President Trump and Korea

Timely expert analyses of what a second Trump administration brings to the Korean Peninsula

A second Trump term could most fundamentally change the Korean Peninsula. 2024’s drumbeat of North Korean ballistic missile tests will put Trump in a position similar to the one he faced in 2017. But he is unlikely to respond by threatening to rain “fire and fury” on Kim. He already appears, instead, to be considering an overhaul of his North Korea approach, prioritizing cutting a deal with Kim to stop nuclear testing in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions. The Korea Chair closely tracks new developments on the Korean Peninsula to see what changes the new Trump administration will bring.

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All President Trump and Korea Content

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South Korea’s Response to U.S. Demands: Minimize Risk, Maximize Reward

South Korea has contended with changes under President Trump not by resisting, but by embracing them with a "let's make a deal" attitude, allowing it to minimize risk and maximize reward while using the unconventionality of the administration to advance its own agenda.

Commentary by Victor Cha — October 6, 2025

The Future of the ROK-U.S. Alliance: Adapting to a Changing World

For more than seven decades, the ROK–U.S. alliance has stood as an ironclad partnership, shaping not only the security of the Korean Peninsula but also the broader trajectory of the Republic of Korea (ROK)’s national development. Today, however, the question of how to modernize this alliance has come to the forefront.

Newsletter by Kyeongdoo Jeong — September 30, 2025

Don’t Miss the Boat: Considerations for U.S.-South Korea Maritime Cooperation

As China’s shipbuilding surge outpaces U.S. capacity, the U.S. Navy’s fleet readiness faces critical gaps. Leveraging South Korea’s world-class shipyards for maintenance and new-build collaboration could revitalize the United States' maritime strength and supply chain resilience.

Commentary by Namyeon Kwon — June 12, 2025

The Meaning of U.S. Troop Withdrawals from Korea

There is recent news reporting that the Trump administration is considering pulling 4,500 troops from South Korea. What does a potential troop withdrawal mean for the security of Korea, the new South Korean government, and for the Trump administration's objective in the Indo-Pacific?

Critical Questions by Victor Cha — June 2, 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

The Impossible State Podcast