Seth Kaplan

4/28/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3WdNUqR 1. The Cornerstone: Strategic Lessons for ROK from the U.S.-Japan Summit 2. The Axis of Autocrats 3. Kim Jong Un rolls up with six new Toyota SUVs in convoy at latest appearance 4. S. Korea, Cuba agree to open diplomatic missions 5. Poland’s New South Korean-Built ATACMS-Like Ballistic Missile Seen Firing For The First Time 6. South Korea's Hanwha to supply more rocket launchers to Poland for $1.64 billion 7. Why South Korean pop culture rocks and North Korea’s does not 8. US Congress finally passes foreign aid: What are takeaways for US allies? 9. Glorifying pro-democracy activists (ROK) 10. HRNK Board Elects New Co-Chair and Co-Vice-Chair, Bids Farewell to Outgoing Directors 11. Kim Jong Un guides test of rocket developed by ‘newly-founded’ military factory

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The APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Secretariat's Policy Support Unit has recently released a new report entitled "Enhancing MSME Data Interoperability in the APEC Region" https://lnkd.in/g9Ue7suf, co-authored by Emmanuel San Andres, Glacer Niño A. Vasquez, Taiye C. and Arthur (Jun Hyun) Shin. Despite the fact that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) represent the majority of businesses worldwide and they explain a significant percentage of jobs, it is not possible to compare, aggregate or average MSME statistics for the simple reason that each government defines MSMEs differently, by using the number of employees, level of sales/revenue, capital/assets, and/or using distinct criteria by sector. This report provides some recommendations on what governments could do in terms of developing unified MSME data semantics and taxonomies, formats, and reporting mechanisms to enable an interoperable data sharing environment. Certainly, regional cooperation will be needed to conduct capacity-building activities on MSME data that helps developing proper MSME metrics. #apec #msme #sme #data

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8/22/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3XeEBqD 1. Spate of defections show Kim Jong-un regime is crumbling: refugees, experts 2. Strengthening the United Nations Command in Korea to Counter Authoritarian Collusion 3. Beyond the Surveys: Unpacking South Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions Amid Political and Domestic Realities 4. N. Korean children not vaccinated against polio for 3rd straight year in 2023: WHO 5. Unification minister urges NK to respond to proposal of forming inter-Korean working group 6. US expected to reaffirm NK denuclearization after rival parties make no mention of it: unification minister 7. Exclusive: Elite defections surge 2.5 times under Kim Jong-un 8. North Korean athletes' victory selfies raise red flags in Pyongyang 9. North Korean soldier defects on foot across fortified border to South 10. LA Koreans Protest Against Repatriation of North Korean Defectors in Front of Chinese Consulate General 11. Unification Minister: “North Korean Residents’ ‘Right to Access Information’ Expanded by Applying Cutting-edge Technology” 12. “In order to achieve North Korea’s denuclearization, we must first pursue a ‘nuclear freeze’” 13. ＜Inside N. Korea＞Heatwave Grips North Korea: Residents Sleep Outdoors Amid Lack of Air Conditioning and Power Shortages 14. Yoon orders ROK military to deter North Korea from ‘communizing’ South 15. Seoul defends all-male speaker lineup for upcoming forum on North Korea 16. Seoul minister denies new policy seeks unification with North Korea ‘by force’

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9/30/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3Y5wQDK 1. Citizens rally for Korean unification, show solidarity with Koreans in the North 2. Panel: North Korean policy should be centered on unification, not denuclearization 3. Should North Korea and South Korea even bother trying to reunify? 4. North Korea denounces Ukraine’s Zelensky for calling it Russia’s ‘accomplice’ 5. Kamala Harris is Fashioning a Foreign Policy 6. American troops, aircraft in line for South Korea’s massive military parade 7. Missionary Kim Kuk-ki detained in North Korea for 10 years… South Korea “calls for unconditional release” 8. Artificial Intelligence In Governments: South Korea As Case Study – OpEd 9. Exclusive: S. Korea probes alleged Chinese manipulation of public opinion 10. Editorial: S. Korea must act to address the privacy risks posed by Chinese IP cameras 11. N. Korea removed as observer from Asia-Pacific anti-money laundering group 12. Seoul mulls evacuation plan for S. Koreans in Lebanon as Mideast crisis deepens 13. N.K. leader urges swift reconstruction in flood-devastated regions 14. Veterans minister thanks U.S. assemblymember for raising awareness on independence fighter 15. China takes away key talent from Korea 16. N. Korean leader sends message to Cuba emphasizing strengthened bilateral relations 17. Too old to serve? Lawmaker's proposal to recruit older men to military sparks debate 18. DMZ flash point 19. How to parrot Kim Jong-un on unification 20. Building strategic cooperation with Mongolia

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11/3/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3NYt5tX 1. Special contribution by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris 2. Harris hails alliance with S. Korea; stresses 'ironclad' U.S. commitment, Seoul's 'sizable' USFK contributions 3.Ukraine doubles down on psychological campaign against North Korean troops 4. Ukraine conducts information and psychological campaign against DPRK soldiers - media 5. S. Korea, U.S., Japan stage joint air drills with B-1B bomber after N.K. ICBM launch 6..EU's Borrell vows to advance security, defense ties with S. Korea 7. Russia’s Elite Spetsnaz Special Forces 'Devastated' in Ukraine War 8. Putin Isn't Bluffing: North Korean Troops are in Occupied Ukraine 9. Over 7,000 N. Korean troops deployed near border with Ukraine, armed with rifles, mortars 10. Ukraine Is Getting Another 200 Stryker Vehicles Just In Time To Meet A North Korean Onslaught 11. Does a ‘Warning from Kursk’ Show Reality of North Korea’s Russian Misadventure? 12. Underestimating North Korean troops is a mistake, experienced military officials warn 13. North Korea is hoping bigger is better with its new intercontinental ballistic missile. Experts are skeptical. 14. North Korean Balloons and Kim Jong Un’s New Psychological Warfare 15. Kim Jong Un is China's ally - but has become the 'comrade from hell' 16. China Faces a Dilemma With North Korean Troops Pouring Into Russia 17. Getting to Grips with All Things Korean as Pyongyang Enters Ukraine’s War

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12/9/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3Vun8cE 1. South Korea's President Yoon to resign, will not be involved in state affairs before stepping down: Ruling party 2. Defense ministry says control of military currently lies with Yoon 3. South Korean opposition plans new impeachment push 4. Special forces unit chief says his soldiers are victims used by ex-defense minister 5. Civic groups to stage another candlelight vigil calling for Yoon's impeachment 6. Why South Korea Should Resist New Digital Platform Laws 7. President under investigation as 'suspect' for treason, abuse of power 8. Tables turned? Korean firms now tasked with reassuring US partners 9. Ex-defense minister ordered drone infiltration to Pyongyang in Oct.: lawmaker 10. Drillship for East Sea gas exploration project arrives in Busan 11. Viable roadmap needed (South Korea) 12. [News Analysis] How will North Korea react to South Korea’s political crisis? 13. Conflict erupts over ruling camp's takeover plan 14. [ANALYSIS] Why Park Geun-hye was impeached, but Yoon Suk Yeol isn't 15. [Wang Son-taek] Why is democracy of South Korea so strong? 16. Russia in talks to send fighter jets to North Korea, INDOPACOM says 17. Top nuclear envoys of S. Korea, U.S., Japan vow coordination against N.K. threats amid martial law turmoil 18. Yoon placed under travel ban amid martial law probe as political turmoil deepens 19. N. Korea deploys hundreds of intelligence agents to aid Russian war effort 20. Let us not forget about North Korea (View from the Netherlands on Israel-north Korea)

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10/16/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3BJpldh 1. Analysis: Is Kim Jong Un's shifting stance on unification genuine divergence or strategic maneuver? 2. North Korea Destroys Roads, Railways Connecting It With the South 3. Nuclear-War Risks Rise Again, Stoked by Global Conflicts 4. Joint Statement on Establishing Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) 5. For North Korea, War in Ukraine Is a Coveted Chance for Military Practice 6. Why North Korea is sending soldiers to the Russian front lines 7. How China’s Iran support could spark a Persian Gulf energy war 8. This is how North Korean troops could be used in Russia’s war in Ukraine 9. Army attack helicopters may once again fire weapons at range near North Korean border 10. HUR Claims Russia Preparing 10,000 North Korean Troops in Far East for Deployment to Ukraine 11. North Korea again raises the specter of nuclear conflict 12. Today’s Axis of Evil is bigger and more dangerous than ever 13. Trump suggests $10 billion price tag for US troops in South Korea 14. S. Korea 'closely' monitoring possibility of N. Korea sending troops for Ukraine war 15. Exclusive: Eighteen North Korean troops reportedly desert Russian frontlines 16. S. Korea, U.S., Japan launch multilateral mechanism to monitor N. Korean sanctions after Russia's U.N. panel veto 17. N. Korea's state media keeps mum about its explosion of inter-Korean roads 18. How the ROK-U.S. alliance can exploit Kim Jong Un's constitutional changes 19. “US CIA Reports to Biden: ‘Unsettled by China, North Korea-Russia Closeness’”

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Reading analytical materials on the outcomes of the 6th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders, one cannot help but notice the emphasis on cooperation in the defense and security sectors, as well as the formation of a regional identity. However, I remain skeptical about the results of this summit, especially in comparison to the previous summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It is important to remember that, despite the enthusiastic reviews of the latest meeting, we have yet to assess the implementation of the agreements reached at previous summits. Several questions remain unanswered: 1. Did Turkmenistan and Tajikistan sign the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century? 2. What is known about the activities of the Council of National Coordinators for the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Leaders? Has this body been active in fulfilling the tasks set before it? 3. Has the Agreement on Strengthening Land Transport Connectivity in Central Asia come into force? Additionally, was a commission created to monitor the implementation of this agreement, as initially planned? The speech of the President of Turkmenistan at the 6th Consultative Meeting emphasizes that, despite Turkmenistan's participation in various agreements within this format, it is important to preserve the original meaning and purpose of the Consultative Meetings. The President of Turkmenistan noted that creating multilateral structures and institutions within the Consultative Meetings is unnecessary since each meeting concludes with a clear final document, which serves as the basis for further work. He also stressed that participation in the Consultative Meetings should be limited to the heads of state of Central Asia, allowing a focus on issues exclusively related to the region and ensuring high effectiveness in joint efforts. However, the absence of a functioning commission to implement the Agreement on Strengthening Land Transport Connectivity may indicate that Turkmenistan, despite its declarations, has not fully engaged in the practical implementation of these agreements.

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9/4/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3Xg3twW 1. More N. Korean elites disillusioned with Kim Jong-un regime: ex-N.K. diplomat 2. Ex-N. Korean diplomat in Cuba proposes paths to regime collapse from within 3. Spy agency monitoring signs of N. Korea executing officials over flood damage 4. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un reportedly ordered dozens of officials executed after deadly floods 5. N. Korea begins vaccination program for 800,000 children with UNICEF support 6. Military readiness decreased 'counterintuitively' despite Trump's summitry with NK leader Kim: ex-US envoy 7. Unification council to invite advisers from Americas for policy discussion 8. N. Korea apparently yet to institutionalize its '2 hostile states' policy: new council chief 9. US renews warning against N. Korea's support for Russia's war in Ukraine 10. U.S. may reconsider approach to N.K.-Russia military ties under Harris' leadership: senator 11. Democracy under pressure: unpacking fears of martial law in South Korea 12. Defectors' rise to high posts in Seoul could shake NK elite: Tae 13. N. Korea launches more trash balloons toward S. Korea 14. Rough surf no deterrent to US, South Korean Marines practicing amphibious landings

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As the organizer of the 2025 ICF Taiwan Chapter Annual Conference, I am conceiving the theme of the Annual Conference. I would like to know what topics everyone is more interested in?

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10/2/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3Y3sUDD 1. N. Korea likely to scrap key inter-Korean agreement at next week's parliamentary meeting: Seoul 2. Yoon orders immediate dispatch of military aircraft to evacuate S. Koreans amid Middle East crisis 3. Hundreds of homes in N. Korea's Jagang Province swept away by July's heavy rains 4. N. Korea launches over 150 trash balloons toward S. Korea: JCS 5. Korea Zinc Teams Up With Bain Capital to Thwart Takeover Bid 6. Defector arrested in failed bid to return to North Korea on stolen bus 7. N. Korea holds 1st national meeting of cadres amid flood damage recovery work 8. S. Korea inks deal to buy Polish 'suicide drones' 9. North Korea in BRICS is a reach too far 10. Golfer Pak Se-ri and FILA Chairman receive Van Fleet Award for S. Korea-U.S. relations 11. S. Korea launches strategic command to counter N. Korean nuclear threats 12. Peace foundation chairman urges young Koreans to 'dream big' 13. AI textbook bubble could burst, expert warns 14. Yoon, Ishiba discuss cooperation on N. Korea in 1st phone talks 15. The futility of wishful thinking on North Korea 16. Kim Jong Un promotes loyalty to his rule with first event on cadre development 17. Vice unification minister visits Germany to discuss Berlin's unification experience

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In recent weeks, one of the hot topics in Korea was a forum organized by a ministry that initially did not feature any women as panelists. It was rightly criticized as a "manel" (male-only panel). There was backlash on social media, which led the British Ambassador to Korea to withdraw from the panel, citing its lack of diversity. In response, the organizers made last-minute changes to the line-up to include more women, despite previously defending the gender composition as unavoidable. Last week, I attended another Korea-related panel at a major university in D.C. The first session featured eight male panelists, one male keynote speaker, and no women (except for a welcoming speech on behalf of the hosting institution). As far as I remember, Anna Fifield, Laura Bicker, and others compiled a public list of female experts on Korea and Japan: https://lnkd.in/gVpWb_Qs. On a related note, National Association for Black Engagement with Asia (NABEA) also has a free database of Black experts on Asia. https://lnkd.in/gVUtwXYC. As a small contribution to diversifying and enriching voices on Korea and reversing the trend of "manels," I am organizing Korea Fanel. https://lnkd.in/gzcjyyxg Korea Fanel (female + panel, also 파넬, pronounced “panel”) will feature only women as presenters, giving them a platform to showcase their research and ideas. In an ideal world, a “fanel” would not be necessary. Both manels and fanels lack the richness of diverse ideas and perspectives. Korea Fanel aims to highlight the current imbalance in the representation of women in Korean Studies and to spotlight the significant contributions women are making in the field. Register your interest here to be a speaker at Korea Fanel: https://lnkd.in/gCKS4HUs Sign up for the K-Analytics newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events: https://lnkd.in/g2rwTJZA. #korea #womenexperts #nomoremanels

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9/1/24 Korean news and Commentary https://conta.cc/4e7Eu5O 1. President Yoon's unification doctrine: maybe too audacious? 2. North Korea breaks pattern, stays calm after South Korea-US joint drills 3. S. Korea to bolster cybersecurity measures against hacking, disinformation 4. N. Korea imports breed of horses loved by leader Kim from Russia 5. S. Korea, Japan in last-minute arrangements for visit by PM Kishida: presidential office 6. Russia's 'Lancet' copycat North Korea's 'suicide drone' one-two punch to stop it 7. North Korea fascinates many people. For South Koreans, its threat is just part of life 8. S. Korea announces 'offensive cyber defense' strategy 9. South Korea’s Exports Grow for 11th Straight Month 10. Netflix Is Trying to Get You Hooked on More Reality TV With Better Dubbing 11. Is Seoul ‘sucking all the good’ from South Korea? Here’s why rural areas are emptying out 12. Patriarchal values lose hold: Korean fathers want to change but lack role models 13. This tank commander fought off 250 enemy troops in the Korean War 14. 40 Nations Join US and South Korea in Combating North Korean Crypto Crimes 15. North Korean diplomatic delegation to attend UN General Assembly: Sources

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7/8/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3zz5KLI 1. Unification education guidebooks published to highlight government's liberal democracy unification vision 2. Kim Yo Jong says ROK resumed border drills to distract from Yoon’s unpopularity 3. China rejects calls to protect North Korean refugees in UN human rights review 4. S. Korea, U.S. to hold 5th round of defense cost-sharing talks this week 5. Military completes deployment of new special operations walkie-talkies 6. N. Korea extols Kim Jong-un's achievements on state founder's 30th death anniv. 7. N.K. leader's sister slams S. Korea's resumption of live-fire drills as 'suicidal hysteria' 8. Russian envoy voices hope for better relations with S. Korea despite soured ties 9. Korea-China-Japan should set up security hotline: ex-envoy to Japan 10. N.K. leader visits mausoleum to mark late grandfather's death anniversary 11. North Korean Defector NGO Leaders to testify on Operation Truth and North Korea’s current internal situation and the regime’s strategy to maintain power 12. Secret Meetings, Private Threats and a Massive Arms Race: How the World is Preparing for Trump 13. North Korean troops could be sent to Ukraine due to their sheer numbers, not their effectiveness, experts say 14. ROK takes up leadership role in US-led naval exercise with eye on North Korea 15. Exclusive: South Korea's Yoon to discuss Pyongyang's 'distinct threat' to Europe at NATO

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5/12/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3QHLVYf 1. Senior Official for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak’s Meeting with People’s Republic of China (PRC) Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu 2. N. Korea expresses full support for Palestinian U.N. membership 3. Spy agency seeks to block access to propaganda song praising NK leader 4. NIS looking into N. Korea's suspected provision of weapons to Russia 5. Seoul remains low-key on China's forced repatriation of NK defectors in hopes for fence-mending, 3-way summit 6. F-4 fighter jets hold farewell flight after over five decades of service 7. North Korea: Thousands held in prison camps while authorities maintain control over speech and clothing 8. FOLLOW-UP: Japan and South Korea are itching to sign up to Aukus. But trust is an issue 9. Korean businesses look self-conscious in front of Washington 10. A provocative sculpture by South Korean artist becomes a highlight of Washington 11. Editorial: South Korea needs urgent action to protect consumers from hazardous Chinese imports

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Consular Protection (CP) is just one my 3P strategy, the other two are Economic Promotion (EP), and Soft Power exchange (SP). Thai-Korean relations and strategic partnership are ofcourse comprehensive and pivotal to our overall relationship and international approach in northeast Asia and beyond. #CommunicateXConnect #สื่อสารการทูตไทยเชื่อมไทยสู่สากล #65thThaiKoreanRelations https://lnkd.in/e2Nyh8hg

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