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Korea‘s Unique Geopolitical Position: Not a Burden, But an Opportunity [ESF2026]

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Day Two of the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum

Keynote speech by Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group

“Expanding the Concept of Security… Innovation and Partnership Capabilities Becoming Increasingly Important”

[Edaily Eung-Tae Kim and Tae-Seop Kim Reporter] Rexon Ryu, President of The Asia Group (TAG), U.S.-based strategic advisory firm , said on June 17 that Korea’s unique geopolitical position where facing a nuclear-armed North Korea on the frontlines, acting as a crucial axis in the U.S.-China strategic rivalry, and absorbing the shocks of Middle Eastern conflicts, should be viewed not merely as a burden but as a significant source of leverage and opportunity.

During his keynote speech held at The Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, for the 17th Edaily Strategy Forum, President Ryu remarked “There are not many countries globally that find themselves in a geopolitical situation as multifaceted as Korea‘s.” President Ryu is a geopolitical expert who previously served on foreign policy issues, including Iran nuclear nonproliferation, at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) in the White House. He currently oversees Korea-related business and strategic initiatives at The Asia Group.

He argued that the traditional understanding of security is no longer sufficient in an increasingly complex global environment.

“Historically, security was understood as the ability to defend territory, borders, citizens, and national interests through soldiers, naval fleets, missiles, and alliances. However, focusing solely on these traditional parameters is no longer sufficient enough.” He added, “In the future, national security will be defined by a nation’s capacity to innovate, manufacture, protect, and expand its capabilities, as well as its possession of trusted partnerships to stand together when crises arise.”

He continued, “The framework that has driven the post-Cold War era is steadily losing strength,” and said, “Open markets are no longer taken for granted, and traditional alliances no longer guarantee the same level of cohesion as before.”

“Economic interdependence was once viewed as a source of stability,” Ryu explained. “Today, however, it is increasingly perceived as a vulnerability and a source of risk.”