Foreign Policy of South Korea: GSOMIA In the Yoon Suk-Yeol Era (2022–2024)

Abstract

The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) is a military intelligence exchange agreement between South Korea and Japan signed in 2016. GSOMIA emerged in response to increasing regional security threats, particularly from North Korea. However, the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Japan, often plagued by historical tensions and political disputes, has impacted the dynamics of South Korea's foreign policy regarding this agreement. The change of presidential leadership from Moon Jae-In to Yoon Suk-Yeol indicates that this shift is very important in South Korea's foreign policy. In the previous administration, former President Moon Jae-In had considered terminating the GSOMIA agreement due to a trade dispute with Japan. Meanwhile, President Yoon Suk-Yeol's era demonstrated close relations with Japan and the United States. Under his leadership, GSOMIA was reaffirmed as important in facing regional security threats and strengthening South Korea's position amidst Indo-Pacific geopolitical competition. This research focuses on South Korea's policy towards GSOMIA between 2022 and 2024, covering the early period of President Yoon Suk -Yeol's administration. This study uses explanatory qualitative methods with secondary data sources to explain how leadership changes influence the direction of South Korea's foreign policy towards GSOMIA. Using the Foreign Policy Decision Making theory, this study analyzes the South Korean government's decisions to maintain and strengthen GSOMIA in terms of domestic politics, international context, and economic and military conditions.