On July 28 at 1:00 P.M., Korea University (KU) President Kim Dong-won hosted an academic conference focusing on the theme “70 Years of the Republic of Korea (ROK) – United States (U.S.) Alliance” and its future. In collaboration with the Reunification and International Peace Center (RIPC), the event brought together experts from both countries and featured presentations related to the possible evolution of their long-term alliance. In particular, the discussions focused on the changes in the alliance under the growing competition between the U.S. and China, an increasing anti-American sentiment in the ROK, and the necessity to respond to the current global tensions with renovated defense strategies.

The strong political axis between Seoul and Washington was once again recognized as a crucial pillar of South Korea’s national security and prosperity, with suggestions to further strengthen the cooperation in preparing for challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Professor Kim Myeong-seop (Korean Politics and International Relations, Yonsei University) also emphasized that “citizens and soldiers of both countries need to be sufficiently educated about the historical and civil meaning of the alliance.” Overall, this conference attempted to shed light on the future steps of this cooperation amidst an ever-changing international order and new technological competitors.