The Asan Institute for Policy Studies (Chairman Dr. Yoon Young-kwan) held the 'Asan Plenum 2025' at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on April 23, 2025 (Wednesday) under the theme '80 Years of Independence and 60 Years of Korea-Japan Normalization.' During this year's Asan Plenum, participants had the opportunity to discuss and explore future directions on issues affecting the future security and prosperity of Korea and Northeast Asia, such as Korea's relations with its neighbors, visions for Northeast Asia, the emerging security architecture, new faces of war, and North Korea's nuclear threat.

In his welcoming remarks, Honorary Chairman Dr. MJ Chung reminded the audience that the numbers 80 and 60, representing the theme of this year's Plenum, hold significant meaning for Koreans. Despite many challenges over the past 80 and 60 years, Korea and Northeast Asia have experienced tremendous changes and developments. Dr. Chung mentioned that unresolved historical, territorial, and economic issues remain in Northeast Asia and need to be addressed. At the same time, he positively assessed the development of Korea-Japan relations and the strengthening of trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States, and Japan in recent years.

Honorary Chairman Chung stressed the need for redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons to counter the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons, as well as the threat posed by North Korea supported by China and Russia. He noted that voices calling for reconsideration of the U.S. nuclear deterrence policy are on the rise within the United States. He predicted that the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons could further strengthen security cooperation between Korea and Japan against North Korea's nuclear threat, ultimately having a positive impact on overall Korea-Japan relations.

In addition, Honorary Chairman Chung mentioned the necessity of an Asian version of NATO to deter military adventurism by North Korea, China, and Russia in the Indo-Pacific region. He suggested it could be called the "Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization" and include South Korea, Japan, Australia, the Philippines and India. 

*Enclosed: Welcoming Remarks from Dr. MJ Chung, Honorary Chairman