2026 한미동맹의 재편: 확대된 역할, 바뀌는 전략, 그리고 불확실한 북핵 변수
Welcome to Within The Frame where we bring the most pressing issues from across the globe into focus, I'm Kim Mok-yeon.
South Korea and the United States are entering 2026 with a recalibrated alliance, one that’s no longer limited to military deterrence, but is increasingly defined by technology, trade, and nuclear coordination. Under Lee Jae Myung’s push for pragmatic diplomacy, Seoul has secured U.S. backing on sensitive issues like uranium enrichment and submarine development.
But Washington’s latest national security strategy notably omits any mention of North Korea, raising the stakes for how Pyongyang will be addressed moving forward.
As power dynamics shift across Northeast Asia, South Korea faces growing expectations from its ally.
The question now is: how far can—and should—the alliance go?
For answers to this, we are thrilled to connect to Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Welcome.
1. Let’s start with the overall picture, Dr. Cha.
Since launching in June last year, the Lee Jae Myung administration has emphasized a "national interest-first, pragmatic diplomacy" approach in dealing with the U.S.
How would you assess the Lee administration’s overall diplomatic direction toward Washington so far?
2. One of the outcomes the Lee administration is highlighting is a stronger ROK-U.S. alliance.
But from Washington’s point of view, how is the alliance actually being perceived right now?
3. Building on that partnership—After two summits last year, both sides released a joint fact sheet that goes beyond security.
What does this shift from a traditional security alliance to a broader strategic alliance mean—and how might Korea’s role change?
4. Let’s talk specifics. The fact sheet includes enriched uranium, nuclear subs, and OPCON transfer.
How do these affect the alliance’s strategic value and efforts to counter North Korea?
5. These issues, like enrichment, reprocessing and submarine development are sensitive issues involving real tech and security negotiations.
What do you see as the most delicate factor in these talks—and how should Korea prepare?
6. Switching to U.S. policy—President Trump’s latest security strategy leaves out North Korea and denuclearization.
Do you think Pyongyang is being downgraded—or is this part of a different strategy? What’s your read?
7. Despite this, Seoul says both sides remain committed to denuclearization.
But in today’s regional climate, does South Korea need a new approach—and if so, in what direction?
8. The U.S. has also left room for talks with North Korea.
Do you see a summit or high-level contact in 2026? What role should Seoul play in making that happen?
9. And finally, looking ahead—2026 will be a pivotal year for South Korea, as it faces overlapping challenges like tariffs, security, North Korea, and the U.S.-China rivalry.
In your view, what direction should Seoul’s diplomacy with Washington take in the year ahead?
We'll have to leave our discussion right here, thank you for your time tonight Dr.Cha, we appreciate it.
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2026-01-02, 20:30 (KST)
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