The international conference, jointly hosted by the University of North Korean Studies and the East Asia Institute, convened on Tuesday, July 2nd under the title "Unification of the Korean Peninsula: International Cooperation and Strategy for the Future." Sponsored by the Ministry of Unification, the conference served as a platform to assess the current state of the Korean Peninsula's unification and to exchange perspectives from the United States, China, Japan, and Europe on the international community's responsibilities and roles. An in-depth discussion proceeded by exploring the potential for innovative approaches to address the issue of unification within the context of the advancing and widespread adoption of cutting-edge information and communication technologies, recognized as mega trends. This session involved multifaceted discussions on the potential for change in North Korea across dimensions such as military security, societal transformation, and the realm of knowledge and information.

 

Highlights from the conference will be shared through the issue briefing reports (in English) and a series of commentary videos.

 

· Date: Tuesday, July 2, 9:30 AM – 1:10 PM

· Location: Jeongsan Hall, University of North Korean Studies

 

[Session 1 Roundtable - International Cooperation for Korean Unification: Perspectives from the U.S, China, Japan, and the EU]

 

Moderator

AHN Ho-Young (IFES of Kyungnam University)

 

Panelists

Scott SNYDER (Korea Economic Institute of America)

CHENG Xiaohe (Renmin University of China)

NISHINO Junya (Keio University)

Michael REITERER (Brussels School of Governance)

 

[Session 2 Presentation & Discussion- Vision for Future Unification of the Korean Peninsula: Security and Society Transformation under the AI Revolution]

 

Moderator

HA Young-Sun (EAI; Seoul National University)

 

Presenters

Gary SAMORE (Brandeis University) “Tailored Deterrence Strategy on the Korean Peninsula”

Ken GAUSE (Institute for Defense Analyses) “4IR and the Future of the North Korean Police State”

CHUN Chaesung (EAI; Seoul National University) “Knowledge State in the Era of Generative AI and the Future of the Korean Peninsula”

 

Discussants

KIM Yang Gyu (EAI; Seoul National University)

YU Youngsoo (University of North Korean Studies)

LEE Seungjoo (EAI; Chung-Ang University)