As soon as new South Korea President Moon Jae-in was elected this week, local newspaper The Korea Times was quick to point out that he “faces a huge task to keenly coordinate his foreign and security policies with the Donald Trump administration amid advancing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.”

However, there is also some cause for optimism. As academic Timothy Rich says, “Moon’s interest in engagement with North Korea may also aid in improving relations with China, providing greater means to entice North Korea with both carrots and sticks.”

Moon, a former student activist and human rights lawyer, replaces President Park Geun-Hye, who was formally removed from office on March 10 after being impeached late last year.

Read more:
Towards Engagement with North Korea: Implications of the South Korean Presidential Election
OPINION: New President Must Tackle Rights Across Korean Peninsula and the Region
Moon Victory Imminent in South Korea

Editor: Edward White