IDAS Series -- South Korea’s Evolving Regional Outlook and Strategies Toward the Indo-Pacific
Date :
2025-12-05
Department :
International Doctoral Program in Asia-Pacific Studies
【Article by IDAS】
Changing international systems require a transformation in the conduct of foreign policy – a salient point of discussion as smaller states contend with shifting regional dynamics. Professor of Indo-Pacific Studies in Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Dr. Wongi Choe, presented the governing factors in South Korea’s shift in foreign policy, “South Korea’s Evolving Regional Outlook and Strategic Toward the Indo-Pacific” held on 26 November 2025. The lecture was organized by National Chengchi University’s (NCCU) International Doctoral Program on Asia-Pacific Studies (IDAS).
Dr. Choe began by situating South Korea’s foreign policy transformation within its historical and geographical context. Traditionally, South Korea’s geopolitical perception has been characterized by a sense of vulnerability—viewing itself as a small nation surrounded by great powers. However, this perspective is going through a period of adjustment. South Korea is reimagining its geopolitical role not as a silent observer but as a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific region. He outlined the key challenges confronting South Korea: maintaining political and economic independence amid powerful neighbors, sustaining prosperity, upholding democratic values, and managing the persistent threat posed by North Korea. Dr. Choe emphasized that South Korea’s regional strategy is deeply influenced by its polarized domestic politics, where progressive and conservative factions have diverging positions on the country’s strategic direction.
Historically, South Korea’s foreign policy exhibited a form of “strategic myopia,” narrowly focused on the Korean Peninsula and focused on managing great-power dynamics. This limited horizon led to indifference toward broader regional security concerns and a lack of responsibility for regional stability. However, recent developments have necessitated an expansion of South Korea’s strategic outlook, prompting a recalibration of its foreign policy. A major turning point came in 2017, following China’s economic retaliation against Seoul’s deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system by imposing informal economic sanctions. This episode revealed the vulnerabilities of South Korea’s economic dependence on China, demonstrating economic interdependence could easily be transformed into a coercive tool. In response, South Korea launched the New Southern Policy (2017–2022) to diversify its economic relations toward the emerging markets of Southeast Asia and India.
Building upon this foundation, the Indo-Pacific Strategy (2022–2025) marks a decisive strategic transformation underscoring South Korea’s commitment to a rules-based international order and its intention to deepen ties with like-minded states. It highlights the growing importance of maritime security, particularly in protecting vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These developments reflect Seoul’s strategic awakening and a newfound sense of confidence in contributing to the liberal international order that enabled its prosperity. Dr. Choe observed that this transformation reflects South Korea’s desire to recalibrate its bilateral relations with China toward a more reciprocal and balanced footing. This sentiment captures the shifting public perception in South Korea, particularly among younger generations, who increasingly view China with skepticism. The broader economic realignment away from Chinese dependence further reinforces this trend.
During the forum discussion, participants explored whether South Korea could overcome its historical and political obstacles to cooperate more effectively with Japan, especially as external challenges mount. Dr. Choe noted that sustained progress would require overcoming entrenched partisan divisions within South Korea’s domestic politics. Regarding South Korea’s relations with Europe, he noted that continued engagement with NATO and European partners will likely depend on how Seoul manages its complex relationship with China. He noted that South Korea’s new approach to diplomacy is not confrontational but maturation to the point it can express strategic preferences.
In conclusion, the lecture presented a compelling set of international political conundrums faced by a state going through a change in its perception of its own position in the international system, while navigating a volatile geopolitical situation. The attendees gained an understanding on the broader geopolitical consequences on the contested terrain of international foreign policy. These discussions underscored the need for continued critical inquiry into the political dilemma of diplomatic relations in an ever-contested international system.
Changing international systems require a transformation in the conduct of foreign policy – a salient point of discussion as smaller states contend with shifting regional dynamics. Professor of Indo-Pacific Studies in Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Dr. Wongi Choe, presented the governing factors in South Korea’s shift in foreign policy, “South Korea’s Evolving Regional Outlook and Strategic Toward the Indo-Pacific” held on 26 November 2025. The lecture was organized by National Chengchi University’s (NCCU) International Doctoral Program on Asia-Pacific Studies (IDAS).
Dr. Choe began by situating South Korea’s foreign policy transformation within its historical and geographical context. Traditionally, South Korea’s geopolitical perception has been characterized by a sense of vulnerability—viewing itself as a small nation surrounded by great powers. However, this perspective is going through a period of adjustment. South Korea is reimagining its geopolitical role not as a silent observer but as a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific region. He outlined the key challenges confronting South Korea: maintaining political and economic independence amid powerful neighbors, sustaining prosperity, upholding democratic values, and managing the persistent threat posed by North Korea. Dr. Choe emphasized that South Korea’s regional strategy is deeply influenced by its polarized domestic politics, where progressive and conservative factions have diverging positions on the country’s strategic direction.
Historically, South Korea’s foreign policy exhibited a form of “strategic myopia,” narrowly focused on the Korean Peninsula and focused on managing great-power dynamics. This limited horizon led to indifference toward broader regional security concerns and a lack of responsibility for regional stability. However, recent developments have necessitated an expansion of South Korea’s strategic outlook, prompting a recalibration of its foreign policy. A major turning point came in 2017, following China’s economic retaliation against Seoul’s deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system by imposing informal economic sanctions. This episode revealed the vulnerabilities of South Korea’s economic dependence on China, demonstrating economic interdependence could easily be transformed into a coercive tool. In response, South Korea launched the New Southern Policy (2017–2022) to diversify its economic relations toward the emerging markets of Southeast Asia and India.
Building upon this foundation, the Indo-Pacific Strategy (2022–2025) marks a decisive strategic transformation underscoring South Korea’s commitment to a rules-based international order and its intention to deepen ties with like-minded states. It highlights the growing importance of maritime security, particularly in protecting vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These developments reflect Seoul’s strategic awakening and a newfound sense of confidence in contributing to the liberal international order that enabled its prosperity. Dr. Choe observed that this transformation reflects South Korea’s desire to recalibrate its bilateral relations with China toward a more reciprocal and balanced footing. This sentiment captures the shifting public perception in South Korea, particularly among younger generations, who increasingly view China with skepticism. The broader economic realignment away from Chinese dependence further reinforces this trend.
During the forum discussion, participants explored whether South Korea could overcome its historical and political obstacles to cooperate more effectively with Japan, especially as external challenges mount. Dr. Choe noted that sustained progress would require overcoming entrenched partisan divisions within South Korea’s domestic politics. Regarding South Korea’s relations with Europe, he noted that continued engagement with NATO and European partners will likely depend on how Seoul manages its complex relationship with China. He noted that South Korea’s new approach to diplomacy is not confrontational but maturation to the point it can express strategic preferences.
In conclusion, the lecture presented a compelling set of international political conundrums faced by a state going through a change in its perception of its own position in the international system, while navigating a volatile geopolitical situation. The attendees gained an understanding on the broader geopolitical consequences on the contested terrain of international foreign policy. These discussions underscored the need for continued critical inquiry into the political dilemma of diplomatic relations in an ever-contested international system.