[Book Review] The Path Ahead for 'Hanguk Oegyo' Seen from the Shoulders of Giants

Book 'Hanguk Oegyo-ui Gil', Scholars Answer
Asia Economy 'Diplomacy Odyssey' Series Summary
8 Diplomacy Experts Advise on Korean Diplomacy and Global Affairs
In US-China Dilemma, Decisions Should Follow 'Common Sense Guardrails'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The idiom 'Ganeojecho (間於齊楚)' refers to the geopolitical position of the Deng state caught between the powerful states of Qi and Chu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, meaning 'the weak caught between the strong.' South Korea’s situation, wavering between the United States and China, can truly be described as Ganeojecho.

The increasingly deepening U.S.-China confrontation, the rising possibility of North Korean nuclear tests, and conflicts with Japan over historical issues have created a tangled and complex political and diplomatic situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, like an inextricable ball of yarn. While the public hopes for a brilliant solution to unravel this knot, like the 'Gordian Knot' in mythology, reality remains challenging.

This book serves as a guiding beacon amid such frustrating realities. Compiled by Professor Hwang Jae-ho of the Department of International Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, who led the 'Diplomatic Odyssey' series at Asia Economy last year, the book gathers dialogues with eight diplomatic and security experts conducted through Asia Economy and The Korea Herald, offering insightful diagnoses on U.S.-China relations, North Korean issues, and the future path of Korean diplomacy.

The book features the voices of experts who have actively engaged in the historical field of Korean diplomacy, including ▲Jeong Se-hyun, former Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council ▲Yoon Young-kwan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade ▲Moon Jung-in, Chairman of the Sejong Institute ▲Han Seung-joo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs ▲Lee Jong-seok, former Minister of Unification ▲Ha Young-sun, Professor Emeritus at Seoul National University ▲Wi Sung-rak, former Ambassador to Russia ▲Kim Jong-hwi, former Senior Secretary for Foreign and Security Affairs.

What these experts unanimously emphasize as necessary for Korean diplomacy is 'autonomy.' Yoon Young-kwan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, cites Singapore’s 'principled diplomacy,' which sentenced an American to caning, as a model and points out, "In Korea’s case, successive governments may not have deeply considered the importance of diplomatic principles." Jeong Se-hyun, former Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, also states, "It is true that the U.S. intervention in the Korean War led to victory and helped Korea’s development, and we should be grateful for that, but Korea, as the world’s 10th largest economy and 6th largest military power, needs to establish diplomatic self-centeredness."

There is also a call for 'diplomacy that speaks up' not only to the U.S. but also to China. Han Seung-joo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed regret over the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) situation, saying, "Korea could have responded differently," and emphasized that diplomacy that blindly obeys China is undesirable.

The book also contains realistic voices regarding the issue of unification with North Korea. Lee Jong-seok, former Minister of Unification, points out that while unification can be discussed from a 'discourse' perspective, it is difficult in practical terms. He says, "The so-called unification method with one system, ideology, and political regime that we have talked about is almost impossible," and views a confederation-type unification as a feasible form.

Professor Hwang, who compiled this book, proposes ten policies for Korean diplomacy at the end, based on the advice of these scholars. These include ▲Overcoming geographical and psychological constraints ▲Establishing a multi-layered and multi-dimensional cooperation system with the U.S. ▲Concrete strategic cooperation between Korea and China ▲Judging the U.S.-China choice dilemma according to the 'guardrails of common sense' ▲Parallel use of strategic ambiguity and strategic clarity ▲Coordinating the positions of relevant countries for a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula ▲Focusing on new economy and new security ▲Tailored and comprehensive public diplomacy for counterpart countries ▲Diplomatic and security policies transcending political factions ▲Organizational reform and innovation of diplomatic capabilities. He currently serves as a policy advisory member of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, invited research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, director of the Korean Association of International Studies, and president of the Global Strategy Cooperation Institute.

The Path of Korean Diplomacy, Answered by Scholars｜Edited by Hwang Jae-ho｜Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Knowledge Publishing｜204 pages｜19,000 KRW