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.

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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

South Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Deal: What’s Next?

Dr. Victor Cha, Dr. Kang Choi, and Dr. Beomchul Shin discussed the outcomes of the APEC meetings, South Korea’s nuclear submarine deal with the United States, and potential next steps. 

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha — November 14, 2025

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Raised Destroyer Arrives at Najin

Recent satellite image shows the destroyer which failed launching at Chongjin has now been moved to Najin shipyard for restoration.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — June 9, 2025

Second Choe Hyon Destroyer at Chongjin Raised

Latest satellite imagery shows North Korea having successfully completed the initial salvage operations on the DDGHM at Chongjin.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr., Victor Cha, and Jennifer Jun — June 5, 2025

Audio Briefs

South Korea’s New President: Frying Pan to Fire

An audio version of “⁠South Korea’s New President: Frying Pan to Fire⁠,” a new Critical Questions by Victor Cha and Andy Lim. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha and Andy Lim — June 3, 2025

Audio Briefs

South Korea’s New President: Frying Pan to Fire

Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) secured a landslide victory in the 21st South Korean presidential election on June 3 and comes into office with a solid popular mandate and comfortable control of the National Assembly.

Critical Questions by Victor Cha and Andy Lim — June 3, 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

What Are U.S. and NATO Views on China?

In this episode, Dr. Victor Cha, Ms. Henrietta Levin, and Dr. Luis Simón discussed the Trump administration’s policy toward China, U.S.–China trade relations, the future of U.S. and NATO engagement with China, and more.

Podcast Episode by Victor Cha — May 30, 2025

The Impossible State Podcast