Korea and Southeast Asia

What is it about?

The relationship between North Korea and South Korea is usually treated as one that is shaped by broader dynamics involving the United States and other parts of Northeast Asia. However, Southeast Asia also has roles to play. North Korea has a history of ties with several countries in Southeast Asia. South Korea has rapidly growing aid, trade, diplomatic, and investment relationships in Southeast Asia. The region also hosted the historic US-DPRK summits in 2018 and 2019. Both North and South Korea participate in fora connected with ASEAN.

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Why is it important?

Southeast Asia has been overlooked as a region with potential to influence and improve relations between South and North Korea. Given developments in the past few years, it is a good time to reflect on ways that Southeast Asia can play a role in inter-Korean relations.