Millions of South Koreans will vote for a new president next week, as Seoul deals with a mercurial US, faces the rising power of China and an aggressive North Korea, and negotiates always delicate ties with Japan. The election comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with North Korea’s recent military posturing and nuclear ambitions raising concerns about regional stability. Meanwhile, South Korea’s strategic alliance with the United States remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, despite recent tensions over trade and security commitments.
China’s growing influence in the region adds another layer of complexity to South Korea’s foreign policy decisions. As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s economic and political power has increasingly shaped the dynamics of regional interactions. In parallel, South Korea’s relationship with Japan remains fraught with historical tensions and unresolved disputes over territorial claims. The new president will be tasked with navigating these multifaceted challenges and shaping the country’s future direction in the face of an ever-changing global landscape.