2023 Korea-U.S Relations Outlook

Lee Sang Hyun

(shlee@sejong.org)

President,

The Sejong Institute

     Since the Yoon Suk-Yeol government took office in May 2022, Korea-U.S. relations are considered to be in the best condition. In 2023, Korea-U.S. relations are expected to become important to coordinate the national interests and priorities of the two countries in an era of infinite competition amid fragmented international order.

     The most representative of them is the Indo-Pacific strategy. At the Korean Peninsula level, responding to the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear missiles is an urgent task. Coordination for economic and security cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. will also be an important task.

     Finally, it is necessary to prepare for complaints that may arise from a balanced approach between value diplomacy and national interests or a conflict between values and interests. Even if it aims for value diplomacy, it is also necessary to show consideration to the need for flexibility, strategic autonomy, or resilience of the diplomatic and security posture amid the deepening confrontation structure of the new Cold War.