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 X 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

Media Queries

Featured Analysis

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

SCOTUS Ruling and Korea

The Supreme Court’s ruling on the consolidated cases of V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump and Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump is expected tomorrow. Here are some key numbers to keep in mind with this impending decision.

Newsletter by Victor Cha — January 8, 2026

Related

What is China Building in the Yellow Sea?

Video — December 13, 2025

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Unpacking the CRINK Axis

Join the CSIS Korea Chair for a discussion unpacking the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, which some have called a CRINK axis or an "Axis of Upheaval." 

Event — October 28, 2025

Unpacking the CRINK Axis

The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and the Korea Chair held a discussion unpacking the growing ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, which some have called a CRINK axis or an “Axis of Upheaval.”

Transcript — October 28, 2025

Korea-China Standoffs in the PMZ

Recent AIS analysis show continued standoff between South Korean and Chinese Coast Guards in the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ).

Commentary by Jennifer Jun and Victor Cha — October 27, 2025

U.S.-China Trade War | The Capital Cable #123

On the CSIS Capital Cable, experts discuss the ongoing U.S-China trade war, a potential Trump-Xi meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in late October, and what this means for allies and partners in the region, including Korea and Japan. 

Event — October 23, 2025

The Impossible State

Upcoming U.S.-ROK Summit and the Future of Inter-Korean Engagement

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Andrew Yeo, and Mr. Sydney Seiler discussed the future of inter-Korean engagement, the upcoming APEC meetings, and the upcoming summit meeting between Presidents Trump and Lee. 

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and Sydney Seiler — October 22, 2025

The Impossible State Podcast
The Impossible State

What to Expect? New Leadership in Japan

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. James Brady, and Mr. Tobias Harris explore Sanae Takaichi’s rise in Japan’s LDP, her potential as prime minister, and the future of U.S.–Japan–Korea relations.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha — October 15, 2025

The Impossible State Podcast