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

Mission

Through nonpartisan, expert analysis and cutting-edge 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. 

CSIS appointed Dr. Victor Cha, former White House official and Georgetown University professor and vice dean as the inaugural chair holder in 2009. 

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Victor Cha

Victor Cha

Victor Cha

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Recent Analysis

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Recent Event

Photo: DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images

North Korean Human Rights at a New Juncture

COVID, Regional Players, and South Korea-U.S. Cooperation

This event explored the human rights implications on North Korea's response to the massive coronavirus outbreak in the country as well as China's continuous complicity in North Korea's human rights abuses.

October 6, 2022

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Examining China’s Coercive Economic Tactics

Victor Cha testified before the House Rules Committee on Chinese economic coercion. Dealing with China’s weaponization of trade is a critical pre-requisite for the success of the Biden administration’s strategic competition with China. 

Congressional Testimony by Victor Cha — May 10, 2023

Punggye-ri Update: New Activity at Tunnel No. 4

Recent satellite imagery shows new activity at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, including the completion of road construction and new structures by the collapsed portal of Tunnel No. 4.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — May 4, 2023

Aircraft Return to Sunchon Airbase?

Recent satellite imagery shows that the ongoing modernization project at Sunchon Airbase is nearing completion, along with the presence of ten aircraft – the first observed in two years.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — May 3, 2023

An Assessment of President Yoon’s State Visit to the White House

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol’s U.S. state visit on April 26, the highest honor for a visiting head of state, resulted in some noteworthy deliverables, including the Washington Declaration and an expansion of the “New Frontiers” agenda of the relationship.

Critical Questions by Victor Cha — May 1, 2023

Nuclear Belt and Road and U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Cooperation

As a latecomer to the global nuclear market, China’s share is still small, but it is increasingly becoming a competitive vendor based on its advanced nuclear technology, competitive prices, and lavish financing as part of its Nuclear Belt and Road.

Newsletter by Lami Kim — April 24, 2023

Manpo Unha Factory Part 2: History and Development

Satellite imagery analysis provides an in-depth understanding of the Manpo Unha Factory, an important but previously little-known component of North Korea’s nuclear infrastructure, and its historical development.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun — March 30, 2023

North Korea’s Ballistic Missile Campaign

North Korea’s ongoing ballistic missile campaign is no longer a protest to the U.S.-ROK military exercise. The latest missile launches are tantamount to war simulation drills to test the reliability and precision of its offensive striking capability.

Commentary by Ellen Kim — March 20, 2023

The Kishida-Yoon Summit Meeting: A New Start for Japan-Korea Relations

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol will visit Japan for a bilateral summit with Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio, the first official summit in 12 years to be held in either country.

Critical Questions by Ellen Kim , Nicholas Szechenyi , Victor Cha , and Christopher B. Johnstone — March 15, 2023

Unanswered Questions about North Korean Leadership

The stability and continuity of the North Korean leadership is the biggest “known unknown” when it comes to assessing the future of North Korea. This discusses unanswered questions regarding three leadership variables: political control, health, and leadership succession. 

Report by Victor Cha and Katrin Fraser Katz — March 14, 2023