Honolulu International Forum featuring Dr. Tae-hyo Kim
Dr. Tae-hyo Kim is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Sung Kyun Kwan University (SKKU), Seoul, Republic of Korea. At SKKU, he is also Dean of the Graduate School for National Strategy and President of the Sung Kyun Institute for Global Strategy (SIGS).
Dr. Kim is Vice-President and Director of International Cooperation at the New Asia Research Institute (NARI) and Editor of the New Asia Journal. Formerly, he served as Deputy National Security Advisor to President LEE Myung-bak from February 2008 to July 2012 and Assistant Professor at the National Diplomatic Academy from February 2002 to February 2005.
Dr. Kim’s research focus centers on security strategy and security relations in Northeast Asia. His recent publications include “Is Japan a Normal State?: A Study on the Level of Military Force and the Use of Force” (2020), “COVID-19, the New US-China Cold War and Its Implications for Korea” (2020), and Why Do They Argue Over the Correct Answer?: Korean Foreign Policy Debates Untold By Textbooks (SKKU Press, 2019). He has edited Foreign Policy in the 21st Century (Myung-in Books, 2016), the Future of U.S.-Korea-Japan Relations: Balancing Values and Interests (CSIS Press, 2004), and Korea-Japan Security Relations: Prescriptive Studies (Oruem Publishing House, 2000).
The following are some of the key policy outcomes that Dr. Kim completed while working at the Blue House: wrote National Security Strategy Guidelines: Visions and Strategy of Global Korea Diplomacy (2008); established ‘Korea-China Strategic Partnership’ (2008); drafted the ‘Grand Bargain Proposal’ to North Korea (2009); drafted ‘Joint Future Vision of the ROK-US Alliance’ (2009); led the decision to dispatch troops to Afghanistan (2009); delayed the transfer of Wartime OPCON from 2012 to 2015 (2010); concluded the Korea-US FTA negotiation (2010); drafted the Seoul G20 Summit Joint Declaration (2010); introduced the ‘Proactive Deterrence Strategy’ (2011); restored Korea-Myanmar relations after 29 years since the Aung San Terror (2012); agreement on the Draft Amendment to the 123 Agreement (2012); agreement on the New Missile Guidelines (2012); drafted GSOMIA (2012).
Dr. Kim was educated at Sogang University (B.A. in Political Science), Cornell University (M.A. in Public Administration), and the University of Chicago (Ph.D. in Political Science). He was awarded the Nakasone Peace Prize and a medal for distinguished service in the government.
