Expansion of the South Korean Defense Industry: Key Features and Implications for Europe
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In recent years, South Korea's ascent in the global arms market has been nothing short of remarkable, with its arms sales skyrocketing to $17.3 billion in 2022.
This surge, particularly in the midst of a shifting geopolitical landscape and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War, has captured the attention of security watchers worldwide. Korea's defense industrial presence also seems to become intertwined with the recent North Korea-Russia arms deals.
Dr. Wooyeal Paik, the author of an upcoming report published by Ifri, will delve into the intricacies of South Korea's defense industry's rapid emergence. Paik will provide an in-depth analysis of the nation's defense industry's portfolio, capacity, and the rationales guiding its development over the last five decades. From overcoming steep barriers to entry to major contracts with Central and Eastern European countries, especially Poland, he will explore how South Korea has capitalized on critical opportunities. The conference will not only shed light on the nation's competitive technologies, mass production capacity, and cost-effectiveness but also address the crucial role played by the government's diplomatic support and coordination with key allies and partners.
Dr. Arnaud Leveau will then discuss the key security implications of South Korea's defense industry surge for Europeans.
This event will be held in English, in a hybrid format: in-person in Ifri's facilities: 27 rue de la Procession, 75015 Paris and on the Zoom platform.
PROGRAMME
Speaker: Wooyeal PAIK, Visiting fellow, Institut de recherche stratégique de l’École militaire (IRSEM), Paris (2023-2024). Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and International Studies, Deputy Director, Yonsei Institute of North Korean Studies, and Director, Center for International Relations, Aerospace Strategy & Technology Institute at Yonsei University, Seoul.
Discussant: Arnaud LEVEAU, Lecturer, Université Paris Dauphine; Member, Asia Observatory of the Fondation Jean Jaurès; Former Chief of Staff, Asia Pacific Affairs, Airbus
Chair: Françoise NICOLAS, Director, Center for Asian and Indo-Pacific Studies, Ifri
To register to attend the conference in Ifri's faclities (27 rue de la Procession, 75015 Paris), OR online, on the Zoom platform, please write to [email protected]
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