BUILDING REGIONAL SECURITY IN SOUTH KOREA THROUGH STRENGTHENING SOFT POWER STATUS
Keywords:
Soft Power, regional security, south Korea’s foreign policy, cultural diplomacy, east Asia, diplomatic strategy, global influence, security cooperation, regional stability, security tensionsAbstract
This paper explores how South Korea utilizes soft power as a means to enhance its regional security and diplomatic influence in East Asia. It analyzes how the nation has strategically developed its soft power capabilities—such as cultural diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, and international collaborations—to create a more stable and secure regional environment. By examining South Korea’s soft power tools, including the global spread of Korean culture (Hallyu), educational exchanges, and diplomatic initiatives, the paper highlights how these non-coercive strategies are integrated into South Korea's broader security policies. The study evaluates the potential of soft power in mitigating regional tensions, particularly with neighboring countries like North Korea and China, while fostering stronger ties with global powers like the United States and Japan. It concludes that while soft power alone cannot resolve all security challenges, it plays a significant role in enhancing South Korea’s strategic positioning and contributing to regional stability.
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