The international order is undergoing a significant transformation. The strategic competition between the United States and China has expanded into a technological hegemony war, while the Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East are simultaneously shaking global supply chains and security structures. The security environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula is also challenging, with North Korea's nuclear and missile threats becoming a daily reality. Balancing diplomacy amid the U.S.-China conflict and strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance and South Korea-Japan cooperation is increasingly complex.
In this tumultuous era, diplomacy has transcended mere inter-state relations to become a matter of national survival. Kim Gun, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, has deeply felt this reality. With 35 years of experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including negotiations on North Korea's nuclear issues and U.S. diplomacy, he currently serves as the secretary of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, addressing diplomatic and security issues. He asserts, "The essence of diplomacy is ultimately national interest." He believes that actions should be guided by rational judgment and the survival of the nation, rather than emotions or political gains.
Recently, Kim has expressed concerns about the government's responses to a range of diplomatic issues, including South Korea-U.S. intelligence cooperation, deterrence against North Korea, the U.S.-China conflict, and the situation in the Middle East. He emphasizes that "diplomacy requires both strength and trust," stating that a strategy of harmonizing relations with neighboring countries on the foundation of the South Korea-U.S. alliance is fundamental to South Korea's diplomacy.
In this interview, Kim shared his insights on the differences between diplomats and politicians, the current state of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the distinction between intelligence and information, the debate over pragmatic diplomacy, the U.S.-China technological hegemony competition, and the direction of South Korean leadership.
"Diplomacy is conducted with the mind, while politics is about numbers."
— You have transitioned from a diplomat to a politician. What is the biggest difference?
"Diplomacy is about intellect, while politics is about numbers. In the National Assembly, securing the support of 150 out of 300 members is essential to pass legislation. Therefore, gaining the support of many is key. In contrast, diplomacy requires extensive study. You must find persuasive arguments and consider the most advantageous solutions for national interests."
— Has your diplomatic experience influenced your political activities?
"Adapting is not easy. Diplomacy is approached with the mindset of 'if I work hard, the public will eventually recognize it.' However, in politics, if the public does not acknowledge your efforts, you are often seen as having done nothing. The modes of operation are fundamentally different."
— How do you define the essence of diplomacy?
"The essence of diplomacy is to protect national interests. There is no escaping that."
— Is diplomacy about power or trust?
"Both are necessary. Without power, diplomacy cannot occur. However, the international community does not operate in isolation. By gaining trust and establishing cooperative relationships, one can achieve much greater strength than acting alone. Ultimately, a balance of power and trust is essential."
— Where does South Korean diplomacy currently focus?
"On alliances and self-reliance. We must strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance while simultaneously becoming stronger ourselves. The most important aspect of diplomacy is balance."
"A single word in diplomacy can lead to war."
— How significant is the weight of words in diplomacy?
"It is extremely important. In the past, during the monarchy, the words of kings could lead to war. Today, if a national leader's statements provoke public sentiment, it can jeopardize national relations."
— Should government officials adhere to stricter standards in their statements?
"Absolutely. This is why diplomatic language is necessary. If internal negotiation details are disclosed, it can lead to public sentiment clashes, necessitating refined expressions and strategic explanations."
— You emphasize the need to distinguish between intelligence and information.
"Intelligence refers to all stories circulating in the media, rumors, and expert opinions. Information is the verified intelligence that can be used as a basis for policy. Government policies should be based on information, not intelligence."
— We are now in an era of social media politics.
"President Trump's approach is quite unique. As a diplomat, I see it as highly risky. When a leader directly discloses intelligence-level information, the public tends to believe it as fact. If it later turns out to be untrue, it can undermine government credibility."
"The South Korea-U.S. alliance is on thin ice."
— How do you assess the current state of the South Korea-U.S. alliance?
"I see it as walking on thin ice. There is a president in the U.S. who views alliances transactionally, and there is a growing sentiment in South Korea that we should move away from a U.S.-centric order. This situation can create instability in the alliance."
— Is the issue of limited information sharing serious?
"It is very serious. In the context of North Korea's nuclear threats, information sharing between South Korea and the U.S. is crucial for deterrence. The two countries must combine their intelligence to monitor North Korean movements in real-time and respond effectively. Any gaps could encourage North Korea to test its capabilities."
— Is North Korea still the biggest risk to South Korea's security?
"Yes. While the possibility of nuclear war is low, localized provocations like the Yeonpyeong Island shelling or the sinking of the Cheonan can occur at any time. To deter such provocations, we need overwhelming preparedness."
— Does this mean that diplomatic mistakes can lead to security crises?
"Yes. Even a signal that there is a rift in the South Korea-U.S. relationship can prompt neighboring countries to test their limits. This is also why we do not expose disagreements between allies to the outside world."
— Recently, you referred to the government's diplomacy as 'misguided diplomacy.'
"Initially, I thought the direction of pragmatic diplomacy was positive. There seemed to be a realistic approach to South Korea-Japan relations. However, over time, statements from the president and some ministers have created problems."
— What concerns you the most?
"In diplomacy, a single expression can lead to international issues. Statements that clash with the perspectives of other countries, such as those regarding Israel or North Korea's nuclear program, must be made with caution."
"Cooperation between South Korea and Japan is a necessity of the times."
— Do you view the current trend in South Korea-Japan relations positively?
"Yes. In today's international order, cooperation between South Korea and Japan is essential. Without collaboration amid the U.S.-China conflict, survival becomes difficult. Ultimately, leaders must prioritize national interests."
"The core of the U.S.-China conflict is technological hegemony."
— How is the global order being reshaped?
"The key issue is the U.S.-China technological hegemony competition. The competition over AI, semiconductors, and advanced technologies is shaking the international order."
— South Korea finds itself caught in the middle.
"Indeed. The U.S. is imposing export controls, while China is weaponizing rare earth materials. We import raw materials from China and export to the U.S. market. Ultimately, we face pressure from both sides."
— In the past, the 'pro-U.S. and pro-China' strategy was discussed.
"Now, security and economy have become intertwined. We cannot separate U.S. security from Chinese economic interests."
— What, then, is the solution?
"We must base our strategy on the South Korea-U.S. alliance while managing our economic relations with China. Achieving seemingly incompatible goals simultaneously is the fate of South Korean diplomacy."
"In response to the Middle East crisis, South Korea must maintain balance."
— How is South Korea responding to the Middle East crisis?
"We are responding relatively well. South Korea relies on the Middle East for 70% of its oil. Ensuring stability in the Strait of Hormuz is a key national interest. At the same time, we must manage our alliance with the U.S. without getting embroiled in war."
— Do you see potential for restoring relations with Iran?
"There is ample potential. Iran has a strong sense of goodwill towards South Korea. If it returns to the international community, it could become a new market for South Korea."
— What is the biggest problem in South Korean politics?
"Polarization. Strong partisan politics are exacerbating social divisions. Ultimately, we must move towards politics of integration and unity for the nation to grow stronger."
"The South Korea-U.S. alliance is the pillar of South Korean diplomacy."
— Can you explain your diplomatic philosophy?
"I have a phrase I coined: 'Establish the pillar and harmonize with the surroundings.' The pillar of South Korean diplomacy is the South Korea-U.S. alliance. We must build harmonious relationships with Japan, China, Russia, and ASEAN on that foundation."
— Why is the South Korea-U.S. alliance so crucial?
"The Korean Peninsula has always been at the center of great power conflicts. The South Korea-U.S. alliance has been one of the most successful strategies in deterring war in this region by bringing in an external balancer."
— What is the biggest mistake to avoid in diplomacy?
"Losing composure. Acting emotionally can jeopardize national interests. Given that South Korea is surrounded by great powers, diplomatic mistakes can lead to national losses."
— What is your political philosophy?
"Messages should be strong, but expressions should be restrained. When politics becomes overly emotional, the public may feel fatigued."
— Do you have any advice for future leaders?
"South Korea is a buffer state between maritime and continental powers. Failing to read international dynamics could lead to losing the nation. Future leaders must possess international sensibility and a global mindset."
Kim Gun is a seasoned politician with 35 years of experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has extensive experience in North Korea's nuclear issues and U.S. diplomacy, having served as the head of the Ministry's Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Headquarters. He currently focuses on diplomatic and security issues as the secretary of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.
He emphasizes 'national interest' as the core principle of diplomacy. While defining the South Korea-U.S. alliance as the pillar of South Korean diplomacy, he advocates for a strategy of harmonious relations with neighboring countries, termed 'Establish the pillar and harmonize with the surroundings.'
Kim stresses the need for South Korea to pursue more sophisticated strategic diplomacy amid the simultaneous challenges of U.S.-China technological hegemony and North Korean nuclear threats. He asserts, "A nation without international sensibility has no future," and insists that South Korean leaders must possess the ability to read the global order.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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