Global Agenda Council on Korea 2013
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South Korea, the Korean Peninsula and North-East Asia have undergone dramatic changes over the past few decades, including imperialism, conflict, industrialization and democratization. These changes, along with the uncertainty and complexity of the region’s issues, have important implications and a strong bearing on today’s interlinked, globalized world.
Referred to as an “Asian economic miracle”, South Korea has experienced great growth in past decades and has become one of the most vibrant, dynamic and developed countries in the world. South Korea is now seeking to achieve another economic take-off thanks to innovation and talent in IT technologies and the cultural industry. However, the country still faces important challenges and finds itself at a critical juncture. The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012 ranked South Korea in 24th place, and noted ongoing weaknesses in its institutions, labour market efficiency and financial market development. In addition, the state of North Korea, and the recent transfer of power, has serious implications for global security, economic development and foreign relations that remain as yet unknown.
Of all the critical issues affecting regional stability in North-East Asia, those surrounding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are arguably the most serious and immediate, with implications not only for the Asian region but also for the wider global community.
- South Korean society is one of the most homogenous in the world, with most of the population sharing the same culture, language and traditions.
- South Korea is one of Asia’s liveliest democracies and the world’s 15th largest economy.
- South Korea is the most wired country on Earth.
“If we can create some sort of multilateral security cooperation regime, and if this multilateral cooperation regime can mitigate bilateral tensions by acting as a mediator, then overt tension in the region can be effectively contained and we can provide ourselves a real shot at comprehensive security in the region.”
Chung-In Moon, Professor of Political Science, Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
A “new model” for engaging North Korea
The Politics and International Relations of Modern Korea: Understanding the Politics and Economics of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea, John Swenson-Wright, Taylor & Francis, 5 July, 2010
Asia in the Age of the Pivot: Understanding Asia in the 21st Century, interview with Chung-In Moon
Blog posts by Ruediger Frank
Articles and interviews about South Korean politics and culture particularly from the perspective of the new younger generation on the website of Geun Lee’s Private Think Tank “Miraege”
World Economic Forum on East Asia
3-5 June 2013
Yangon, Myanmar
Membership of the Global Agenda Council on Korea includes leading thinkers drawn from a diversity of expertise and backgrounds. The Council seeks to explore the unique economic and geopolitical challenges facing South Korea today. It will focus on current issues and engage with other Councils to develop viable roadmaps and tangible outcomes.
The main focus of the Council’s work will include:
- Developing a strategy for strong and sustainable economic growth in South Korea over the next decade
- Conducting a management and risk analysis of the challenges associated with North Korea
- Investigating economic democracy and corporate resilience in South Korea
- Harnessing South Korea’s new talents and new sectors, such as the cultural industry
- Establishing global connections to tackle national and global agendas
Research Analyst: Karen Wong, Associate, Global Agenda Councils, karen.wong@weforum.org
Council Manager: Joo-Ok Lee, Senior Community Manager, Asia, joo-ok.lee@weforum.org
Forum Lead: Sushant Palakurthi Rao, Senior Director, Head of Asia, sushant.palakurthirao@weforum.org
