Students at Ludovika – University of Public Service had the chance to dive into the complex world of the Korean Peninsula through a fascinating lecture by Professor Moon Chung-in, one of South Korea’s most respected voices in diplomacy and security policy.
Often referred to as the doyen of Korean diplomacy, Professor Moon Chung-in explored in his lecture how the Korean Peninsula became one of the Cold War’s most intense flashpoints, how nuclear weapons shaped global power relations, and how the U.S.–South Korea alliance continues to evolve — from the Cold War era all the way to the Trump administration and beyond.
The professor also analysed today’s South Korean strategy: a pragmatic approach that seeks to maintain peace and stability. While the American alliance remains indispensable, Seoul carefully balances its relations with China and Russia, aiming to avoid open conflicts while cooperating where possible.
What truly energized the event, however, were the students’ questions. From the risks of cyberattacks in one of the world’s most digitalized societies, to the prospects of the famous “Sunshine Policy,” to broader debates on migration, students engaged in a lively dialogue with the professor. As Moon Chung-in emphasized, peace and reunification are not issues that can be labeled simply as successes or failures — they are long-term processes.
The discussion, moderated by Dr. Krisztián Péter Zachar, Vice Dean for International Affairs, highlighted the openness and curiosity of Ludovika’s international student community. Beyond gaining deep historical and political insights, participants experienced a rare opportunity: a real-time exchange with one of the leading figures of global security policy.
Professor Moon Chung-in is distinguished professor at Yonsei University, and editor-in-chief of Global Asia magazine. During his professional career, he has taught at several American universities and served as dean of the College of International Relations at Yonsei University, among other positions. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Pacific Century Institute, the Asia Research Fund, and the Korea Peace Forum. In addition, he served as foreign affairs and national security advisor to South Korean President Moon Jae-in (2017-2022), during which time his portfolio included unification, diplomacy, and national security issues. He previously provided similar support to the presidencies of Kim Dae-jung (1998-2003) and Roh Moo-hyun (2003-2008), and is a co-convener of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (APLN).
Text and photo: FPGIS, International Division