Korea Chair

The Korea Chair is the premier independent platform in Washington, D.C. for the advancement of major policy issues of common importance to the people of the Republic of Korea and the United States

Through nonpartisan, expert analysis and cutting-edge, data-driven research on ongoing policy opportunities and security challenges facing the region, the Korea Chair promotes a greater understanding of relations between the United States, Korea, and Asia.

The Korea Chair examines issues ranging from politics, economy, and foreign policy to economic security, geopolitics, and non-proliferation. The program runs Beyond Parallel, a microsite dedicated to Korean unification, and employs satellite imagery analysis to monitor and track developments on and around the peninsula. Beyond Parallel also houses years of accumulated databases on nuclear diplomacy, unification, and the US-Korea alliance.

New projects that look beyond the peninsula include the role of the G7 in global governance and the weaponization of economic interdependence. The program actively promotes policy discussion in Washington and Seoul through the Impossible State podcast and the Capital Cable series live on YouTube.

Dr. Victor Cha, a former White House official and Georgetown University distinguished professor, is leading the Korea program as the inaugural chairholder since 2009.

Join our mailing list, subscribe to the Impossible State podcast, and follow us on Twitter to receive the Korea Chair’s latest analysis and event invitations.

Meet Our Experts

Meet our network of experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates who contribute to the Korea Chair's analysis.

Contact Information

  • Minchi Hyun
  • Special Assistant to the President, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Program Manager, Korea Chair
  • mhyun@csis.org

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Nampo Guided Missile Frigate Unwrapped

Recent imagery show clearest view yet of North Korea’s largest warship, the new guided missile frigate (FFG), with netting removed.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — April 23, 2025

Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility: Part 1

The Yongdok-tong Nuclear High Explosive Test Facility is North Korea’s only known operating facility for testing designs and components for high-explosive detonation of nuclear weapons, as detailed in this most comprehensive report currently publicly available.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — April 22, 2025

The Impossible State

Korea, Japan, and the Tariff War

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Kristi Govella, and Mr. William Reinsch discussed the tariff war, its potential impact on Korea, Japan, and other countries around the world, and more.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha, Kristi Govella, and William Alan Reinsch — April 21, 2025

CSIS The Impossible State North Korea
The Impossible State

The Future of U.S.-ROK-Japan Trilateral Cooperation

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha and Dr. Michael Green discussed U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation, the Trump administration’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific, and more.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and Michael J. Green — April 11, 2025

CSIS The Impossible State North Korea

North Korea Restores Uiju Airbase

Recent satellite images indicate that Uiju has returned to full operational status with Il-28 aircraft redeployed at the airbase previously used for rail freight quarantine facility during COVID-19.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — April 9, 2025