Unification Ministry Holds a Roundtable with North Korea Studies Scholars

Asking Young Scholars about Policy for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula

Unification Ministry Holds a Roundtable with North Korea Studies Scholars (July 23)

On July 23, the Ministry of Unification hosted a roundtable with North Korea studies scholars to gather their insights on the policy for peaceful coexistence and discuss ways to foster win-win cooperation between the South Korean government and academia.

The meeting was attended by 23 young scholars researching North Korea studies from Korea University, Dongguk University, the University of North Korean Studies, Seoul National University, and Ewha Womans University.

Minister of Unification Chung Dong Young emphasized the active role of young people in building a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and encouraged the students, who are developing into experts capable of contributing solutions to Korean Peninsula issues.

During the roundtable, the young scholars presented various views on revitalizing research in North Korea studies.

They underscored that even amid difficult inter-Korean relations, academia must fulfill its role in preparing for the future, highlighting an urgent need for government-level attention to expand the research ecosystem for young scholars.

Participants agreed on the need to develop creative alternatives, such as proposing new discourses and applying interdisciplinary approaches, to foster North Korea studies research that resonates with the public.