Inter-Korean Relations

  • Privileged but Powerless: How North Korean Elite Grievances Reveal the Regime’s Greatest Weakness

    Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 4:00 PM
    Join us for a discussion with Dr. Jieun Baek, author of “Privileged but Powerless: How North Korean Elite Grievances Reveal the Regime’s Greatest Weakness.” In conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado, Baek reveals a world of forbidden information, simmering resentment, and survival-driven masks, based on hundreds of hours of interviews with high-level escapees. Baek argues that this performative loyalty, born of fear and a desire to survive, obscures a critical vulnerability within the regime’s core.... Read More
  • America's Taiwan Dilemma: Allies' Reactions and the Stakes for US Reputation

    Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 4:00 PM
    Join us for a discussion with Mark Christopher, author of the new book: America's Taiwan Dilemma: Allies' Reactions and the Stakes for US Reputation. In conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado, Cristopher unpacks the findings from his rigorous open-source analysis of how America’s key allies—South Korea, Japan, and Australia—would respond to US intervention or inaction in a Taiwan conflict. If Beijing attempts to forcibly annex Taiwan, Washington’s decisions will have far-reaching consequences for its... Read More
  • Korean Messiah with Jonathan Cheng

    Monday, April 13, 2026 | 6:30 PM
    Join us for a book talk with Jonathan Cheng, author of the new history book Korean Messiah, which explores “the rise of the Kim dynasty and its surprising ties to American Christianity.” In the book, Cheng, who is The Wall Street Journal’s current China bureau chief and former Korea bureau chief, documents the profusion and lasting impact of Christianity in North Korea’s current capital of Pyongyang, which was once described as the “Jerusalem of the East.” Based on letters, diaries, and archival materials, his... Read More
  • Spotlight: Resources on Korea and U.S.-Korea Relations

    Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 8:00 AM
    Join us for a virtual tour of archival resources about Korea and U.S.-Korea relations available for virtual and U.S.-based researchers. This discussion highlights a diverse array of both longstanding and emerging collections, providing a wide survey of available historical resources. How can educators, researchers, historians, writers, and students best take advantage of this treasure trove of materials? What stories await and what impact can they have? What are some tips and tricks from librarians, center... Read More
  • South Korea's Nuclear Submarine Strategy

    Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 8:00 AM
    • Youtube Video:
    Join us for a virtual program examining the geopolitical impact of South Korea's development of nuclear submarines. When Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung hosted US President Donald Trump for a State Visit in Gyeongju, South Korea in October of last year, the allies committed to developing the maritime and nuclear relationship. A Fact Sheet published after the summit meeting describes that: "The United States has given approval for the ROK to build nuclear-powered attack submarines… [and] will... Read More
  • Sweden's Role in Korean Peninsula Diplomacy with Ambassador Peter Semneby

    Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM
    • Youtube Video:
    Join us for a discussion with Ambassador Peter Semneby, the Swedish Government's Special Envoy for the Korean Peninsula. In conversation with policy director Jonathan Corrado, Ambassador Semneby will provide a brief overview history of Sweden's role in Korea, examine Sweden's convening capacity as exhibited in 2018-2019, investigate whether Sweden's interests and perspective have been affected by North Korea's involvement in the Russo-Ukraine War and Sweden's ascension to NATO, and explore ideas for how to break... Read More
  • US-Korea Cooperation Across Domains and Through History

    Friday, November 14, 2025 | 8:00 AM
    • Youtube Video:
    Join us for a timely and insightful exploration of all the key issues affecting the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) relationship. The Van Fleet Policy Forum is The Korea Society’s flagship policy event. Through panel discussions, keynote remarks, and networking opportunities, the forum convenes senior thought leaders from the US and Korea for dynamic, informative, and analytical discussions on security, diplomacy, geoeconomics, and alliance history. A full program agenda and speaker bios can be seen below.This... Read More
  • The Unseen Resilience of North Korean Female Defectors

    Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM
    • Youtube Video:
    Join us for a discussion on the unseen resilience of North Korean female defectors. Kim Seonghui and Na Min-Hee provide powerful personal testimony, describing their life and experiences in North Korea, their escape, and their new life in South Korea. Human rights advocate and expert Kwon EunKyoung joins the discussion, which is moderated by policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program is made possible by the generous support of our individual and corporate members and the Korea Foundation.     The Unseen... Read More
  • North Korea’s Evolving Cyber Strategy

    Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM
    • Youtube Video:
    Join us for a discussion on the rising scale and sophistication of North Korea’s cyber operations with Mitch Haszard, senior threat intelligence analyst at Recorded Future, and Scott Kardas, geopolitical threat intelligence analyst at Recorded Future. How does North Korea’s cyber activities fit into the Kim regime’s larger goals? How can the U.S., South Korea, and the broader international community respond to this threat? This program will follow the evolution and growing magnitude of the regime’s cyber... Read More
  • Remembering The Korean War

    Friday, July 25, 2025 | 12:30 PM
    • Youtube Video:
    Join us for a conversation on the enduring legacy and impact of The Korean War and the U.S.-Korea Alliance. The Korean War Armistice Agreement, which remains in effect today, was signed 72 years ago on July 27, 1953.  The program opens with prerecorded remarks from Korea Society president and CEO Tom Byrne filmed at the base of the Korean War Memorial in Kissena Corridor Park in Flushing, Queens titled: Remembering ‘The Forgotten War.’  Introductory remarks are provided by Consul Choong-geon Lee from the... Read More