Moon Jae-in faces a battery of tests

Newly elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in faces an enormous challenge in governing one of the world’s most democratic and dynamic countries. Obviously the first issue he has to tackle is the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and a leader who seeks to hold the world hostage. In fact Moon already has sent an olive branch to Pyongyang by saying that, as the South’s leader, he would seek more dialogue with the North, even while remaining firm on security. Such determinations are to be expected from any new leader, given the tense situation on the peninsula.
Dealing with the North will require great delicacy. Moon’s predecessor, Park Geun-hye, chose to adopt a tough stand on all matters related to the North. During her tenure – before being brought down by a corruption scandal – she also maintained a strong position against Japan. Ties with China have recently deteriorated because her government arranged to have an American anti-missile system installed, a process now underway. Moon is in a position to improve all of these conditions and relationships, but the path is entirely uphill.
Relations between South Korea and Japan are among the most important bilateral ties in Asia and cannot remain chilled. The two nations are America’s most reliable allies in the region. Their recent bickering over historical and other issues has drained the alliance of much of its vitality.
Moon will not easily be able to step backwards regarding the US-installed Terminal High Altitude Area Defence missile-interception system, despite his campaign pledge to block the installation so that relations with neighbouring countries could be improved. Beijing will require considerable calming if the system remains in place. If it cannot be appeased, economic relations with South Korea will continue to suffer. In recent years South Korea’s economic growth has depended on trade with China.
The new president must also pay heed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Under Park, the bloc’s relations with South Korea went from strength to strength. She saw Southeast Asia as a growth area for trade and investment and revitalised bilateral ties. It is imperative that Moon improves these ties further. One area in need of attention is mutual security and strategy, to which Seoul has paid insufficient attention. Japan has meanwhile expanded its security interests among members of Asean as never before. As part of the emerging regional architecture, South Korea –its concerns over North Korea notwithstanding – should not shy away from Southeast Asia.
South Korea has a considerable advantage over other Asian giants because it possesses an abundance of soft power, which generates goodwill and admiration throughout this part of the world. As a mid-sized power, Seoul must engage with the region in all dimensions. After all, the peril emanating from the situation on the Korean Peninsula is no longer directed only at Northeast Asian countries. If there is to be armed conflict of any kind, the impact will be felt across the entire region.