Eye on Korea

AUKUS, South Korea, and the Future of Indo-Pacific Security | Ep. 8

Former Pentagon official Abraham Denmark joins the show to unpack the strategic future of AUKUS and what it means for South Korea. Drawing on his prominent role in the partnership’s rollout, Abraham explains why AUKUS is more than submarines — and how the pact’s second pillar, focused on advanced technologies like AI, cyber, and quantum, opens new doors for broader U.S. ally participation.
We discuss what it would take for South Korea to collaborate more deeply on defense innovation, why shipbuilding and uncrewed systems are rising priorities, and how Seoul can position itself in a changing Indo-Pacific defense landscape. Denmark also shares insights on the challenge of adapting to a potentially transactional U.S. foreign policy, and why steady engagement will be key in a second Trump administration.
Other topics include: foreign military sales reform, the growing strategic role of South Korea’s defense industry, and what a values-based alliance really looks like in an era of shifting geopolitics.
Mr. Abraham M. Denmark is a Partner at The Asia Group (TAG), where he co-leads the Defense & National Security Practice and supports multiple country teams across TAG. With over 20 years of experience inside and outside of government, Mr. Denmark is a leading specialist in the security and geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific and on U.S. strategy and policy toward the region. Mr. Denmark most recently served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III (2022-2024). In this role, Mr. Denmark led and coordinated the Department of Defense’s efforts to develop and implement the historic AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.Like and subscribe to the Korea Economic Institute of America on YouTube for more U.S.-South Korea news, analysis, politics and more!
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

What a War Over Taiwan Might Mean for the U.S.-ROK Alliance | Ep. 7

KEI’s Fellow and Director of Academic Affairs Clint Work joins the show to speak about his recently published report, “Siloed No More: The U.S.-ROK Alliance and a Taiwan Conflict.” Accompanied by KEI’s Director of Communications Arius Derr, the two dive into the report’s examination of sentiments in both South Korea and the United States around a potential conflict over Taiwan, as well as the possibilities of how that conflict would play out.
More about the report: this project was motivated by and builds upon earlier research tracing the evolution and apparent alignment of U.S. and South Korean signaling on Taiwan, wherein the South Korean government adopted a more outspoken position regarding “the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait” and framed it in increasingly expansive terms—as a regional and global issue yet also directly linked to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. The previous research indicated the U.S.-ROK alliance faced a gap between its topline diplomatic rhetoric on Taiwan and its preparedness to navigate an actual conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan and the attendant risk of a simultaneous conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
This project aimed to go beyond diplomatic rhetoric. Forty-two interviews were conducted from June 2024 to February 2025 in both Washington and Seoul. Most were in-person interviews with some conducted virtually or by written response via email. Through these interviews with U.S. and ROK current and former government officials, think tank experts, and academics—as well as open-source research—this project offers insight on the evolution and state of U.S.-ROK alliance discussions on a Taiwan conflict, key challenges obstructing such discussions, and critical variables or dynamics the alliance would have to navigate in the event of a conflict.
Read the full report here: https://keia.org/publication/siloed-no-more-the-u-s-rok-alliance-and-a-taiwan-conflict/
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Why America’s Manufacturing Future Depends On South Korea | Ep. 6

Former U.S. government official Don Graves joins the show to break down key issues in trade and investment, from cleantech and semiconductors to AI and robotics. He explains why these are “smart” investments for South Korea and what U.S. companies can unlock in the Indo-Pacific market through greater trade on the peninsula.
We discuss the long-term impact of the CHIPS Act and how it’s making it easier to attract South Korean and other foreign companies to the U.S. Graves also analyzes why tariffs may be a useful tool when applied thoughtfully, how unpredictability could undercut South Korean investment, and what Hyundai’s massive new steel plant and LNG purchase commitments are redefining what it means to be “Made in America.”
Other key topics include refinery capacity, and why the White House is right to be concerned about unfair Chinese trade practices—though a trade war isn’t the best way to respond. Plus, why the future of AI and quantum computing runs through South Korea and why neither the U.S. nor South Korea can fully leverage the gains from these technologies unless they are fully in sync.
Don Graves served as the 19th Deputy Secretary of Commerce under the Biden administration, where he led policy development on a range of issues including national security, bilateral trade, industrial strategy, and commercial space development. Mr. Graves served as Economic Growth Coordinator for Puerto Rico and was a member of the Helsinki Commission. He is currently a fellow at the Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service. Prior to his service in the Biden administration, Mr. Graves was the Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations at Key Bank.
Like and subscribe to the Korea Economic Institute of America on YouTube for more U.S.-South Korea news, analysis, politics and more!
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

How South Korea Is Helping the U.S. Modernize Its Shipbuilding Industry | Ep. 5

The U.S. shipbuilding industry is facing major challenges, but could South Korea be the key to revitalizing it? In this episode of Eye on Korea, we explore the growing collaboration between Korean and American shipbuilders, the role of AI and automation in naval production, and the legislative efforts that could reshape the future of naval defense manufacturing. Our guest, Steve Brock, retired U.S. Navy Captain and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Navy, shares his insights on how South Korea’s advanced shipbuilding expertise could help revitalize U.S. shipyards. He discusses the recent Philly Shipyard acquisition by Hanwha Ocean, the evolving role of submarines in national security, and the impact of AI-driven innovation on naval production. We also examine the challenges and opportunities that come with increased foreign involvement in U.S. defense manufacturing and what it means for the future of military readiness.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Lessons from a Former Ambassador: Building a “Win-Win” U.S.-Korea Alliance | Ep. 4

In this episode of Eye on Korea, Ambassador Ahn Ho-Young, former South Korean Ambassador to the U.S., shares his insights on the evolving U.S.-Korea relationship during President Trump's second term. Drawing from his experience during the first Trump administration, Ambassador Ahn discusses how current policies may shape the alliance.
Our discussion covers key challenges and opportunities, including trade tensions, security cooperation, and the broader geopolitical landscape. Ambassador Ahn examines the impact of recent tariffs, Korea's strategic investments in the U.S., and the importance of maintaining a "win-win" approach to economic and defense collaboration. We also explore Trump’s "peace through strength" doctrine and prospects for renewed diplomacy with North Korea.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Trump 2.0 Tariffs: Trade Wars & Korea's Economic Future | Ep. 3

In this episode of Eye on Korea, we are joined by Wendy Cutler, Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute and a former senior U.S. trade negotiator. With extensive experience shaping U.S. trade policy, Wendy provides insights into the evolving economic relationship between the United States and Korea.
 
We examine how the Trump administration’s trade policies and tariffs will influence Korea’s economic landscape. Wendy also offers her perspective on the broader shifts in U.S. trade strategy and how they impact key sectors in both countries. We discuss potential areas for U.S.-Korea cooperation, the challenges facing Korean businesses, and what policymakers should consider as they navigate this changing environment.
 
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

Biden's Legacy and Trump's Ongoing Challenges | Ep. 2

This week's episode of Eye on Korea explores the evolving U.S.-Korea alliance and its implications for regional security and North Korea policy. Dr. Jung H. Pak, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, shares her expertise on North Korea’s cyber threats, the future of trilateral cooperation with Japan, and the broader Indo-Pacific security landscape.
Dr. Pak offers her perspective on how the trade policies of both the Biden and Trump administrations, along with broader diplomatic and strategic shifts, have influenced U.S.-South Korea relations and could shape future U.S. policy in the region.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]

US Economic Policy in the First Week of Trump 2.0 | Ep. 1

KEI is proud to debut Eye on Korea, a program designed to provide expert analysis on the most pressing issues shaping US-Korea relations.
Today's episode highlights how the new US administration’s trade policies could reshape economic ties with South Korea. As former senior vice president for Asia at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tami Overby brings decades of experience in trade negotiations, market access, and economic strategy. Her discussion will provide insights into potential policy shifts, trade barriers, and opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
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[KEI is registered under the FARA as an agent of the KIEP, a public corporation established by the government of the Republic of Korea. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.]