8th Tongil Hanguk Forum – Transmutations in Security on the Korean Peninsula and South Korean Counterstrategies

The forum was opened by its president Mr. Son Jae-shik, whose introductory speech was complemented by a short speech of Hyun Kyung-dae, honorary advisor of the IPA. A presentation of Dr. Seliger followed, in which he presented the experiences and work of HSF in North Korea. He stressed the importance of re-opening and maintaining dialogue.

Afterwards Prof. Jeon Ok-hyun, former deputy head of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), spoke about the current division of the South Korean government, North Korean nuclear weapons and the marginal role the media is taking on regarding these issues.

Five experts were invited to participate in the discussion panel that was led by Prof. Nam Seong-wook (Director of the Graduate School of Public Administration, Korea University). In this discussion, experts could share their various opinions regarding security on the Korean Peninsula and possible counterstrategies. Mr. KoYeon-hwan, Vice-Director of the Institute of National Security Strategy, expressed his concern regarding the current stability in South Korea. Dr. Wang Seon-taek, YTN representative for unification issues, called for a better and independent preparation of South Korea.

In a concluding remark, Mr. Shin Yeong-seok, chair of the IPA, thanked the panellists for their participation and closed the forum.