A South Korean expert highlighted the country’s proactive engagement in the cyber domain, suggesting it could position South Korea as a pivotal player in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jung Sung-chul, an associate professor at the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Myongji University, began his speech by discussing the role of nations in the Indo-Pacific region during the 10th Cyber National Strategy Forum held on Wednesday. The forum focused on the one-year cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the United States following the trilateral summit at Camp David in August of the previous year—known as The Spirit of Camp David. The event was hosted by the Korean Association of Cybersecurity Studies.
Although a nation’s role on the world stage may be self-imposed, the expert emphasized the significance of roles established through relationships with other nations, particularly between powerful countries and smaller ones. Jung mentioned that South Korea is expanding its role following the Camp David summit. Referring to the joint statement, he explained that the U.S. is urging both South Korea and Japan to engage “across domains” and “across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
“Among Asian countries, South Korea and Japan stand out as two democratic nations with unparalleled economic growth and advanced technologies. It is natural for the U.S. to seek a broader regional role for these countries,” said Jung. “Following the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit held last week, where the U.S. aimed to integrate Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, South Korea and Japan are expected to assume a more significant global role over time.”
During the NATO summit on July 10, leaders announced the Washington Summit Declaration, emphasizing the Indo-Pacific’s critical importance due to its direct impact on Euro-Atlantic security.
Jung cautioned that the expanded role could pose significant challenges for the South Korean government, including potential conflicts with neighboring countries such as Russia and China. As a pivotal player, there are questions about whether the South Korean government could actively engage in issues like the Russia-Ukraine war or voice opinions on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While these roles are not currently heavily placed upon South Korea, the expert explained that such responsibilities may arise as the country aims to establish itself as a global player.
To strike a balance between the country’s values, interests, and its role as an international player, the professor emphasized the importance for South Korea to focus on the cyber domain, an area where tensions among countries have not been as heightened compared to geographical disputes. The expert noted that the trilateral partnership between South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. was driven by a shared concern: North Korea’s cyber threats, suspected to fund its illicit gains towards developing nuclear and missile programs.
“Cyber is intertwined with all sectors, including military, intelligence, economy, technology, and norms. When South Korea takes a proactive stance in the cyber domain, it can influence these sectors—from technology to the economy—without directly engaging in sensitive geopolitical issues,” explained the professor. “Consequently, leading in cyber capabilities could also serve the country’s long-term interests and uphold its values.”
Related article: Top think tanks in South Korea and US discussed cybersecurity amid global tensions
Two prestigious think tanks, one based in South Korea and the other in the United States, convened in Seoul on Thursday to explore the current state of the cyber landscape in the Indo-Pacific region amidst shifting geopolitical power dynamics.
On June 27, the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, in collaboration with the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), hosted a Cybersecurity Forum in Seoul, drawing dozens of in-person participants. Both organizations are renowned as independent and non-partisan think tanks, wielding significant influence in shaping policy strategies within the domains of national security and international relations.
Earlier in the day, senior officials in the cybersecurity sector from both countries held a closed-door meeting at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. The afternoon session was open to the public, welcoming journalists and researchers alike. READ MORE
