Jeong Byungha, Special Representative for Arctic Cooperation: "Korea's 'Arctic Diplomacy' Driven by Technology Is Crucial" [Arctic, The New Route to Hegemony] ⑨

Interview with Special Representative Jeong Byungha
The Starting Point of Arctic Diplomacy

"Climate change in the Arctic is not limited to that region alone but affects countries around the world, including the Korean Peninsula. The starting point of 'Arctic diplomacy' is to consider what kind of role we should play as a responsible nation in addressing climate change and protecting the Arctic ecosystem."

Jeong Byungha, Special Representative for Arctic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is speaking at the "2025 Arctic Circle Assembly" held at Harpa Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland. Arctic Circle

Jeong Byungha, Special Representative for Arctic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (age 57, 27th class of the Foreign Service Examination, pictured), who led the government delegation to Reykjavik, Iceland for the "2025 Arctic Circle Assembly," shared these remarks in an interview with The Asia Business Daily on October 17 (local time), when asked to introduce the Korean government's diplomatic activities in the Arctic. Jeong is a career diplomat who previously served as Minister-Counselor at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Director-General for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador to Kuwait.

Diplomacy in the Arctic remains somewhat unfamiliar to the general public. Since 2013, the government has participated as an observer in the Arctic Council, engaging in diplomatic activities for over a decade. Domestic research institutes, such as the Korea Polar Research Institute, have also expanded their networks, but these efforts have not been widely publicized. Interest has been growing recently, however, as the new administration has included the "Arctic shipping route" as a core national agenda item. Still, the shipping route is only one aspect; the Arctic region requires far more comprehensive diplomatic activities, such as scientific cooperation and communication with indigenous peoples.

Jeong emphasized, "Issues such as the protection of the Arctic ecosystem and environment cannot be fully addressed by the efforts of Arctic countries alone," adding, "Korea is recognized as a trustworthy partner in the Arctic region, which means there is significant potential for us to participate and cooperate." He continued, "We are also focusing our diplomatic efforts on maintaining bilateral consultation channels with countries in the Arctic Council and promoting cooperation between governments and scientists."

The government established the position of Special Representative for Arctic Cooperation (formerly Arctic Cooperation Representative) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the first time in 2015. As the only observer country in the Arctic Council to do so, Korea has hosted the "Arctic Cooperation Week" at the end of every year since 2016, marking its 10th anniversary this year. This event is particularly significant as it is the only comprehensive Arctic event held outside the Arctic region.

Understanding indigenous peoples, which is essential in diplomacy, has always been included in annual discussions on Arctic issues. In 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (as the government representative), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and domestic Arctic research experts launched the "Arctic Cooperation Network (KoNAC)," which remains highly active. This is part of what is called "science diplomacy." Notably, Korea has successfully hosted the Conference of the Parties to the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA) for three consecutive years.

Regarding the recent surge in domestic interest in the Arctic shipping route, Jeong said, "In the past, the Arctic was a region completely frozen and isolated, but now, as glaciers melt, its connection to us has grown stronger." He stressed, "To seize economic opportunities, it is essential to actively participate in the international community's Arctic governance."

Jeong also personally attended the session introducing Korea's next-generation icebreaker, stating, "The next-generation icebreaker is one of the key elements in Arctic development," and "It is extremely important that we have developed and possess this core technology." He urged, "We must move forward by cooperating with other countries through diplomatic dialogue and maximizing the benefits that can arise from such opportunities."