South Korea Releases Indo-Pacific Strategy: Analysis of Shifting Attitudes and Motivations

Abstract

Since Trump’s “Indo-Pacific Strategy” was formally unveiled in 2017, the South Korean government’s perspective has undergone a dramatic shift. From being “very cautious” in the early years of the Moon Jae-in administration to “gradually approaching” in the latter years, to the Korean Indo-Pacific Strategy’s release immediately following Yoon Seok-yeol’s assumption of office to benchmark with the United States, which has raised concerns on all sides, this essay explores the domestic and external factors that have affected South Korea’s perception of the Indo-Pacific Strategy. On the domestic front, the primary drivers are rooted in economic interests and diplomatic considerations, with political party competition exerting a significant influence. On the international level, the continuous change in the situation in Northeast Asia and the pressure from the US have also compelled South Korea to seek more influence through the Indo-Pacific policy.