In 2023, KEI has set out on its "Rethinking Korea initiative," which explores the evolution of U.S.-Korea relations, Korea's place in the world, and rapid changes in Korean society itself. The initiative involves both retrospective inquiry as well as prospective analysis about future trends. Our guest today is someone who was present for and a direct participant in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance and remains a keen observer of the relationship and the region.
Rob Rapson, Senior U.S. Diplomat (Ret.) and Korea and Asia Specialist, served as a diplomat and foreign service officer for 39 years from 1982 to 2022. During his time in the foreign service, Rob served in a range of positions focused on Korea, including as the Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Seoul/U.S. Consulate Busan, Korea (1984-86); Senior Trade Officer & Deputy Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Seoul (1997-2000); Director Office of Korean Affairs, Washington, DC (2012-15); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Seoul (2018-2021); and, finally, as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador), U.S. Embassy Seoul (Jan-July 2021). In addition, Rob served in Japan, India, Afghanistan, and throughout Southeast Asia.
Our conversation is split into two parts, the first of which focuses on Rob's time before joining the Korea Desk in 2012. We cover a wide range of experiences and issues, from Rob's path to the foreign service and first impressions of South Korea to Seoul's transition from dictatorial rule to democratization, its navigation of the "IMF" or East Asian financial crisis, and its remarkable transformation into a middle power and one of the world's most advanced economies.
The second part of our conversation, due for later release, will cover his time at the Korea Desk (2012-2015) up to the present day.
Making Sense of North Korea's Re-Defector Press Conferences
Behind the Scenes of South Korea's Space Program
The Humanitarian Situation in North Korea
Overhauling a Nation: A Discussion on Economic Reforms in North Korea
Income Inequality: Important Economic Lessons Looking at South Korea
China-North Korea Relations: The Border Region, SEZs, and the Purge of Jang Song-taek
Australia, Korea and the Dynamics of Northeast Asia
The Francis Effect in Asia
Public Opinion in South Korea: Insights into Relations with U.S., China and Japan
A Frank Discussion on the Challenges for Economic Reform in North Korea
China and Northeast Asia
Prospects for the Future of the Kaesong Industrial Complex
South Korea - U.S. Nuclear Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges
James Pearson : A Window Into Korean Internet Culture
Meet The Honorees : Korean American Day 2013
North Korea's Satellite Launch: Mark Fitzpatrick - IISS
Korea: The Impossible Country - Daniel Tudor
Psy & The Rise of K-Pop : Mark Russell
B.R. Myers - The Cleanest Race
Jennifer Lind: Dartmouth College
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