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10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue06-03
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Vol.07 Issue06 2025
CITATION
Zebiniso Zaripova Abdurahmanovna. (2025). Evolution and modern trends
in the development of the foreign policy of the Republic of Korea. The
American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, 7(06), 17
–
20.
https://doi.org/10.37547/tajpslc/Volume07Issue06-03
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Evolution and modern
trends in the development
of the foreign policy of the
Republic of Korea
Zebiniso Zaripova Abdurahmanovna
Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Doctor of Philosophy in
Political Science (PhD), Uzbekistan
Abstract:
The study analyzes the development of the
Republic of Korea's foreign policy. The country has
followed a path of strict dependence on the United
States in both security and economics, while
simultaneously working to strengthen its position as a
"middle" and "global" power, influencing politics in the
East Asian region and the world as a whole. The
evolution of its foreign policy presents an interesting
case study regarding the tools and mechanisms used to
formulate strategies to achieve its interests. Although
the Republic of Korea is limited in choosing a strategic
course, it has managed to develop soft power
mechanisms in the context of globalization, establishing
itself as an important player in innovation and
economics both regionally and globally.
Keywords:
The Republic of Korea -
USA аlliance,
interests, "soft power", "middle" power, "global" power
actor.
Introduction:
For many centuries, Korea has been
dependent on China, building a picture of the world
based on the Sinocentric system of the world order.
Confucian ethics made it possible to build Korea's
foreign policy relations into a hierarchical structure in
which it interacted with China as a junior. For many
centuries, Korea has been dependent on China, building
a picture of the world based on the Sinocentric system
of the world order. Confucian ethics made it possible to
build Korea's foreign policy relations into a hierarchical
structure in which it interacted with China as a junior.
The 19th century brought changes to Korea
–
vassal
relations with China ceased, but the country fell into
colonial dependence on Japan, liberation from which, at
the end of World War II in the 20th century, led to the
division of the country. The Republic of Korea is
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concluding a military-political alliance with the United
States, and remains dependent on Washington's will at
present [1].
After Japan's surrender at the end of World War II in
1945, the Korean peninsula was divided along the 38th
parallel into two occupation zones. The United States
occupied the south of the country, and the Soviet
Union occupied the north. In 1948, two countries were
created on the territory of the former unified Korea
—
the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north. With
the outbreak of the Korean War (1950-1953),
American troops were sent to defend South Korea
from the invasion of North Korea and then China. In
1953, US Army General Mark Clark signed a ceasefire
agreement on behalf of the UN forces and approved
the border between the two Koreas. American losses
in this conflict were estimated at 30,000 people. After
three years of the US military administration, the South
Korean government was established, headed by Lee
Seung-man. The United States and the Republic of
Korea (ROK) signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1968,
according to which Washington pledged to provide
military assistance to South Korea.
The peculiarities of the post-war development of the
Republic of Korea led to the division of its political
forces into two main groupings, which form the foreign
policy course within the framework of a common
paradigm characterized by nationalistic content, as
well as the desire to ensure the sustainable
development of the country and security in the region.
The power elite is represented by two party groupings,
which are represented by right-wing and center-left
forces that replace each other in power. In the foreign
policy of the right and the left, there are major
differences in views regarding cooperation with the
United States and the DPRK (The Democratic People’s
Republic of Korea). None of the groups opposes an
alliance with Washington, but the left-wing party
coalition periodically resorts to anti-American rhetoric
for tactical purposes.
Concerning the DPRK, conservatives, i.e., the right,
oppose unconditional economic assistance to the
DPRK. Leftist forces more often adhere to a policy of
active economic and socio-cultural relations with the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The thesis of
the complete denuclearization of the DPRK and the
nuclear-free status of the Korean Peninsula is common
to all political forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan [2].
After the Korean War, South Korea found itself at an
economic and security disadvantage, dependent on
the United States with North Korea. Throughout the
1970s, it continued to maintain a strong alliance with
the United States. In domestic policy, President Park
Chung-hee (1963-1979) embarked on an export-based
development strategy that was heavily dependent on
exports to the U.S. market [3].
He developed industrialization and improved
the production of goods and services. He managed to
attract a large number of foreign investments into the
economy. His merit is considered to be the
transformation of the country into a developed state
that could defend itself in the event of war.
During the presidency of Chung Doo-hwan (1980-1988),
the process of economic development continued. The
country has become a recognized exporter of
electronics and technology, and hosted the Summer
Olympic Games in 1988. The country began the process
of
gradual
democratization
and
established
international relations. The country focused on an
alliance with the United States, and in 1990, 37,000 U.S.
troops were stationed in South Korea. In the 2000s,
3,000 South Korean troops, together with the American
army, took part in a military operation in Iraq and 600 in
Afghanistan. The development of military relations
between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United
States was facilitated by the development of the DPRK's
nuclear program.
During the presidencies of Roh Tae-Woo (1988-1993)
and Kim Young-sam (1993-1998), South Korea
established itself as a "middle power" beyond the
Korean peninsula. Under these leaders, South Korea
joined the United Nations and formulated a strategy for
globalization. Although Roh Tae-Woo was a military
figure, he sought to lessen the military's influence on
political processes. The administration followed the
"northern policy" program, which aimed to build
relationships with other countries of the USSR and China
in the Northeast Asian region. Under Roh Tae-Woo, the
nation emerged as one of the "new industrial
countries," a transformation spurred by rapid economic
growth. Kim Yong-him continued this policy of fostering
ties and focused on promoting tourism.
Under the administration of President Kim Dae-jung
(1998-2003), success was achieved in overcoming the
financial and economic crisis (the Asian crisis of 1998)
through obtaining an IMF loan, aided by the public's
swift repayment efforts. A "solar heat policy" was
implemented in the DPRK, significantly warming
relations between the parties. Under the leadership of
Kim Dae-jung and his successor, Roh Moo-hyun (2003-
2007), the open policy toward other regions continued.
The Republic of Kazakhstan initiated the ASEAN+3
format, which later expanded. During this time, South
Korea emerged as a key player in East Asia. Korea
pursued the development of the China-Japan-Korea
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format during Roh Moo-hyun's presidency. Notably, he
presented persuasive proposals to China and Japan for
a trilateral free trade agreement among the countries.
A political report published in 2004 clarified that Korea
envisions three roles in Northeast Asia: as a
“connecting” state between regional powers, as a
“hub" state for peace, finance, logistics, and tourism,
and as a “promoter" of regional cooperation.
Korea's regional policy underwent major changes
during the presidential term of Lee Myung-bak (2008-
2013). Lee restored the U.S.-led bilateral alliance as a
foreign policy priority and called the ratification of the
Korean-American free trade agreement one of the
most important goals during his tenure. He suggested
that we should not limit ourselves to the Northeast or
East Asia region, but rather develop a "Global Key
State" program. Lee also showed great interest in
hosting international organizations in Korea. As a
result, in 2012, the Global Institute for Green Growth
(GGGI) became the first international organization
based in Korea. South Korea becomes a member of the
G20. At that time, a strategy was being developed
towards a "global key state", when the Republic of
Kazakhstan would influence international processes.
In 2013, President Park Geun-Hye proposed her
regional vision, the Northeast Asia Peace and
Cooperation Initiative (NAPCI). This concept of “trust
policy" is aimed at building trust between various
stakeholders in Northeast Asia. The main goal is to
formalize the “habit” of regional cooperation through
existing intergovernmental mechanisms, multi-level
structures, and non-governmental networks. The
strategy was based on neo-functionalist beliefs in the
effect of “spillover” and proposed to start interstate
cooperation from non-traditional areas of security to
high politics. Park Geun-Hye proposed creating a
coalition between South Korea and the Middle Powers.
After Park Geun-hye was ousted from power for
corruption, Moon Jae-in became president (2017-
2022). He advocated the peaceful reunification of the
two Koreas through a policy of peaceful coexistence.
The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula should
be the main step towards cooperation, but a lot can be
done in cooperation along this path. His management
took place during the period of COVID-19 and the
conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
The Republic of Korea has condemned the Russian
Federation for its unprovoked aggression against
Ukraine. The country joined the US and EU sanctions
against Moscow.
Changes in the foreign policy of the Republic of
Kazakhstan since 2022
The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine since 2022 may be a
symptom of a new dynamic in global geopolitics. The
shifting balance of power embodied in the rise of China
and the weakening of American interest and
determination to assert its traditional global role are
leading the world into strategic uncertainty.
Conservative representative President Yun Sogel (May
10, 2022 to April 4, 2025, suspended as a result of
impeachment for illegally declaring martial law)
adhered to a radical orientation towards the United
States, strengthening ties with Japan, and a tough
stance on the denuclearization of North Korea. He also
joined the sanctions against the Russian Federation and
began to curtail cooperation programs. The main
challenges include the denuclearization of North Korea,
overcoming the consequences of the pandemic, the
transformation of the global trading system and the
restructuring of supply chains, climate change, and the
threat to the values of liberal democracy in the world
and the rules-based order [4].
Today, we see a rapid change in the political landscape
with new challenges and threats. The events of recent
years indicate a global transformation in international
relations. What is the Republic of Korea today, and will
it be able to build an independent policy and security?
More recently, in the context of globalization, at a time
of increasing competition between the United States
and China, Korea used the strategy of "middle power"
diplomacy and very often used the tools of "niche
diplomacy." The example of South Korea shows the
construction of a niche with the help of soft power,
which could complement its foreign policy. Soft power
has contributed to ensuring national competitiveness
and expanding Seoul's diplomatic space through its
active influence on the global agenda [5]. The concept
of a "middle power", which, without claiming regional
political leadership, is capable of pursuing an
independent and diversified regional policy, is focused
on pragmatic economic cooperation and strengthening
ties with neighboring states. 1) Focus on expanding the
diplomatic network of cooperation 2) Practical
integrated diplomacy 3) Peaceful coexistence,
prosperity of inter-Korean relations, and guidance for
the future of the security system [6].
The Republic of Korea is one of the top ten economies
in the world and, therefore, has economic power, has 15
free trade agreements, including trade agreements with
economically powerful powers - China, the EU, and the
United States. It is a member of the Comprehensive
Regional Economic Partnership (RCEP), the largest
regional agreement in terms of economic size. South
Korea also has a very strong army and has established
the production of weapons. Its army includes 599,000
active personnel and 3,100,000 reserves (in 2021) and
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ranks 6th in the world. Since 1994, the military of this
country has begun to take an active part in UN
peacekeeping operations. Established in 1961, the
National Intelligence Service aims to protect Koreans
from external threats. This service also includes
cybersecurity units.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy is also used
as a product promotion agency. Launched back in
1962, KOTKA has offices in 127 business centers
around the world. High-tech Korean chaebols and
other enterprises and their products, such as
semiconductors, electric batteries, environmentally
friendly ships, cars, robots, smartphones, and vaccines,
in general, a wide range of products without which the
economy cannot develop and function. South Korea
and its capabilities as a global economic force are being
integrated into the global supply chain. Countries
across America, Asia, and Europe want to earn the
attention of Korean firms. This provides economic
leverage for South Korea. South Korea has global
brands such as Samsung, Hyundai, and Kia, and is a
leading country in the field of digital economy and
information and communication technology (ICT).
In the global diplomatic index of 2019, South Korea was
ranked 13th in the world and fourth in Asia. South
Korea also has one of the strongest diplomatic
academies, and its diplomats are highly qualified; some
of them have reached leading positions in international
organizations. And as you know, Ban Ki-moon was the
UN Secretary General from 2007 to 2016.
The Korean Foreign Ministry has organized the KOICA
agency, which includes 44 offices in Africa, Asia, Latin
America, and the Middle East. South Korea is one of
the first countries to move from the position of
recipient, i.e., recipient of aid, to the position of donor
in 2010. In 2020. South Korea spent 2.5 billion dollars
on official development assistance. USD, which is
0.14% of GDP. This puts South Korea in the middle
position in terms of volume, but closer to the end in
percentage terms among OECD member countries [7].
South Korea considers soft power to be one of the
important tools of its foreign policy. The Ministry of
Culture, Sports, and Tourism has established a
cooperation support department for Hall. Another
agency, such as the Creative Content Agency (KOCCA),
promotes modern Korean culture. In addition, the
agency has managed to open 33 Korean cultural
centers throughout Africa, America, Asia, and Europe.
These centers focus on the traditional and modern
culture of Korea. By 2021. The Republic of Korea
ranked 11th in the world and 3rd among Asian
countries in terms of its "soft power" influence [8].
We mentioned the "middle power" policy, the strategy
when the Republic of Korea seeks to influence the global
agenda, but we should not forget about the orientation
towards autonomy, which many presidents of the
country had in mind, where autonomy did not mean
isolation. For decades, the Republic of Kazakhstan has
maintained strong partnerships with the United States,
participated in regional initiatives, and adhered to
multilink as a means of achieving autonomy. In modern
conditions of turbulence, crises, and uncertainty, if the
United States under Trump chooses a policy of
isolationism, the accumulated experience in economic
development, diplomacy, and the capabilities of the
armed forces will help maintain security in balance
between competing powers.
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