What insights can a life dedicated to international relations and diplomacy in the Korean Peninsula offer?
Dr. Stein Tønnesson (PRIO) will delve into this question as he interviews Dr. Moon Chung-in (Yonsei University, Seoul), a prominent expert who has served as an advisor to several South Korean presidents. Dr. Moon stands out as the South Korean who has met most frequently with North Korean leaders Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. He attended all Korean summits (Pyongyang in 2000, 2007, 2018) and Panmunjom in 2018 as a special delegate. He is one of rare witnesses of Korean summit politics and the dynamics of inter-Korean relations.
The conversation will explore Dr. Moon's personal journey, from his upbringing and education in an authoritarian South Korea to his role in the country's democratization and his burgeoning interest in North Korea. He will share his perspectives on the personalities and policies of both South and North Korean leaders and provide insights into the geopolitical strategies of China, the US, Russia, and Japan regarding the divided Korea. Dr. Moon will also reflect on his pivotal role in intra-Korean diplomacy, offering a unique window into the complexities of the region.
