Media Contributions

Quoted by CNBC regarding a collegial exchange of letters between leaders in Pyongyang and Seoul, despite North Korea's enduring zero-Covid policy and South Korea's pending change in administration (link):

The letters between Moon and Kim do not represent a shift to diplomacy, according to Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. He noted that North Korea has planned military displays. Still, he said the friendly communication between the two sides is "a reminder that inter- Korean relations are not entirely confrontational and should include dialogue."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding the importance of South Korea's political institutions for its foreign policy (link):

Growing South Korea's international role will begin with democratic resilience at home," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.

Quoted in the Malaysia Journal via AFP regarding the South Korean presidential election (link):

"The election is too close to call," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said as polls closed Wednesday. "Lee appears to have gained ground during the polling blackout as progressives predicted," he added, referring to the six days before the vote when polling data is not published.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding Seoul's foreign policy in an international context qualitatively different from a 'new Cold War' (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said, "with challenges simultaneously escalating in Europe and Asia, U.S. allies South Korea and Japan can contribute to defense of the international order by speaking up at the U.N., participating in sanctions enforcement, and helping secure supply chains." As for the growing U.S.-China rivalry, the professor said U.S.-China relations are more complicated than U.S.-Russia relations, which have returned to a Cold War frame. "U.S.-China relations are more intertwined with the future of globalization ― involving trade, climate change, and the ethics of technology ― as well as any hope for the peaceful denuclearization of North Korea."

Quoted in Al Jazeera regarding President Moon Jae-in's final New Year's address (link):

"The Moon administration is drumming up international support for an end- of-war declaration to show diplomatic effort to Pyongyang," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "[The] Kim regime prioritizes sanctions relief over reconciliation with South Korea [and] recent North Korean reactions to Seoul's proposals range from unresponsiveness to spite," Easley said. He pointed to the unrealistic demands both Kim Yo Jong and Pyongyang's U.N. ambassador, Kim Song, have made: curtailing U.S.-South Korea defense cooperation and dismantlement of the United Nations Command that enforces the Korean War armistice.

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding North Korea's receptiveness to an end- of-war declaration (link):

"The Moon administration is drumming up international support for an end- of-war declaration to show diplomatic effort to Pyongyang," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "[The] Kim regime prioritizes sanctions relief over reconciliation with South Korea [and] recent North Korean reactions to Seoul's proposals range from unresponsiveness to spite," Easley said. He pointed to the unrealistic demands both Kim Yo Jong and Pyongyang's U.N. ambassador, Kim Song, have made: curtailing U.S.-South Korea defense cooperation and dismantlement of the United Nations Command that enforces the Korean War armistice.

Quoted in the Asia Times regarding South Korea helping Afghan refugees (link):

"South Korea stepping up to support evacuees from Afghanistan isn't just about a middle-power country carrying its weight as a good global citizen," Leif-Eric Easley, an international relations professor at Seoul's Ewha Womans University said. "It's also a test of how the Washington-Seoul alliance extends beyond the Korean Peninsula."

Quoted in Deutsche Welle regarding why German unification does not offer a model for North and South Korea (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international relations at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, [said that for the two Koreas,] unification remains "a long-term prospect." "While Pyongyang refuses to engage on the many inter-Korean projects that Seoul proposes, [Unification Minister] Lee can seek support and advice from international partners," he said. "One of the lessons from the German experience is that historical change can come quickly and unexpectedly, so advance coordination and preparation are essential. But Europeans know that German unification cannot provide a model. Compared to East Germany, North Korea has been isolated for a longer duration, is more threatening with nuclear weapons and missiles, suffers greater economic mismanagement and commits worse human rights violations." Moreover, he added, the influence of the rising power of China is "a more complicating factor than Russia was for Germany. At the end of the Cold War, Moscow could be paid to respect German preferences. Beijing is more powerful today and determined to exercise its interests over the Korean Peninsula."

Quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding reports overestimating public support for nuclear proliferation (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said while South Korea and Japan had the technology to develop nuclear weapons, domestic support for doing so was only "hypothetical". "[This] would evaporate once the exorbitantly high economic and political costs became clear." [What the polls actually reflect is frustration with China's lack of accountability for North Korea's failure to denuclearize.] Easley said he believed that eventually "international pressure will build for Beijing to join new arms control arrangements."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding President Moon calling for an end-of- war declaration despite a deepening arms race between the two Koreas (link):

"It is wishful thinking to say that an end-of-war declaration would, more than anything else, lead to reconciliation and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula [when it is North Korea's denuclearization that would do that]," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "Moon's genuine motivation is realizing 'irreversible peace,' but his renewed call to symbolically end the Korean War is likely to ring hollow in Pyongyang."

Quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding how the governments of South Korea, Japan and the United States are on the same page about taking a measured diplomatic approach toward North Korea, but for different reasons (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an international relations professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said "in his final months in office, President Moon wants to burnish the legacy of his 'peace first' policy. Japan prefers a tougher line on Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes, but is currently in the midst of a leadership transition. The Biden administration favours dialogue for denuclearisation but has a long list of other priorities." Easley said effective [trilateral] cooperation would need to be based "on strategic coordination rather than a coincidence of political interests."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding the South Korean conservative party's policies toward North Korea (link):

"[People Power Party presidential contenders were divided more by leadership personalities and domestic policies than by approaches to Pyongyang.] South Korean conservatives generally argue that the Moon administration internationally advocated for engagement based on a fabricated North Korean willingness to denuclearize," Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of International Studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said. "The PPP candidate will likely emphasize strengthening the U.S. alliance, be less muted about the Kim regime's human rights abuses, and be more vocal about China's role in North Korean sanctions violations," Easley said, adding that conservatives have pledged not to offer free concessions or turn the other cheek when Pyongyang launches provocations and insults.

Quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding options for responding to North Korea's provocations (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul who specialises in security and international relations, said that in spite of the limited room for international cooperation, the US and its allies South Korea and Japan could still work together to exert greater pressure on Pyongyang. "South Korea can bury the hatchet with Japan and increase intelligence-sharing and missile defence cooperation," Easley said. "The Biden administration can restore military exercises with allies in Asia that had been scaled back during the pandemic. Even if China and Russia block action at the UN Security Council, the US and like-minded countries can improve sanctions enforcement and designate new violators, including Chinese firms," he said.

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding the value of U.S.-ROK-Japan coordination beyond North Korean missiles and contingencies (link):

"Trilateral cooperation is also essential for the defense of a rules-based order in Asia, in light of long-term challenges posed by China," said Leif- Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "While Pyongyang rejects diplomacy and Beijing remains uncooperative, Washington, Seoul and Tokyo can work together to incentivize humanitarian engagement and deter military escalation."

Quoted by NBC News regarding how North Korea's most recent missile test could affect diplomacy (link):

While some analysts saw the parade as an attempt to make room for diplomatic negotiations, North Korea's missile test "suggests it is more committed to a domestic timeline for military modernization than to any external timeframe for diplomacy," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. The unveiling of the test also came a day before chief nuclear negotiators from the United States, South Korea and Japan meet in Tokyo to explore ways to break the standoff with North Korea. The missile test might lead [Ambassador Sung] Kim to shift his focus at that meeting "from offering humanitarian assistance to coordinating sanctions enforcement and missile defense cooperation," Easley said.

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding how China bashing is unlikely to win votes in a South Korean election (link):

So PPP representatives might not get much tougher on China, but] "appearing weak on China could lose votes," said Dr Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. Therefore, even DP candidates "will avoid taking a soft line" on China. "Whoever enters the Blue House will have to navigate the policy space between the competing superpowers, but conservatives are generally less reticent than progressives about taking Washington's side."

Quoted in the JoongAng Daily regarding President Moon Jae-in's final Aug. 15th address (link):

"President Moon's conciliatory remarks concerning Japan were in line both with South Korean preferences to focus on post-pandemic economic recovery and the Biden administration's strategy of rallying allies against shared threats," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international politics at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "Regarding North Korea, Moon maintained his consistent message about building trust, peace and shared prosperity through functional cooperation and regional integration. But his enthusiasm appeared restrained after Pyongyang's hostile rhetoric and continued rejection of Seoul's engagement efforts."

Quoted in the Japan Times regarding the two Koreas resuming hotline communications (link):

"North Korea reconnecting hotlines is the logical first step in re-engaging with the South," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. "The next step may be accepting international humanitarian assistance," he added. "After that, Washington would want to restart denuclearization talks and Seoul would want to arrange separated family reunions. But Pyongyang is unlikely to allow much in-person contact until after the pandemic," Easley said.

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding Pyongyang changing tactics toward Seoul (link):

"Restoring the hotlines is a good sign not only that North Korea wants to avoid unintended conflict and escalation but also that Pyongyang is willing to move past the cold shoulder treatment it has given Seoul since the no- deal Hanoi summit and self-imposed pandemic isolation," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding the outlook for inter-Korean relations (link):

"For Pyongyang, reconnecting hotlines is a low-cost positive step toward improving relations with Seoul," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "This alone does not indicate a change in North Korean intentions but may be enough for the two Koreas to start a new cycle of diplomacy."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding North Korean cyberattacks against South Korea (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said that the North's recent cyberattacks aimed to acquire sensitive technology and information and test South Korean vulnerabilities for future attacks. "Many of North Korea's cybercrimes are state-backed attempts at making money. But the recent cyber intrusions against South Korea do not appear so financially motivated or intended to do immediate damage," Easley said.

Quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding why the Summer Olympics in Japan is unlikely to produce a diplomatic breakthrough such as that seen during the Winter Games in South Korea (link):

"What was particularly surprising about Pyeongchang was not that the North Koreans showed up, but the context of what had gone on so shortly before," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "This was the time of 'fire and fury,' of the North working on its long-range ballistic missiles to deliver a nuclear warhead to the US, of firing missiles over Japan, of [then president Donald] Trump being quite assertive in his rhetoric and sending more forces to the region. The situation was very tense. So for it to switch so suddenly to engagement, for Kim to send his sister, that was a dramatic turn of events," Easley said, adding that Moon was able to "leverage" that breakthrough to turn 2018 into "a year of summits" with Pyongyang. But the likelihood of Seoul and Tokyo burying the hatchet are slim. "Both sides feel snubbed or even betrayed by one another," Easley said, explaining that bilateral bones of contention had been magnified in the context of the Olympics. [Moreover,] "Suga is certainly preoccupied with the virus and how it will impact the Games, so it is understandable that he would focus on that rather than using the occasion as a diplomatic opening," Easley said, pointing out that the Japanese leader also has to consider his popularity at home as he will need to contest a general election in the coming months.

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding the U.S. and South Korea's different approaches to North Korea (link):

Ewha Womans University's Associate Professor Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies, said "Moon may be willing to meet Kim at the summit level, but Biden won't repeat Trump's made-for-TV approach. Instead, Biden will require that Pyongyang engage at the working level to hammer out specifics for at least an interim denuclearisation deal in exchange for sanctions relief."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding Pyongyang's response to Washington and Seoul's calls for dialogue (link):

"Kim Yo Jong rejected notions that her brother had expressed a willingness for talks anytime soon, essentially pushing back against U.S. efforts to put the diplomatic ball in Pyongyang's court," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said. Easley added that her statement poured cold water on hopes for re-engagement as North Korea appears determined to maintain its self-imposed isolation out of fear of COVID-19. "The Kim regime also wants to see larger incentives from Washington before returning to negotiations. In the meantime, it is attempting to sow discord in South Korean domestic politics over Seoul's upcoming defense exercises with the United States."

Quoted in Nikkei regarding North Korea's diplomatic strategy (link):

"The North Koreans might make a diplomatic push toward the end of Moon's term to drive a wedge in the South Korean electorate or Seoul's alliance with Washington," said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding Pyongyang's reticence toward engagement (link):

"[Unification] Minister Lee [In-young] has very forward-leaning ideas for engaging North Korea that may not be immediately actionable. The Moon and Biden administrations have coordinated policies toward Pyongyang, including strengthening the alliance for deterrence, offering humanitarian assistance and showing willingness for denuclearization negotiations with staged sanctions relief," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "The problem is that the Kim regime is currently not open to engagement because of paranoia over coronavirus contagion and a focus on domestic political housecleaning."

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding possible timelines for re-engaging North Korea (link):

There is urgency on South Korea's part, as President Moon has less than a year left in his constitutionally mandated single five-year term to lead efforts in reviving talks with the North, noted Ewha Womans University's associate professor of international studies Leif-Eric Easley. "So Moon wants the US to speed up its policy roll-out," said Prof Easley. "But the Kim regime is not interested in meeting while it remains paranoid about Covid-19. Most importantly, Pyongyang has no intention of making concessions on its nuclear and missile programmes as long as it receives sufficient economic support from Beijing. To make progress on North Korea, Washington and Seoul need to get on the same page about China."

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding South Korea's simultaneous high- level diplomatic visits to the U.S. and China (link):

"Pursuing an equidistant policy between the US and China would be a strategic disaster for Seoul," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "South Korea's security interests align with its American ally and its economic interests and democratic values align with the liberal international order. To the extent Beijing enables North Korea's threats and China itself challenges the international order, Seoul needs its partners in Washington and Tokyo more than ever."

Quoted in Deutsche Welle regarding the roles of the Quad and South Korea in dealing with China (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said that the Quad is critical to South Korea because it "will be a pillar of the Biden administration's foreign policy." "The Quad is not an anti-China alliance, it's a coalition of like-minded countries addressing common challenges and committed to a rules-based order," he said. "The Quad summit will spur cooperation on the pandemic, climate change and technology supply chain security. Beijing will not be a target unless it violates norms, including freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution of disputes, trade commitments and human rights," the expert added, issues that are all in Seoul's national interests. "Demonstrating that it is a contributing stakeholder in a free and open Indo-Pacific will give Seoul greater diplomatic leverage for dealing with North Korea," he said.

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding coordinating policies on North Korean human rights (link):

"Washington and Seoul should avoid clashing over North Korean human rights," said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "The US and South Korea can speak with one voice regarding humanitarian engagement to benefit the North Korean people, while making clear that peace and transformation of diplomatic relations will require both denuclearization and adherence to the rule of law."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding U.S.-South Korea-Japan trilateral cooperation (link):

"Strategists in Seoul tend to worry that trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan could provoke Pyongyang to cancel exchanges, create costly distance with China or elicit domestic political backlash," said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "But currently there is no inter-Korean cooperation to lose, Beijing is diplomatically isolated because of human rights and the pandemic, and most South Koreans believe relations with Tokyo should be improved. The new Biden administration offers an opportunity for closer trilateral coordination that would give Seoul leverage against North Korean provocations and Chinese economic coercion, make alliance cost-sharing negotiations easier and provide political cover to smooth over historical and trade disputes with Japan."

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding the expected interaction of presidents Joe Biden and Moon Jae-in (link):

"Biden and Moon can be expected to have professional, even warm exchanges," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "Close coordination between their policy teams will be even more important." However, friction may come from the different timelines of the leaders in Washington and Seoul, noted Easley. "Moon is approaching his last year in office and may not be as interested in aligning long-term strategies on China. [Whereas] Biden will not be in a hurry to cut deals with North Korea."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding prospects for inter-Korean cooperation against COVID-19 (link):

"The Moon government wants to kickstart engagement with Pyongyang via health cooperation and donating COVID tests, protective equipment, food and medicine. But for political reasons, North Korea will likely reject aid from the South and rely on China's discreet assistance," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of Ewha University in Seoul.

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding the South Korean National Assembly restricting the ability of activists to send information and items into North Korea (Iink):

"Ramming legislation through in the middle of the night in an entirely partisan vote makes offering concessions to the Kim regime appear the priority," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding the Moon government's diplomatic overtures to the next U.S. administration (link):

"Many South Koreans believe there is an urgent need to convince the incoming administration about the merits of engaging North Korea. But Biden is not new to this issue. He sees the real problem as a lack of reciprocity out of Pyongyang and is unlikely to give North Korea the attention or unconventional treatment that Trump did," Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said. "So Seoul pushing for a strategy of early summits and preemptive peace is unlikely to work. A more prudent approach would be to first address tasks required to maintain the alliance. Next, patch up relations with Tokyo to get on the same page for dealing with China. Then from a position of coordinated strength, persuade Pyongyang to avoid provocations and return to working-level talks."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding South Korea navigating the diplomatic space between Washington and Beijing (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said, "Rather than prioritizing a premature summit with North Korea or looking for a path to Pyongyang that goes through Beijing, Seoul could offer to host a multilateral summit of Indo-Pacific democracies or participate in a 'Quad- plus' meeting. The Quad is not a military alliance but a set of initiatives by like-minded states supporting the rules-based order in Asia. Providing global public goods — coordinating on cyber and maritime security, addressing climate change, and restoring trade and travel — can actually encourage cooperation with China and show North Korea incentives for denuclearization."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding South Korean interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) after signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said, "In pursuit of post-pandemic economic growth and improving standards for international trade, a Biden administration may seek to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership with some negotiated updates concerning labor, the environment and public health safety. In that case, it would be in South Korea's interest to join a trade pact with higher standards than the RCEP. Since Japan is a gatekeeper of the CPTPP, this would be another reason for Seoul to patch up relations with Tokyo."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding the Moon administration's goal of restarting Olympics and summit diplomacy with North Korea (link):

"Olympics diplomacy is a worthy effort, but there's a lot that has to happen before a U.S.-Japan-ROK-DPRK summit in Tokyo," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said. "First, the pandemic should be better controlled. Second, bilateral issues require progress, including North Korea's historical abduction of Japanese citizens. Third, rather than military provocations, Pyongyang needs to pursue working-level talks with the Biden administration to make a successful summit possible."

Quoted in the Diplomat regarding the U.S. presidential election's implications for South Korean foreign policy (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said South Korea will need to navigate disputes between the U.S. and China, regardless of who wins the election. "More attention is warranted on how the Trump administration is boxing Biden into a hard-line policy toward Beijing," Easley said. "Whoever wins the U.S. election, South Korea will face the need to take principled stands on China's challenges to the status quo in Asia." Considering U.S. perspectives on denuclearization, however, Easley explained pro-engagement politicians in Seoul worry that Biden may not be the one who can bring North Korea's Kim Jong Un back to the table. "There are concerns among South Koreans that a Biden administration, rather than support a 'peace declaration' and a 'sanctions relief for denuclearization' deal with North Korea, may offer 'strategic patience' redux while focusing on America's pandemic recovery. And if Kim welcomes the new U.S. administration with an ICBM test, instead of engaging in leader-level diplomacy, Biden is more likely to double down on sanctions."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding Seoul and Washington's support of South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee to lead the World Trade Organization (link):

"Depending on the result of the U.S. presidential election, Seoul and Washington may feel pressure to take a consensus-building approach, but should still work together on reforming the WTO," said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding Seoul's middle power diplomacy (link):

"A powerful China will long be a challenge for its neighbors. South Korea will need a robust and principled middle-power diplomacy to avoid becoming the victim of geopolitical coercion," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding the potential for Seoul cooperating with the 'Quad' of Australia, India, Japan and the United States (link):

"South Korea is a major stakeholder sharing values and interests with Quad members. Lack of coordination would make Seoul look like a free-rider on regional security, susceptible to bullying by Beijing," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "The Quad is not yet at a stage to even aspire to be like NATO. NATO has a mutual defense treaty, a headquarters, a governing council, and a secretary general. It won the Cold War and has undertaken military operations. The Quad is much less formal but can benefit from institution- building. It has broadened in scope from disaster relief efforts and maritime security exercises to include political cooperation on peaceful management of territorial disputes, high standards for infrastructure development, and common security in cyberspace. The Quad is not an anti-China alliance, it is expanding cooperation among like-minded countries that favor a rules- based order in the Indo-Pacific."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding different explanations for President Moon's persistent calls for an end-of-war declaration (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University, said [one explanation is that] "When leaders base a policy on ideology, they tend not to adjust to new facts, but instead see developments through their existing framework. By this logic, North Korea's transgressions call for more engagement. [A second explanation is that] trust-building requires consistency even when domestic politics interrupt diplomacy. Moon's recent calls for peace may be a placeholder waiting for North Korea to address internal challenges before Pyongyang takes a new approach toward the next U.S. administration. The problem is, prospects for peace may worsen before improving, prompting a shift in South Korea's own domestic politics."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding the effects of high-level defections on inter-Korean relations (link):

"Rep. Thae Yong-ho has called on North Korean diplomats to abandon the Kim regime and join him in South Korea to actively work for unification," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "Jo Song-gil has remained out of the public eye, likely because of concern for his family. Renewed attention to Jo's defection is not what the Kim regime wants immediately before the Workers' Party 75th Anniversary celebrations."

Quoted in Deutsche Welle regarding South Korea's cultural promotion and soft power (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, agrees that "cultural promotion is a winning strategy for South Korea because it is great for national pride and business. "There are limits, however," he cautioned. "Because excessive self-regard and government involvement can actually undermine soft power."

Quoted by VOA regarding Prime Minister Abe Shinzo announcing his resignation (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an international studies professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said while the Japanese leader built a reputation as "Mr. Stability" for serving as long as he did, he also came up short on major initiatives. "He will be remembered for missions unaccomplished. His Abenomics policies have not achieved promised growth and reform. And his dream of revising the constitution to free Japan's military from post-war constraints remains unfulfilled." The most glaring setback of Abe's administration, Easley adds, might be the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic. Easley said the move deprived the prime minister of the chance to preside over the Games that should have "symbolically" marked Japan's recovery from the pandemic as well as the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding an upcoming visit to South Korea by China's leading diplomat (link):

Yang Jiechi published an article in the state-run Xinhua News Agency last week, urging the U.S. to respect China and avoid making misjudgments. "He painted China as the responsible party in the face of [what Yang called] the Trump administration's 'erroneous words and moves' and 'interference in China's internal affairs' that have produced the 'most complex and grave situation since the establishment of diplomatic ties,'" said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "Unfortunately for Seoul, while U.S.-China relations are under extreme stress, Beijing is unlikely to pressure Pyongyang to denuclearize or pursue inter-Korean engagement. Moreover, if Beijing shows no improvement in its trade practices, military assertiveness, human rights and investigating the origins of COVID-19, South Korean cooperation with China is likely to raise eyebrows in the United States and allied countries."

Quoted in the Daily Beast regarding the politics of intelligence gathering in South Korea (link):

"The ruling party's intention is to use their political majority to right what they see as past wrongs and advance a progressive justice reform agenda by shifting legal powers away from traditionally conservative institutions," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor at Ewha University in Seoul. "Renaming the NIS is more than symbolic. It is about circumscribing the agency's ability to collect intelligence." Park Jie-won's background "suggests the administration's priority is deal-making with North Korea," said Easley. Amid "growing regional threats and intensifying foreign influence operations, it is important not to hollow out or politicize national intelligence capabilities."

Quoted in Nikkei regarding challenges to South Korea's middle power diplomacy (link):

The scandal also risks tarnishing South Korea's national image, which has benefited from its relative success in taming the coronavirus pandemic. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said a connection can be drawn between #MeToo cases and foreign policy. "Middle-power diplomacy is based on shared norms and values, so the credibility of Seoul's multilateralism depends on upholding international standards."

Quoted in the Asia Times regarding Seoul managing relations with an unconventional U.S. president (link):

"South Koreans recognize that Trump's verbal slights and unexpected tweets are not particular to their country," said Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international relations at Seoul's Ewha Womans University, and who notes that Seoul has responded with "restraint" to Trump's provocations. [Moreover,] Moon's government "has actively encouraged Trump's unconventional diplomacy to engage North Korea," said Easley. scandal also risks tarnishing South Korea's national image, which has benefited from its relative success in taming the coronavirus pandemic. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said a connection can be drawn between #MeToo cases and foreign policy. "Middle-power diplomacy is based on shared norms and values, so the credibility of Seoul's multilateralism depends on upholding international standards."

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding how domestic politics are tainting the positive reputation South Korea's democracy earned while responding to COVID-19 (link):

Associate professor of international studies Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University said the ruling party's popularity has been "damaged by scandals." He also warned that "leaders taking their own lives may now be seen as a political risk factor for the country."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding challenges of leadership for the U.S. and the two Koreas (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University, said, "Trump is focused on reelection in November and has to broaden his base to win electoral battlegrounds. Moon has two years left in office and cannot be reelected, so is looking to maintain enough legislative and public support to institutionalize reforms." [Kim has no plan to relinquish power but faces a small constituency of party, military and economic elites.] Easley added: "Despite these very different time horizons and domestic political coalitions, all three leaders are struggling to start a post-pandemic economic recovery and make foreign policy achievements. Each can score wins by changing tack: Trump by multilateralizing his China policy, Moon by improving relations with Japan, and Kim by accepting humanitarian assistance from South Korea."

Quoted in Deutsche Welle regarding the international implications of gender inequality in South Korea (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said, "It is difficult to understand Seoul's failure to extradite Son while punishing him so lightly for his crimes against children. Digital vigilantism is not the answer, but should be a wakeup call for the government. Legal reforms are needed to address systematic sexism in the justice system so that South Korea's international image is not tarnished by the perception that it harbors global sex criminals."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding the importance of U.S.-ROK combined exercises (link):

"Exercises can be rescaled, rescheduled or repackaged for diplomatic purposes or for safety and logistical reasons, as during a global pandemic. But canceling exercises to appease Pyongyang would be unwise because there is little evidence of North Korean reciprocity," said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. Easley said those who undervalue the exercises undervalue the alliance or don't understand how militaries work. "U.S.-ROK combined defense exercises are essential for maintaining readiness, interoperability and deterrence." Easley also questioned the South's rush to take back wartime OPCON. It regained peacetime OPCON in 1994. "It doesn't make sense to rush OPCON transfer because the security risks of doing so would far outweigh the political and economic benefits," he said. "Some politicians focus on symbols of sovereignty, but the political importance of OPCON transfer pales in comparison to ensuring national security and successfully managing the pandemic-era economy."

Quoted in Deutsche Welle regarding the implications of Seoul's mayor taking his own life (link):

"Mayor Park's suicide will prompt soul-searching in Seoul," Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, told DW. "South Koreans will now debate the handling of personal misconduct allegations, mental health during the pandemic and the changing leadership landscape." Park's death also increases the importance of by-elections to be held in April 2021. "Choosing a new mayor of the capital one year ahead of the 2022 presidential election will become a referendum on the progressive ruling party's management of the pandemic-era economy," said Easley.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding policy coordination between Washington and Seoul (link):

"President Moon Jae-in is in the process of updating his foreign policy team. So Biegun's visit isn't about a breakthrough with North Korea, but rather alliance coordination with South Korea," said Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "Washington and Seoul want to be on the same page about upcoming defense exercises and how a bilateral working group can endorse more inter-Korean projects within the limits of international sanctions."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding South Korea's new foreign policy lineup (link):

"The Moon administration should avoid the impression that North Korean threats and violence get laws changed, activists prosecuted and ministers reshuffled in Seoul. A loss in foreign policy credibility could invite further economic coercion from Beijing and more worries about the alliance in Washington," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "President Moon has purposefully chosen South Korean officials well-known in Pyongyang in hopes of restarting dialogue. But the Kim regime shows little interest in reconciliation and exchange, instead demanding financial benefits without denuclearization."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding politics surrounding the 70th anniversary of the Korean War (link):

"President Moon's speech appropriately paid tribute to the sacrifices of previous generations and the value of international cooperation, said Leif- Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "But there was no mention of China's role in the tremendously costly Korean War. Moon failed to mention Japan as a partner, instead alluding to it as a cause for Korean unity and a country that profited from conflict. Most glaringly, Moon did not address Pyongyang's responsibility for starting the war, maintaining the painful division, and continuing human suffering on the northern half of the peninsula. He claimed South Korea is strong enough to make peace, share prosperity and progress toward unification, but this is insufficient without recognizing North Korea's need to denuclearize, demilitarize and democratize."

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding the endurance of South Korea's engagement policy (link):

Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University feels, however, that it is too soon to declare President Moon's engagement strategy a failure. "At its most ambitious, the engagement strategy was to transform inter- Korean relations and eventually North Korea itself. Obviously that hasn't happened. But the two Koreas have thus far avoided a deadly clash [as seen in the West Sea in 2010 or last week on the China-India border]." To get out of the current impasse, Prof Easley said Seoul needs a stronger policy against Pyongyang. "Left to its own devices, Pyongyang is likely to keep the situation on the Korean peninsula tense until it sees a diplomatic window of opportunity, perhaps after the US presidential election in November," he noted. "To get Pyongyang to return to diplomacy earlier, it's necessary to raise the costs to North Korea of making threats and provocations. South Korea can do this by updating its defense cost-sharing agreement with the US, restoring military exercises to pre-Singapore summit levels, and advancing indigenous missile capabilities."

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding how South Korea can respond to North Korea's recent threats (link):

"The Moon government can restore military exercises to pre-Singapore levels," said Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Quoted in the Independent regarding the political implications of South Korea's COVID-19 response (link):

It would take a "glaring misstep" to reverse the positive public impression of the government's handling of the crisis, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. "President Moon and his Democratic Party received a boost in the polls from South Korea's adept handling of Covid-19," he told The Independent. "A resurgence of the virus would produce public dissatisfaction, but the political implications may be limited...[given] the opposition doesn't offer a clear alternative to government policy." He added that the next test at the ballot box will not be until the presidential election in 2022 - a vote that is "a long way off, and likely to be fought over the post-pandemic economy."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding South Korean frustrations in the process of engaging Pyongyang (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University, said, "Engagement won't change the relationship with North Korea overnight, so it's unfair to say such efforts have failed. But it also doesn't make sense to get frustrated and blame sanctions, the United States or the U.N. Command, when the fundamental problem is the Kim regime's lack of reciprocity."

Quoted in the Korea Herald regarding tension between democratic freedoms and public health measures while fighting COVID-19 (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University, said that "Korea's contact tracing and quarantine policies are at the edge of a public safety-civil liberties tradeoff." He said success would have to entail both -- "whether the virus is contained and whether abuse of personal data is prevented. Korea has been internationally recognized for dealing effectively with the pandemic. So at stake is not only the health of Korea's democracy but also international best practices for defeating COVID-19."

Quoted by VOA regarding tensions over NGO activities near the inter- Korean border (link):

"It's surprising to hear the South Korean government sound so compliant to Pyongyang immediately after Kim Yo Jong issued threats to Seoul and cast aspersions on defector and human rights groups," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. "President Moon's pro-engagement party may control the National Assembly, but legislation to effectively restrict freedom of expression in order to protect the Kim regime from embarrassment would be met with a conservative backlash domestically and criticism from human rights NGOs internationally," he added.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on international order (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University, said, "The horrible toll that COVID-19 has taken in the U.S., the U.K., Italy and other European countries ― compared to the ability of Korea and Taiwan to flatten their epidemic curves ― has led commentators like Kishore Mahbubani to declare the start of a new era of international politics led by Asian competence and confidence." "It is true that COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, isolation and treatment have produced better results in countries that were quick and effective in their implementation," he added. But Easley warned that it is too soon to extrapolate this to larger trends about good governance and international order. "Some global trends will accelerate, others will be redirected. China's preeminence is not assured, nor is its rise over. Rather, it is increasingly clear how China is an outsized variable for globalization and multilateral cooperation. There is still much to be determined before the world defeats COVID-19, and then in terms of how international relations will proceed in the post-pandemic era."

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong-ho's election to the South Korean National Assembly (link):

Prof Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University in Seoul said Mr Thae can play a role to "elevate public understanding of challenges faced by North Korean escapees and to provide a vocal reality check on politicians who espouse excessively pro-engagement or hard-line policies towards Pyongyang."

Quoted in Nikkei regarding inter-Korean relations after South Korea's elections (link):

"The Moon administration may double down on engagement, but North Korea is unlikely to take a friendlier approach toward the South," said Leif- Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. Easley added that South Korean progressives may look to enshrine their North Korea policy in law to empower future pro-engagement administrations and constrain future hawkish governments.

Quoted by NPR regarding the South Korean government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis (link):

"Moon has shown steady leadership, trying to remain above the fray of partisanship and scandal while emphasizing a science-based, collective response to the pandemic," Ewha Womans University in Seoul Prof. Leif- Eric Easley comments. "He has also represented South Korea on the international stage as a positive example of policy planning, implementation and cooperation."

Quoted in the Asia Times regarding the progressives' victory in South Korea's legislative election (link):

"The conservative opposition has lost traction as its criticisms of the progressives' economic policies, North Korean engagement, and political scandals have lost salience," Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Seoul's Ewha Womans University, told Asia Times.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding prospects for U.S.-South Korea cooperation with North Korea during the coronavirus outbreak (link):

"The Kim regime is still likely to limit the level of cooperation with Seoul and Washington because Pyongyang's price for improving diplomatic relations is much higher than humanitarian aid alone," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Quoted by VOA regarding inter-Korean relations during the coronavirus crisis (link):

"Recent military exercises and [Kim Jong-un's] sister's tough comments about South Korea could be intended to shore up domestic political strength before Pyongyang makes a quiet bid for international assistance," Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, told VOA News. "Kim's letter to Moon may set up the claim that he offered assistance to Seoul first," Easley said. "Then, when North Korea accepts a bunch of masks and testing kits, his propaganda machine can call it a show of appreciation for Pyongyang's leadership in countering the virus."

Quoted by VOA regarding opportunities for inter-Korean engagement (link):

"The Moon government is looking for any angle to engage North Korea that is both palatable to Pyongyang and possible under existing sanctions. This includes a proposed joint Olympics bid and restarting tourism on an individual basis," Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, told VOA. "North Korea has a history of receptiveness to sports diplomacy and Kim Jong Un is betting on tourism as a new revenue stream."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding South Korea's contributions to maritime security in the Middle East (link):

"Similar to Japan's decision on the issue, South Korea's planned deployment to the Strait of Hormuz is calibrated to meet Washington's request for maritime security cooperation without offending economic partners in the Middle East. Some analysts consider the deployment 'alliance dues' that can offset other defense cost-sharing categories. But Japan and South Korea have shared interests in freedom of navigation, especially related to energy security, so these deployments are better understood as contributions to international public goods," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding inter-Korean engagement options (link):

"Exploring individual South Korean visits makes sense as an effort to open the door to further inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. North Korea wants to grow its tourism sector and Seoul is concerned about the fate of facilities at Mount Geumgang. [Moon administration officials have sought U.S. agreement that such trips would not violate sanctions.] But the biggest obstacle is actually Pyongyang. Individual South Korean tourists may not represent a large enough carrot to make North Korea bite," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Quoted by Nikkei regarding Kim Jong-un's closing window of opportunity with presidents Moon and Trump (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University said, "It is time for Washington and Seoul to make clear to Pyongyang that if it rejects denuclearization negotiations, it will miss the opportunity for proportional benefits."

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times regarding the resignation of South Korean Justice Minister Cho Kuk (link):

Mr Cho was described as a "lightning rod for political polarisation" by Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University. He expected the street protests to ease with the resignation but said there was still a "polarising battle" to be fought in Parliament over electoral rules in the lead up to the general election next April. Prof Easley said the Moon administration and the ruling party will "seek to turn the corner on political controversies that weighed down their approval rates", while opposition parties will continue to oppose the government. "The public will be watching closely," he added.

Quoted in the Financial Times regarding the foreign policy implications of South Korea's domestic political polarization (link):

The weeks-long protests combined with slowing economic growth have driven Mr Moon's approval ratings down to their lowest since he took power in 2017. "This will lead to a messy election in April 2020 that will further complicate Moon's ability to take the initiative with North Korea," said Leif- Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University.

Quoted by Nikkei regarding alliance coordination on North Korea (link):

Moon will meet Trump in New York next week on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. Analysts say it will be a good opportunity to strengthen the alliance between Seoul and Washington. "It would be even better to include Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to demonstrate trilateral coordination after recent frictions between Seoul and Tokyo," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University. "Another summit with Kim Jong Un, especially a Trump visit to Pyongyang, would be premature without significant working-level progress on denuclearization," he said.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding prospects for inter-Korean economic cooperation (link):

"With South Korea's economy struggling under the U.S.-China trade war and Tokyo's retaliation against Seoul's Supreme Court rulings, Moon has proposed possible market integration with North Korea. But speaking of such a peace economy seems premature while the North aggressively advances its missile capabilities, rejects humanitarian assistance from Seoul and remains under international sanctions for its lack of denuclearization," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.

Quoted in the Singapore Straits Times on how President Moon has now visited all ten countries in ASEAN, as Prime Minister Abe did in 2013 (link):

Professor Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University said Mr Moon had managed to catch up with Japan's proactive diplomatic outreach to ASEAN under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but warned against a race to win over ASEAN nations. Prof Easley said: "Moon's New Southern Policy can better tie into complementary efforts by the US, India, Australia and Japan. Southeast Asian partners do not want to be pulled into a spat between Seoul and Tokyo; instead, they want economic development and strengthened regional norms to leverage in their relations with China."

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding South Korea's 'New Southern Policy' and President Moon's visits to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos (link):

"Moon's approach is people-focused, emphasizing shared values for peace, and promoting common interests in prosperity. Such positive messages are welcome when many governments are anxious about tensions between Washington and Beijing," Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul said via e-mail. "Regional security contributions can also help Seoul in its alliance cost sharing negotiations with the United States. South Korea needs to network with different national efforts rather than play to regional rivalries. The New Southern Policy should complement and coordinate with, rather than balance against, Japan or China," Easley added.

Quoted in the Korea Times regarding President Moon's views of history and overcoming division (link):

Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Seoul's Ewha Womans University, said the speech "offered a progressive telling of Korea's struggle for unity, infused with inter-Korean economic nationalism."

Quoted by Yonhap regarding President Moon's Liberation Day speech (link):

"His references to Japan highlighted the importance of economic cooperation, warned against the weaponization of trade and left the door open for diplomacy," Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said. He pointed out the president made no mention of such sensitive historical matters as wartime labor and "comfort women" who were systemically recruited to serve as sex slaves for Japanese troops. "Instead, the focus was on Korea's ability to overcome historical challenges and determine its own internationally significant role."

Quoted by NPR regarding the possibility of the U.S. deploying intermediate-range missiles in South Korea (link):

"Business leaders here fear a repeat of the economic retaliation that Beijing directed against South Korea for the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system," notes Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. Easley is referring to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense that the U.S. set up in South Korea in 2017. "Most of all," he adds, "the Moon administration is loath to be seen as teaming up with Washington and Tokyo either to balance China or to contain North Korea."

Quoted by Yonhap regarding President Moon's visit to Nordic countries (link):

"The summits are testament to the strength of South Korea's relations with Finland, Norway and Sweden, as well as the capacity and will of Seoul to pursue diplomacy beyond Asia," said Leif-Eric Easley, associate professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University.