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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Media Queries

Recent Analysis

Photo: Airbus DS 2023

Photo: Airbus DS 2023

Post-Launch Operations at Sohae Satellite Launching Station

Satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station taken five hours after the launch of North Korea's military reconnaissance satellite shows typical post-launch operations at the original launch pad.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — May 31, 2023

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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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North Korea’s Missile Crossed the Northern Limit Line

On November 2, North Korea fired 25 missiles, the most in a single day, including one SRBM in the direction of South Korea’s Ulleung Island, triggering an air raid alert and landing close to South Korea’s territorial waters for the first time since 1945.

Critical Questions by Ellen Kim — November 2, 2022

Activity at the Sinpo South Shipyard Part 2: The Construction Halls

For the past two months, a significant increase in activity has been observed at the Sinpo South Shipyard, suggestive of longer-term preparations for North Korea’s launching of the new SSB or testing newer, more capable SLBMs.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — October 24, 2022

The Capital Cable #57: China & the Two Koreas, Party Congress and Decisive Decade

Mr. Jonathan Cheng, China bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal joined us for a discussion on China’s relations with the two Koreas, the 20th National Congress of the CCP, and the recently released National Security Strategy by the United States.

Event by Mark Lippert , Victor Cha , Sue Mi Terry , and Jonathan Cheng — October 20, 2022

Punggye-ri Update: Waiting for Kim

North Korea’s seventh nuclear test is assessed to be carried out in the coming weeks. This report provides an updated view of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility, where the test will almost assuredly take place.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — October 20, 2022

Activity at the Sinpo South Shipyard Part 1: The Secure Boat Basin

For the past two months, a significant increase in activity has been observed at the Sinpo South Shipyard, suggestive of longer-term preparations for North Korea’s launching of the new SSB or testing newer, more capable SLBMs.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Victor Cha , and Jennifer Jun — October 18, 2022

The Impossible State

Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop

Dr. Victor Cha and Andrew Schwartz are joined by Dr. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, professor at King's College London and KF-VUB Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance of Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and H. Andrew Schwartz — October 14, 2022

CSIS The Impossible State North Korea

North Korea Carries Out Multiple Provocations

North Korea’s multiple provocations of missile tests, artillery shelling, and nighttime warplane exercises between October 13 and 14 continue to amplify the crisis level on the Korean peninsula.

Commentary by Ellen Kim and Andy Lim — October 14, 2022

Missile Test from Taechon Reservoir: SRBM, not SLBM

North Korea’s September 25 test launch of a ballistic missile from the Taechon Reservoir was a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), not a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) as commonly reported. The missile used for this test appears to be a modified version of the KN-23 SRBM. The original single-stage, solid propellant KN-23 was first tested in May 2019.  

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun — October 12, 2022