy’ move by Trump

Trump’s “fire and fury” rhetoric antagonizing North Korea has arguably worked so far, Davis says. The unconventional approach has yielded “healthy developments,” said Stephen Noerper, a former State Department analyst and the senior director of the Korea Society.

To read the full article, click here

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4/18/18
Bloomberg Markets: Balance of Power

Dr. Stephen Noerper leads at 1:14 on Pompeo Visit and Summitry

To watch the interview, click here

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4/3/18  
Bloomberg  
 
Korea Society President Thomas Byrne speaks to Bloomberg Daybreak Asia about the economic relationship between the US and Korea, describing the conditions leading up to the agreement in principle on revisions to the bilateral free trade deal known as KORUS. “The closing sentence [of the joint statement] was that the important progress has made based on the strong and enduring security relationship. My own take is that the security relationship has a very stable center of gravity, and the relationship won’t capsize. However, there could be these cross-currents as President Trump reacts to contingencies.”

To listen to the interview, click here

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4/1/18 
New York Times 

 
Responding to a recent article about refugees escaping North Korea in a Letter to the Editor published by The New York Times, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne says that Kim Jong Un, “may not be able to keep North Korea’s human rights abuses closed to scrutiny forever. On March 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council extended its mandate on North Korea, calling on its government to shed light on its human rights situation, which the United Nations Commission of Inquiry in 2014 found included ‘crimes against humanity.'”

To read the ful article, click here

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3/28/18
Background Briefing with Ian Masters

Senior Director Stephen Noerper speaks with Ian Masters on Background Briefing, broadcast on 130 California and other West Coast National Public Radio (NPR) stations. Dr. Noerper comments on Kim Jong Un’s visit to Beijing and the lead-up to a US-DPRK summit, crediting the ROK administration for its efforts in cooperation with the US.

To listen to the clip, click here

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3/28/18
TV Asahi

Asked about Kim Jong Un’s motivation for conducting a flurry of bilateral summits, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells Asahi TV that Kim is looking for weak links and ways to soften the implementation of sanctions. Kim recently conducted his first trip abroad as leader, meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in advance of upcoming summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump.

To watch the clip, click here

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3/28/18
Inkstone News

In accounting for the surprise summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells Inkstone News that China, “wants to ensure that Kim Jong-un understands well its interests and concerns before Kim meets President Moon and President Trump.” Discussing the nature of the upcoming summit meetings in the context of denuclearization dialogues conducted in preceding decades, Mr. Byrne said, “There is a recognition by the US and South Korean governments not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to continue to exert maximum pressure.”

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3/20/18
Finland MTV

Korea Society’s Stephen Noerper spoke to Finnish National television on the Stockholm and Helsinki talks on Korea.

Korea-asiantuntija MTV:lle: Suomi vahvoilla Trumpin ja Kim Jong-unin huippukokouspaikaksi – “Helsinki on historiallisesti hyvä vaihtoehto” – Ulkomaat – Uutiset – MTV.fi

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3/12/18   
i24 NEWS 
 
Appearing on i24 News, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne comments on the lifting of term limits for the Chinese presidency, saying, “If you think China wanted to become a Western style democracy, I think you misjudged. China says it wants to be a social market economy with Chinese characteristics… China faces risks from having too much decentralized power, although that was really the genius of Deng Xiaoping’s reforms. There are centrifugal forces of special interests who complicate policy making and entrench corruption. Xi Jinping needs more time to carry out his anti-corruption campaign with greater efficacy and also to keep the popular support of the Chinese Communist Party.”

To watch the clip, click here

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3/9/18   
Bloomberg   
 
Trump Wants ‘Nixon-China Moment’ With N. Korea, Noerper Says 

Stephen Noerper, Korea Society senior director, discusses President Donald Trump’s acceptance of an invitation to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Julia Chatterley and Julie Hyman on “What’d You Miss?” (Source: Bloomberg)

To watch the interview, click here

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3/9/18
BBC World Service 

US Surprise at ‘Dramatic’ N Korea Shift

Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells BBC World Business Report, “There’s no sign that either the US or South Korea is backing down from maximum pressure and sanctions will also be ratcheted up. The element of surprise and unpredictability is characteristic about how North Korea negotiates. But the basic position of South Korea and the US hasn’t changed: denuclearization, maximum pressure, and close coordination in the alliance.” 

To listen to the audio, click here

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3/9/18  
Bloomberg  
 
Korea Society’s Hubbard Says U.S.-North Korea Talks Won’t Be Easy

Korea Society Board Chairman Ambassador Thomas Hubbard: “We’re at least starting under the right circumstances with the North Koreans saying we can aim at denuclearization. The North Koreans accepting that we are going to continue our military exercises. I’ve spent a lot of time in negotiations with the North Koreans. They are always tough. It’s always complicated. But I think it’s time to start…  I’m pleased that President Trump has accepted the challenge. We’ll have to test whether the North Koreans are willing to give up their nuclear weapons. So far our efforts to achieve that objective have been less than fully successful. But I like the idea of moving quickly and starting at a high level.”

To watch the interview, click here

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3/9/18  
South China Morning Post: EAST ASIA
 
Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un to hold historic face-to-face meeting

Speaking on the phone from Seoul, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne told the South China Morning Post, “What we’re seeing here is that the alliance is working. Both the US and the ROK [South Korea] are on the same page. There’s unison in ends. There may be flexibility in ways to meet that end but the end remains unchanged: The denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the use of maximum pressure. The joint military drills between South Korea and the US will go on and that’s been assured from the highest levels here.”

To read the entire article, click here

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3/9/18  
Marketplace Morning Report with David Brancaccio
 
Korea Society’s president Thomas Byrne speaks with Markertplace Morning Report about potential dialogue with North Korea

Korea Society President Thomas Byrne explains why the US and Korea have the political capital to venture towards dialogue with North Korea: “They can do this because there’s a very stable center of gravity to this ROK-USA alliance.”

Why has North Korea turned towards talks? President Tom Byrne sees two motivations. Pyongyang was rattled by the US taking a coercive diplomatic approach, including both sanctions and military pressure. Sanctions are taking a toll.

To listen to the audio, click here

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3/8/18  
Bloomberg  
 
We Need to See Tangible Actions From North Korea

Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells Bloomberg Daybreak Asia, “The alliance is improving the conditions for a breakthrough. It’s a big opportunity, but there’s no breakthrough until we see tangible actions by North Korea to denuclearize… There are no prior concessions on the part of South Korea and the US. I’ve had meetings with senior officials from both counties. There’s a sense that mistakes were made in the past in dealing with North Korea, and these mistakes should not be repeated.”

To listen to the interview, click here

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3/8/18  
Bloomberg  
 
Trump to accept invitation from N. Korea’s Kim

Asked about the yet-to-be determined location of the Trump-Kim Jong Un summit, Korea Society President Thomas Byrne says: “I think it will be great if they meet in Mar-a-lago. It’s very important to get Kim Jong Un out of North Korea.” On the significance of the meeting, Byrne added, “For the first time, North Korea is changing its calculus. The US government and the South Korean government don’t want to miss this opportunity. There’s no breakthrough yet, but there’s a big opportunity.”  

To watch the interview (second video), click here

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3/8/18 
South China Morning Post: ASIA 

“The message Chung and Suh are bringing from Pyongyang is likely to include a freeze or moratorium on the country’s nuclear weapons development programme in exchange for a downgraded or scaled-back version of joint US-South Korea military exercises, Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper said in an interview…”

To read the full article click here

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3/6/18  
Bloomberg  
 
Why North Korea’s Overture to the U.S. Is Different This Time

Dr. Stephen Noerper speaks to Bloomberg TV about the prospects for US-North Korea negotiations and a potential breakthrough.

To watch the interview, click here

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2/11/18
FOX 5 DC: News on the Hill

Korea Society President Tom Byrne appeared on Fox 5 News on the Hill, explaining the coordinated US-ROK good cop/bad cop approach to North Korea. While South Korea prefers a more engagement oriented approach and America prefers a more hard-line approach, the allies agree on the bottom line of denuclearizing North Korea. President Byrne also issued a word of caution about Pyongyang’s charm offensive, saying, “North Korea is trying to turn the Peace Games into the Propaganda Games.”

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2/9/18
South China Morning Post: ASIA

“given the heightened concern and attention over developments on the Korean Peninsula, this may have expedited” the process, Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said in an interview with the South China Morning Post…

To read the full article click here

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2/1/18
Bloomberg View

In a column for Bloomberg View, Korea Society President Tom Byrne contends that, especially at this critical juncture, there is every reason to find agreement on two upcoming negotiations between the US and Korea: the Korea-US free trade deal and the alliance military cost sharing agreement. South Korea has shown itself to be a reliable partner, both economically and militarily, and the alliance is a win-win relationship that supports the interests and values of both partners.

To read the full article, click here

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2/1/18
The Congressional Study Group on Korea

The Korea Society is partnering with The Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) and The Korea Foundation to increase dialogue between members of the Congress and our important ally South Korea. About the new Study Group, Korea Society President Tom Byrne said, “Nothing promotes awareness and understanding between two nations better than people-to-people exchanges. We look forward to partnering with FMC to facilitate a bilateral dialogue on economic, trade, security and other public policy issues. That goal is consistent with the Korea Society’s mission.” The Congressional Study Group on Korea will be chaired by U.S. Reps. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Penn.).

To read the full article, click here

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1/31/18
PBS Treasures of New York

PBS’s acclaimed Treasures of New York series profiles The Korea Society on its 60th anniversary.

To view the clip on site, click here

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1/28/18
NBC NEWS

Quoted by Stephen Noerper

“Kim Jong Un has an interest in winter sports — he’s even opened his own ski resort…”

To read the full article, click here

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1/18/18
The Wall Street Journal

Koreas Strike Deal on Olympic Unity as U.S. Pressures North

Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke with the Wall Street Journal about progress in inter-Korean dialogue, enthusiasm for the Olympics, and need to look beyond to de-escalate tensions.

To read the full article, click here

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1/10/18
CBC News | World

Quoted by Stephen Noerper

As rival Koreas thaw relations before the Winter Olympics, U.S. could get frozen out

Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper suggests the benefit of giving Seoul space to develop inter-Korean relations as good for the alliance and a reflection of its durability and flexibility in comments to the CBC.

To read the article, click here

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1/9/18
Bloomberg

Progress in Inter-Korean Talk

Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Director for Policy, talks to the the benefit of South Korea’s approach to inter-Korean talks and US support for the process. He describes the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympics as providing an opportunity for confidence building, yet cautions on what happens in the months following the Games.

To watch the interview, click here (Duration: 02:53)

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1/8/18
Bloomberg

Korea Society President Sees Inter-Korea Talks as Good Sign

Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses talks between North and South Korea. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Shery Ahn and David Westin on “Bloomberg Markets: Balance of Power.”

To watch the interview, click here (Duration: 02:53)

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1/5/18
South China Morning Post

Quoted by Thomas Byrne

Donald Trump agrees to delay South Korea military drills until after the Winter Olympics

“Trump did say talks are a good idea, so considering the broad spectrum of his tweets, he just shifted his rhetoric to the softer side of the spectrum…”

To read the full article, click here

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1/4/18
HUFFPOST

Kim Jong Un’s New Year’s Resolution: What It Means

Korea Society President Tom Byrne explains why Kim Jong Un is suddenly warming up to South Korea after giving the Moon administration the cold shoulder for much of 2017. The New Year’s Day gambit is a play to get $ relief and drive a wedge in US-ROK denuclearization policy.

To read the full article, click here

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1/3/18
CNN International

Korea Society Senior Director for Policy, Dr. Stephen Noerper, spoke on CNN International about potential for progress in inter-Korean relations following the reopening of a military hotline and positive statements from Seoul. He noted the need for deescalating tensions and offered reassurance on the state of Korea-US relations and the benefit of Washington allowing Seoul space to develop inter-Korean dialogue and possible North Korean participation at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

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1/1/18
BBC World Service

Dr. Stephen Noerper, Korea Society Senior Director for Policy, spoke with James Coormarasamy of BBC News Hour (@bbcnewshour) about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s New Years address. Dr. Noerper discussed Kim’s statement on nuclear capability and use, as well as his overture to South Korea for talks and participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

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12/18/17
Voice of America

Secretary of State Tillerson’s call for diplomacy with North Korea

Senior Director for Policy Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke to VOA radio on Secretary of State Tillerson’s call for diplomacy with North Korea and USG Feltman’s visit to Pyongyang and UN role.

To listen to the interview, click here

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12/17/17
BBC World Service

Korea Society Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper spoke to BBC World Service Newsday on the Australian arrest of an individual engaged in WMD component trafficking and spoke to the issue of sanctions enforcement, heightened international monitoring, and the political security situation around the Peninsula. Dr. Noerper appeared on both a 7 PM EST (+5 GMT) taping and 11 PM EST (+5 GMT) live broadcast.

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11/17/17

Yonhap News

November 17, 2017  — Speaking with South Korean and U.S. businessmen in New York at The Korea Society, Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party pledged to work harder to improve the business and investment environment for foreign companies in South Korea…

To read the article, click here

To read the article in Korean, click here

 

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11/16/17

FOX NEWS

November 16, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society, said that President Trump’s “portrait of the political and economic achievements of South Korea’s modern history” had won “hearts and minds across the aisle.”

To read the article, click here

 

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11/7/17

Bloomberg

November 7, 2017  — Stephen Noerper, Korea Society senior director, discusses President Donald Trump’s trip to Asia. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu, Joe Weisenthal and Julie Hyman on “What’d You Miss?” (Source: Bloomberg)

To view the video, click here

 

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11/7/17

MSNBC

November 7, 2017  — Dr. Stephen Noerper, Korea Society Senior Director, spoke live by phone on MSNBC following the press conference of President Trump and Prime Minister Abe. He noted differences on trade, but a commitment to settle them amicably; common resolve on North Korea; and the need for fence mending in Trump’s visit to South Korea and long-term strategic differences with China.

 

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11/3-5/17

Beijing Forum

November 3-5, 2017  — Tom Byrne presented at the Beijing Forum held at Peking University on the topic of the “Belt Road Initiative and Global Economic Governance.” The Beijing Forum, co-hosted by the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies and Peking University since 2004 is an annual academic conference. This year it was held on 3-5 November this year over a three-day period at Diaoyutai State Guest House and Peking University in Beijing, China.

 

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11/2/17

The National Interest

November 2, 2017  — “The Democratic Senators and Congressmen seem to be in line with Secretary James Mattis and the South Korean Defense Minister, Song Young-Moo,” based on language the two issued last week in Seoul that was “clearly defensive, deterrent and diplomatic…”

To read the full article, click here

 

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10/31/17

UPI

October 31, 2017  — …Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society in New York, told UPI a South Korean fear of “Korea passing” — the de-prioritization of bilateral ties with Seoul in Washington — could be the driving force behind support for the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons on the peninsula…

To read the full article, click here

 

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10/31/17

Bloomberg

October 31, 2017  — Tom Byrne, President of the Korea Society, joined David Ingles and Bryan Curtis to discuss what can we expect from President Trump’s upcoming visit to Asia, starting with South Korea. He also looked at the normalization of the relationship between China and South Korea following the THAAD dispute. Running time 04:11

To listen to the Talk, click here

 

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10/27/17

Bloomberg: Politics

October 27, 2017  — “Publicly, North Korea says it doesn’t care about the diplomatic effort and should be recognized as a nuclear power,” Noerper said. “At the same time, it is extremely concerned about the uptick in tensions and doesn’t know how to read Trump…”

To read the full article click here

 

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9/18/17

Bloomberg

September 18, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president and chief executive officer at Korea Society, discusses President Trump’s speech at the UN and his rally for world leaders to confront North Korea. He speaks on “Bloomberg Markets: Asia.”

To watch the interview, click here

 

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9/12/17

South China Morning Post

September 12, 2017  — “North Korea’s clothing exports would be the most valuable in dollar terms after overseas sales of coal and other minerals, Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society and former senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service, said in an interview after the Security Council vote.”

To read the article, click here

 

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9/6/17

ThinkProgress

September 6, 2017  — “I’ll cut to the chase. What North Korea wants is to expel the foreigners – meaning, the Americans – from the Korean Peninsula, and unify the country under their terms,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the Korea Society…

To read the article, click here

 

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9/5/17

Bloomberg

September 5, 2017  — Korea Society Chairman and Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea and Philippines Thomas Hubbard weighs in on North Korean tensions. He speaks on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Australia.” (Source: Bloomberg)

To view the interview from Bloomberg page, click here

 

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9/5/17

CNBC

September 5, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, and Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, former U.S. ambassador to the UN and deputy national security advisor under President Clinton, discuss the heightened fears from North Korean missiles tests.

 

To view the interview from CNBC page, click here

 

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9/5/17

VOA Radio

September 5, 2017  — Senior Director, Dr. Stephen Noerper, shared insights with VOA’s Victor Beattie on North Korea’s continued threats in the wake of its sixth nuclear test and potential for further activity around the September 9 anniversary of the DPRK’s founding.

 

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8/28/17

CNBC

August 28, 2017  — The missile launch will raise questions over what the U.S. will do to support Japan or South Korea in the case of conflict, says Thomas Hubbard of The Korea Society.

 

To view the interview from CNBC page, click here

 

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8/22/17

South China Morning Post | The Korea Times

August 22, 2017  — “While China is committed to implementing the [UN Security Council] sanctions, North Korea seems to have become adept at evading such sanctions through circuitous transactions, which the Treasury seems to be more closely scrutinising,” Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said…

To read the article, click here

 

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8/19/17

South China Morning Post

August 19, 2017  — Korea Society President Thomas Byrne tells the Post that Kim Jong-un sees nuclear weapons as ‘the ultimate guarantor of the legitimacy of the regime’

To read the article, click here

 

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8/14/17

Bloomberg

August 14, 2017  — Senior Director Stephen Noerper speaks to off ramps and reducing tensions between the US and North Korea.

To watch the interview, click here

 

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8/14/17

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

August 14, 2017  — Stephen Noerper, a professor of political science at Columbia University and senior director at the Korea Society, warned tensions on the Korean peninsula were liable to quickly ramp up again, given upcoming joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea slated to begin next week in South Korea…

To read the article, click here

 

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8/12/17

CBC News

August 12, 2017  — Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks to the CBC about tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

To read the article, click here

 

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8/12/17

The Guardian

August 12, 2017  — Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks to The Guardian on Trump’s rhetoric on North Korea and the void in US diplomacy.

To read the article, click here

 

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8/11/17

CNN

August 11, 2017  — Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks live on CNN about the war of words between the United States and North Korea.

#NorthKorea & U.S. tensions [VIDEO] – @Columbia‘s @SNoerper discusses on @CNNhttps://t.co/8fujJnN4EM@WEAI_Columbia

— ColumbiaSocialSci (@ColumbiaSocSci) August 11, 2017

 

 

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8/11/17

NY1

August 11, 2017  — Korea Society senior director Stephen Noerper speaks live on NY1 about the war of words between the United States and North Korea and next steps for peace.

To watch the interview, click here

 

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8/10/17

CNBC

August 10, 2017  — Kim Jong Un believes the way to preserve his regime in North Korea is through a nuclear weapons program, says Thomas Hubbard, chairman of The Korea Society.

To view the interview from CNBC page, click here

 

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8/9/17

Bloomberg

August 9, 2017  — Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses the mounting tensions between the U.S. and North Korea. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Julia Chatterley and Scarlet Fu on “Bloomberg Markets.” (Source: Bloomberg)

To view the interview from Bloomberg page, click here

 

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8/9/17

BBC NEWS

August 9, 2017  — Korea Society President Thomas Byrne discusses North Korea US tensions

 

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8/9/17

CBCNEWS | World

August 9, 2017  — Korea Society senior director Dr. Stephen Noerper comments on the Trump-Kim Jong Un standoff and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

To read the article, click here

 

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8/7/17

MARKET PLACE

August 7, 2017  — The sanctions ban North Korean exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood. Thomas Byrne, head of the Korea Society, a nonprofit dedicated to U.S.-Korea relations, said China and North Korea used to have a much stronger trade relationship…

To read the article, click here

 

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8/7/17

WNYC: THE TAKEAWAY

August 7, 2017  — Stephen Noerper, senior director with The Korea Society, discusses North Korea sanctions

To listen to the interview, click here

 

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8/7/17

BBC: World Business Report

August 7, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses China-North Korea relations. (1:40 minute mark through 5:25)

To listen to the interview, click here

 

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8/7/17

Northwest Arkansas: Democrat Gazette

August 7, 2017  — “You need deeper sanctions over a longer period of time, like years, before you can see if North Korea changes its behavior,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society…

To listen to the interview, click here

 

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8/6/17

Huffington Post

August 6, 2017  — “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/6/17

UPI

August 6, 2017  — “You need deeper sanctions over a longer period of time, like years, before you can see if North Korea changes its behavior,” Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said to Bloomberg. “The sanctions will have an economic impact but little effect on the strategic intent to develop ballistic missiles.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/6/17

The Japan Times

August 6, 2017  — “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/6/17

India Today

August 6, 2017  — “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/6/17

NIKKEI: ASIAN REVIEW

August 6, 2017  — “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”ey are enforced, are very significant,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based The Korea Society and former senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service. “They’re not self-sufficient in building nuclear bombs and ICBMs, so these sanctions are a big threat.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/6/17

South China Morning Post – EDITION: INTERNATIONAL

August 6, 2017  — “The sanctions, if they are enforced, are very significant,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based The Korea Society and former senior vice president at Moody’s Investors Service. “They’re not self-sufficient in building nuclear bombs and ICBMs, so these sanctions are a big threat.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/5/17

Bloomberg Politics

August 5, 2017  — “You need deeper sanctions over a longer period of time, like years, before you can see if North Korea changes its behavior,” Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said in a telephone interview. “The sanctions will have an economic impact but little effect on the strategic intent to develop ballistic missiles.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/5/17

REUTERS

August 5, 2017  — “I would think China and Russia signed on the sanctions hoping that they would force North Korea back to the negotiating table,” said Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society. “However, North Korea will try to evade the new sanctions.”

To read the article, click here

 

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8/4/17

Bloomberg Politics

August 4, 2017  — “The UN sanctions probably won’t hinder North Korean leadership for now, Thomas Byrne, president of the New York-based Korea Society, said in a telephone interview…”

To read the article, click here

 

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7/30/17

FOX WTTG

 

July 30, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the reaction to North Korean missile launch and Russian sanctions bill

 

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7/13/17

FINANCIAL TIMES

July 13, 2017  — “US firms can no longer complain about high and economy-wide tariff barriers that impede access to Korea’s market . . . 

To read the article, click here

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7/5/17

Background Briefing with host Ian Masters

July 5, 2017  — Korea Society Senior Director Stephen Noerper is in conversation with host Ian Masters on North Korea’s ICBM launch and the step-up in tensions.

To listen to the clip, click here

 

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7/5/17

USA TODAY

July 5, 2017  — “China, which handles 90% of North Korea’s trade with other countries, increased trade with North Korea 37% in the first quarter of this year, just before Beijing announced it would cut back buying cheap, high-quality North Korean anthracite coal, said economist Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, a New York City-based group that promotes U.S.-Korean understanding…”

To read the whole article, click here

 

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6/29/17

Bloomberg

June 29, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, Korea Society president, discusses the state of U.S.-South Korea relations amid tensions with North Korea. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu and Julia Chatterley on “Bloomberg Markets.”

To view to the clip, click here

 

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6/29/17

CNBC

June 29, 2017  — “With the North Korean security threat looming larger and larger, good chemistry between President Moon Jae-in and President Trump is essential,” Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society in New York.

To read the full article, click here

 

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6/29/17

South China Morning Post

June 29, 2017  — “The big weapons in the sanctions chest would be secondary sanctions on firms that trade with North Korea or provide financing for North Korea…”

To read the full article, click here

 

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6/20/17

South China Morning Post

June 20, 2017  — “Pyongyang’s gross human rights violations will further deteriorate the strategic credit quality of North Korea as an asset for China that has occurred under the Kim Jong-un government…”

To read the full article, click here

 

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5/10/17

BBC World Service: Radio

May 10, 2017  — Moon Jae-In has been sworn in as the new South Korean president, and he already has an invitation on his desk from President Trump to visit Washington. Thomas Byrne is President of the Korea Society in America. Does he think Washington and Seoul are going to get on now?

To listen to the clip, click here

 

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5/9/17

CNBC

May 9, 2017  — Korea Society board member and former US Ambassador to the ROK Kathleen Stephens addresses Moon Jae-in’s victory in South Korea’s presidential election.

To listen to the clip, click here

 

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5/9/17

Background Briefing with host Ian Masters

May 9, 2017  — Korea Society Senior Director Stephen Noerper addresses the Election of Moon Jae-in for Background Briefing with Ian Masters from FD Media, Pacifica Radio

To listen to the clip, click here

 

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5/9/17

VOA

May 9, 2017  — Voters in large numbers cast ballots Tuesday for a new president in South Korea, following the ouster of Park Geun-hye, who was caught up in a corruption scandal. Although she is on trial and under detention, Park has denied any wrongdoing. Turnout could top 80-percent.

Human rights lawyer Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party led in pre-election surveys by a wide margin. Korea Society senior director and Columbia University professor Stephen Noerper told VOA’s Victor Beattie voters have focused on domestic issues, but tensions with North Korea have loomed large.

The winner will be sworn in Wednesday once the vote tally becomes official. The U.S. State Department said Washington looks forward to continuing ‘close, constructive, deep cooperation’ with South Korea’s new leader.

On the eve of the vote, North Korea called for an end to confrontation blaming conservative groups who have been in charge for 10 years. The ruling party newspaper (Rodong Sinmun) called for ‘a new era of unification [that] should open up in collaboration between our race.’

 

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5/8/17

Bloomberg First Word Asia

May 8, 2017  — Thomas J. Byrne, President of The Korea Society discussed potential economic ramifications of the election in South Korea with David Ingles and Doug Krizner. He looked at whether the economy may receive a boost and the likelihood of reform.

To listen to the full interview, click here

 

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5/8/17

Bloomberg

May 8, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the election in South Korea and chaebol reform. He speaks on “Bloomberg Markets: Asia.” (Source: Bloomberg)

To watch the full interview, click here

 

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5/7/17

FOX WTTG

 

May 7, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the election in South Korea and DPRK

 

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5/2/17

CNBC Asia: Capital Connection

May 2, 2017  — It means all options are on the table to try and avoid conflict and diplomatically denuclearize North Korea, says Thomas Byrne of the Korea Society.”

To watch the full interview, click here

 

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4/25/17

U.S. News & World Report

April 25, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, President of The Korea Society, a New York-based think tank, told U.S. News that, “China is both an impediment and solution to the problem of reining in North Korea and achieving its denuclearization…”

To read the full article, click here

 

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4/20/17

BBC World Service

April 20, 2017  — Stephen Noerper discusses China-North Korea relations and current tensions around the Korean Peninsula with BBC World Service host Manuela Saragosa.

To listen to the clip, click here

 

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4/17/17

MSNBC Last Word

April 17, 2017  — Mike Pence sends a new message to North Korea not to “test President Trump’s resolve” and “all options are on the table,” and NSC advisor H.R. McMaster seems to have a reassurung idea about defusing tensions with Pyongyang. Stephen Noerper joins Lawrence O’Donnell.

To view the clip, click here

 

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4/10/17

RTVi television, UN bureau

April 10, 2017  — Senior Director Dr. Stephen Noerper discusses Syria and North Korea, as well as US preventive defense in accord with allies South Korea and Japan. (in Russian)

To view the clip, click here

 

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4/06/17

Background Briefing with host Ian Masters

April 6, 2017  — KPFK Pacifica Radio, Trump-Xi and the North Korean Challenge featuring The Korea Society’s Stephen Noerper

To listen to the clip, click here

 

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4/05/17

Bloomberg Today Live

April 5, 2017  — Bloomberg Today Live: North Korea and the Xi-Trump Summit with Stephen Noerper.
(see minute 1:00 onward)

To watch the clip, click here

 

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4/05/17

CNN: Situation Room

April 5, 2017  — As President Trump gets ready for critical talks with China’s leader, North Korea test-fires another missile.

To watch the clip, click here

 

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3/14/17

Bloomberg

March 14, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, President, The Korea Society joined David Ingles and Bryan Curtis to discuss the latest on the heightened tensions following North Korea’s latest missile launches and the deployment of THAAD in South Korea.

To listen to the full interview, click here

 

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3/14/17

CNBC

March 14, 2017  — Watch Tillerson’s visit to Japan, South Korea and China for more clarity on Trump’s Asia policy, according to Thomas Hubbard, chairman of The Korea Society.

To listen to the full interview, click here

 

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3/10/17

CNBC

March 10, 2017  — “She will leave office in disgrace, which is a historic moment as that’s never happened in democratic South Korea,” said Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of The Korea Society.

To read the full article, click here

 

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3/03/17

Bloomberg

February 28, 2017  — Stephen Noerper, senior director at the Korea Society, discusses corruption in South Korea and Samsung’s influence on South Korea’s economy. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu and Joe Weisenthal on “What’d You Miss?” (Source: Bloomberg)

To watch the full interview, click here

 

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2/28/17

U.S. News

February 28, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, President of the Korea Society, a New York-based think tank, told U.S. News that the alleged executions, along with “the recent demotion of the head of the State Security Ministry and alleged assassination of Kim Jong Nam [show] an intensification of the purges after more than five years in power.”

To read the full article, click here

 

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2/28/17

Texas Public Radio: The Source

February 28, 2017  — International Experts Talk North Korean Challenges, Opportunities.

To listen to the program, click here

 

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2/27/17

CNBC

February 27, 2017  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, weighs in on the latest developments in the impeachment saga involving President Park Geun-hye.

To view the full interview, click here

 

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2/14/17

BBC World Service: Newsday

February 14, 2017  — North Korean Leader’s Half-Brother ‘Assassinated’ in Malaysia. Who killed the eldest son of the late Kim Jong-il?

To listen, (video expired)

 

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2/10/17

U.S. News

February 10, 2017  — “As a former credit analyst I have learned when making a projection to pick a number or a time frame, but not both…”

For full article, click here

 

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1/19/17

The Diplomat

January 19, 2017  — A conversation about prospects for the relationship amid domestic political changes in both countries…

For full article, click here

 

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12/14/16

Los Angeles Times

December 14, 2016  — The impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye has prompted widespread concern, but her country is not paralyzed. (“After the impeachment, uncertainty reigns in South Korea,” Dec. 9) …

For full article, click here

 

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12/01/16

Bloomberg

December 1, 2016  — Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses the impeachment process for South Korean President Park Geun-hye and its impact on the economy and foreign relations. He speaks to Bloomberg’s Betty Liu and Shery Ahn on “Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia.”

For full article, click here.

 

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10/20/16

The Huffington Post

October 20, 2016  — Since the Korean War ended six decades ago, the United States and South Korea have built an enduring alliance founded on mutual interests and shared principles. As the Republic of Korea grew into an economic powerhouse in Asia and a mature democracy, the two countries became true partners. But that partnership is sometimes mischaracterized. Here are five important facts to keep in mind when you hear or read about this crucial alliance…

For full article, click here.

 

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8/23/16

NBC NEWS: ASIAN AMERICA

August 23, 2016  — Korea Society senior director for policy Stephen Noerper discussed video bloggers (vloggers) visiting North Korea and DPRK messaging.

For Stephen Noerper, a senior director of the Korea Society —the dedicated non-profit in the United States for Korea-U.S. relations —Cole’s trip represents an opportunity.

“We need every channel of information and exchange, especially given the political impasse and security concerns,” Noerper told NBC News. “We should be discerning with vlogs and other controlled or influenced messaging, but we should not miss opportunities for trust building or opening, however small.”…

Ultimately, Noerper said, it was the responsibility of viewers to consider Cole’s videos “as portrayals of small slivers of life alongside our greater and more relevant concerns about human rights abuses, missiles and nukes.”

For full article, click here.

 

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8/22/16

CNBC

August 22, 2016  — The military drills signal U.S.’ and South Korea’s commitment to deter any provocations from North Korea, says The Korea Society’s Thomas Byrne.

For full video, click here.

 

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8/18/16

 

Voice of America

 

August 18, 2016 (VOA) — Senior Director Stephen Noerper provided commentary to Voice of America’s Victor Beattie on the possible impact of the defection of the DPRK’s number two in its UK embassy. Noerper urged a close eye to subsequent defections as possible indicators of DPRK elite concerns about the rule of Kim Jong Un, but also cautioned that these might be isolated incidents. He noted the chain of defections at the end of the Cold War in the former Socialist bloc and concerns withing Pyongyang’s ruling class given the step-up in purges under Kim Jong Un. The defector Thae Yong Ho had been responsible for the human rights portfolio at the UK mission and may have been concerned about being ordered back to Pyongyang in coming weeks.

 

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8/16/16

The Washington Post

For full article, click here.

 

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7/17/16

The Huffington Post

For full article, click here.

 

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7/7/16

The Huffington Post | Berggruen Institute

 

 For full article, click here.

 

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6/3/16

The Dong-A Ilbo

 

 For original article, click here.

 For English translation of this article, click here.

 

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5/22/16

Financial Times

 

Thomas J. Byrne, president of The Korea Society was quoted by the Financial Times: “China is working off excess capacity in manufacturing and becoming more vertically specialised. Both effects decrease demand for Korea’s mix of exports in particular.”

For full article, click here.

 

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5/19/16

The Wall Street Journal

 

‘If the U.S. had not come to the aid of the Korean people, or if we in the South had lost the war, I would not be standing here.’ – From remarks by Kwon Oh-joon, chief executive officer of the South Korean steel manufacturer Posco.

For his full remarks, click here.

 

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5/6/16

Bloomberg News

 

Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, discusses North Korea’s Workers Party Congress. He speaks with Bloomberg’s Angie Lau on “First Up.”

 

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5/3/16

The New York Times

 

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3/1/16

The Wall Street Journal

President Thomas J. Byrne comments on how China is finally showing signs of getting serious. Pyongyang elites may decide: Time for a change.

 

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2/26/16

CNBC.com

How Kim Jong Un is bankrolling his nuclear ambitions 

President Thomas J. Byrne was quoted on CNBC.com.

 

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11/22/15

 

Arirang

Thomas J. Byrne joined “G-Lounge” this week. He was the former regional manager of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions of Moody’s Investor Services, a global bond credit rating company and is the current president of The Korea Society.

Based on the topics he addressed at the breakfast meeting, hosted by IGE on the 17th, he goes into an in-depth talk on the global and Korean economy along with the economy of North Korea.

He agrees that the change in China’s economy is the biggest factor that will affect Korea’s economy. However, he emphasizes that the slowdown in China’s economy is a bigger element than the depreciation of the Chinese yuan.Thomas expects for all countries around the globe to be affected by the interest rate increase in the US, but believes it will end in a short-term fluctuation for Korea. He also mentions that joining the TPP will be a great benefit for Korea.

He continues an intensive discussion on North Korea’s economy, pointing out that North Korea needs to make a constant effort for reform to be successful like it was in China.Additionally, Thomas Byrne highlighted the fact that Korea is an “economically rare case” where it became stronger after suffering from financial crises in 1997 and 2008. He doesn’t see any reason the economy of Korea will suffer in the next 5 years. 

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8/19/15

 

Bloomberg/ Newsroom

On August 29, 2015, SVP Policy Dr. Stephen Noerper provided background analysis for Bloomberg’s Newsroom on the crossfire at the DMZ. Noerper emphasized DPRK positioning vis-a-vis allied exercises, Kim Jong Un consolidating control to quell military elements, and broader issues of regional instability wrought of China’s economic downturn and decline in Sino-US relations. He later appeared on a live broadcast of Bloomberg Markets. 

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3/15/15

 

CNN Live

On March 5, 2015, Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President, appeared on CNN live to speak to the stabbing of US Ambassador to Korea Lippert, paying tribute to the Ambassador and cautioning against this reflecting broader negative perceptions. Noerper pointed to the strength of the bilateral relationship, the popularity of the US in public polls, and the outpouring of official and public support in Korea for Lippert after the attack.

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12/19/14

 

The Take Away with John Hockenberry

Hollywood ‘Cowardice’ & Washington’s Dilemma

On Friday, December 19th, Thomas Hubbard, Chairman of The Korea Society, was interviewed for the New York Times/National Radio show “The Takeaway.” He discusses the cancellation of the film “The Interview” after cyber-attacks on Sony Pictures.

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10/29/14

 

The Wall Street Journal: New York | NY Culture

Sociopaths ran wild in a ferocious spree of horror and suspense films made in South Korea in recent years. This series is practically a highlights reel, with the second and third parts of “Oldboy” auteur Park Chan-wook’s “Vengeance” trilogy, and Kim Jee-woon’s bruising “I Saw the Devil” and surreal “A Tale of Two Sisters,” a 2003 sibling psychodrama that remains the box-office champ of Korean horror films.

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10/28/14

 

Bloomberg: News

Dr. Stephen Noerper opines on the cost to China of supporting North Korea in the wake of increasing condemnation of the latter’s human rights record. 

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4/24/14

 

Bloomberg – All Podcasts – CastRoller

April 24,2014 – Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President of The Korea Society discusses President Obama’s trip to Asia.

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4/21/14

CNN: Ferry disaster’s toll on families

April 19 – April 22 – Dr. Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President of The Korea Society expressed condolences on South Korea’s national tragedy and explains approaches on President Obama’s visit to Asia. Four television appearances on CNN Newsroom Live, including an appearance on Bloomberg Radio and Voice of America Crossroads Asia Radio.

 

2/17/14

Experts Praise Exposure of Pyongyang’s Abuses

February 17 (VOA) — Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of The Korea Society, comments United Nations report that accuses North Korea of “unspeakable atrocities” and crimes against humanity.

Read Here

 

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1/27/14

CNN: How Choco Pie infiltrated North Korea’s sweet tooth

January 27 (CNN) — Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of The Korea Society, comments on the North Korea’s black market on South Korean snack, Choco Pie.

Watch Here

 

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12/11/13

The Takeaway

December 11 (The Takeaway) — Ambassador Thomas Hubbard, chairman of the Korea Society, appeared on Public Radio International’s The Takeaway. He discussed the significance of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ousting his uncle and mentor Jang Song-thaek from office with host John Hockenberry

Listen Here

 

 

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4/15/13 

Bloomberg: N. Korea Needs to Save Face in De-Escalation

April 15 (Bloomberg) — Sue Mi Terry, analyst at Eurasia Group and Stephen Noerper, senior vice president at The Korea Society, discuss the latest on North Korean nuclear threats as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urges the country to join nuclear talks. They speak on Bloomberg Television’s “Bloomberg Surveillance.”

 Watch Here

 

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4/12/13

Bloomberg: Tensions Rise on The Korean Peninsula

 

April 12 (Bloomberg) — Stephen Noerper, Senior Vice President at The Korea Society, discusses the mounting tensions between the U.S., South Korea and North Korea. He speaks on Bloomberg Television’s “Market Makers.” (Source: Bloomberg)

 Watch Here

 

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4/4/13

C-SPAN: North Korean History and Culture

April 4 (C-SPAN) — Thomas Hubbard, chairman of The Korea Society, talked about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as the culture and history of North Korea and its relationship with South Korea, and other topics. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. (Source: C-SPAN)

Watch Here

 

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3/15/13

Bloomberg: Samsung Source of Korean National Pride

March 15 (Bloomberg) — Stephen Noerper, senior vice president at The Korea Society, discusses Samsung as a source of national pride in Korea and how the company has come to be Apple’s biggest competition in the smartphone market. He speaks on Bloomberg Television’s “Bloomberg Surveillance.” (Source: Bloomberg)

Watch Here

 

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