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.
Contact Information
- Minchi Hyun
- Special Assistant to the President, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Program Manager, Korea Chair
- mhyun@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Samuel Cestari
- Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- scestari@csis.org
Featured Analysis

Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Marco Rubio and the Outlook for North Korean Human Rights Under Trump 2.0
Commentary by Robert R. King — February 12, 2025

North Korean Troops in Russia: Comrades in Arms or Cannon Fodder?
Podcast Episode by Sydney Seiler and Seth G. Jones — February 7, 2025

North Korean Troops in Russia: Comrades in Arms or Cannon Fodder?
Commentary — February 7, 2025

What’s Next for the Korean Peninsula Under Trump 2.0?
Commentary — January 24, 2025

What's Next for the Korean Peninsula Under Trump 2.0?
Podcast Episode by Ellen Kim and Sydney Seiler — January 24, 2025
Upcoming Event
U.S. Allies and Partners Under the Trump Administration
All Korea Chair Content
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The Next Critical Step in South Korea’s Impeachment: The Constitutional Court
Critical Questions by Victor Cha and Ellen Kim — December 16, 2024
The Next Critical Step in South Korea’s Impeachment: The Constitutional Court
Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and Ellen Kim — December 16, 2024

Victor Cha in the Financial Times: The resilience of South Korea’s democracy remains in doubt
Commentary by Victor Cha — December 6, 2024
Yoon Suk Yeol’s Presidency in Jeopardy
Commentary by Ellen Kim — December 4, 2024
Yoon Declares Martial Law in South Korea
Critical Questions by Andy Lim, Seiyeon Ji, and Victor Cha — December 3, 2024
Yoon Declares Martial Law in South Korea
Podcast Episode by Andy Lim, Seiyeon Ji, and Victor Cha — December 3, 2024

ROK-U.S. Strategic Forum 2024
Event — November 18, 2024
How Trump Sees Allies and Partners
Commentary by Victor Cha — November 18, 2024
Special Discussion with Secretary General Yongho Tae
Podcast Episode by Sydney Seiler — November 15, 2024

What to Expect from Trump 2.0 for Korea? The Capital Cable #101
Event — November 14, 2024