South Korea hosted the Jeju Forum in June 2026 to broaden its diplomatic outreach and promote multilateral cooperation on regional security [1].
The gathering serves as a critical platform for Seoul to navigate an evolving international order while attempting to break the diplomatic deadlock with Pyongyang. By hosting UN Secretary-General candidates, senior European diplomats, and ASEAN envoys, South Korea is positioning itself as a central mediator in East Asian affairs [1], [2].
Central to the forum was the launch of a "Vitamin C diplomacy" initiative. This humanitarian effort involves sending medical equipment and citrus fruits to North Korea as a gesture of goodwill [3]. A Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, "Sending medical equipment and citrus is a tangible gesture of goodwill that revives what we call ‘Vitamin C diplomacy’" [3].
Despite these humanitarian overtures, the forum maintained a firm stance on security. Discussions focused heavily on the North Korean nuclear issue and the requirements for future dialogue. Alex Wong said, "Negotiations must start with complete denuclearization" [2].
Beyond the peninsula, South Korea utilized the event to advance its relationship with Southeast Asian nations. The government is pushing for a new phase of practical cooperation within the Korea-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership [4]. This expansion covers a wide range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, and maritime security [4].
The Korean Foreign Minister said, "Our strategic partnership with ASEAN is entering a new phase of practical cooperation, from AI to maritime security" [4].
These efforts coincide with a broader strategy to integrate South Korea more deeply into global governance structures. The presence of UN Secretary-General candidates underscores Seoul's ambition to influence high-level international leadership and policy [1].
“"Negotiations must start with complete denuclearization."”
South Korea is employing a dual-track diplomatic strategy: using 'soft power' humanitarian aid to signal openness to North Korea while simultaneously strengthening 'hard' strategic and technological ties with ASEAN. By anchoring these discussions at the Jeju Forum, Seoul is attempting to internationalize the North Korean issue and diversify its security dependencies beyond traditional Western alliances.
