MEETING WITH THE CONSUL GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA IN ALMATY

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Dr. Bang met with Pak Nae Cheon, the Republic of Korea’s Consul General in Almaty on Friday, December 6th on KIMEP’s campus. They met to discuss opportunities for deeper collaboration in academic programs and events hosted on campus. The discussions focused on the establishment of the new School of Computer Science and Mathematics at KIMEP and the organization of future workshops on issues related to artificial intelligence. Future cooperation with eminent South Korean companies such as Samsung and steel manufacturer POSCO was also discussed in depth.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON “SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH FROM A NEW DEVELOPMENTALIST PERSPECTIVE” AT KIMEP UNIVERSITY

OCTOBER 4, 2024

On October 4th, KIMEP University in collaboration with the Institute for International Area Studies of Tsinghua University hosted the “Social Development and Sustainability in the Global South from a New Developmentalist Perspective” conference. Dr. Bang opened the conference with a speech entitled, “Can China’s Global South Strategy Achieve its Objectives in Central Asia? Opportunities and Challenges in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.” Dr. Bang has a long history of academic collaboration with scholars in China having traveled to Xi’an last year to deliver a speech on China-Kazakhstan economic relations at the Euro-Asia Economic Forum.

The conference brought together scholars representing KIMEP University, Tsinghua University, Peking University, the University of Exeter, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Eurasian Development Bank. Dr. Bang was thrilled to have this opportunity to bring together worldwide experts and engage in meaningful dialogue about the Global South, China, and economic development. Dr. Bang looks forward to future academic collaborations with Tsinghua University, one of China’s top universities located in Beijing.

MEETING WITH NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS AND PROFESSORS FROM KOOKMIN UNIVERSITY

AUGUST 1, 2024

On August 1st, Dr. Bang met with Professors Nam Kwang-gyu and Yeo Hyun-chul from Kookmin University. The meeting also included two North Korean defectors: a former female nurse and a male soldier. The nurse’s mother defected first and continuously sent money to North Korea, supporting her daughter’s living expenses and ultimately helping her defect. The male soldier reportedly defected after working in Dubai and had served in the military for over ten years. Dr. Bang asked them in-depth questions to further his research work and deepen his understanding of the North Korean economy.

Dr. Bang also congratulated Kookmin University on the upcoming opening of its graduate program related to North Korean studies in September. He promised future exchanges with KIMEP University. Dr. Bang plans to return to Kookmin University in mid-December to deepen the two universities’ cooperation and continue meetings.

MEETING WITH PARTNERS FROM THE ASEAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT KOREAN UNIVERSITY

JULY 31, 2024

On July 31st, 2024, Dr. Bang met with Lee Jin-han, Director of the ASEAN Research Institute at Korea University, and Lee Soo-seok, Director of the Center for Unification and International Peace. The group discussed the increased collaboration between the institutions given their previous development of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

They agreed to host a joint workshop or conference in mid-December, including Korea University and KIMEP University, along with various other organizations and universities. At this event, Dr. Bang plans to introduce his upcoming book, which is currently in development, and facilitate comprehensive discussions on ways to reform North Korea to ensure a secure and prosperous Northeast Asia

MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE KOREA TIMES

JULY 30, 2024

On July 30th, Dr. Bang met with President Oh Young-jin of The Korea Times, the oldest active daily English-language newspaper in South Korea. Dr. Bang had the privilege of being published on several occasions within the pages of this prestigious publication.

They discussed Dr. Bang’s ongoing book project on North Korea’s economic future and how Dr. Bang can share important research findings through future publication in The Korea Times. Additionally, they discussed President Oh visiting KIMEP University and giving a special lecture to benefit the campus community. The Korea Times and KIMEP University look forward to forging a new partnership with fruitful cooperation that will benefit the revitalized journalism programs at KIMEP.

INTERVIEW OF NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS AS PART OF A NEW BOOK PROJECT

JULY 5, 2024

On July 5th, Dr. Bang had the honor of meeting with and interviewing two North Korean defectors with whom he exchanged views on the economic and political situation of the DPRK. This interview is an integral part of Dr. Bang’s book project that the members of the DPRK Strategic Research Center have been working on since May 2024.

During the interview, Dr. Bang and the team learned a great deal about how informal markets function in North Korea, the types of repressive measures taken by the regime against citizens, and the population’s perception of the leader, Kim Jong-un. This interview will add immense value to Dr. Bang’s future book and is a defining moment in his lifelong commitment to research on the DPRK.

SEMINAR ON DPRK-RELATED ISSUES AT DONGGUK UNIVERSITY

JUNE 28, 2024

On June 28, 2024, Dr. Bang attended the 2024 North Korean Studies Association’s Summer Academic Seminar hosted by Dongguk University’s North Korea Studies Research Institute in Seoul.

The seminar gathered presenters from Dongguk University, the Korea Maritime Institute, and the Korea Institute for National Unification, among others. During the event, Dr. Bang engaged with various presenters and explained the concept of “markets” as it applies to North Korea – a very different understanding than what common sense dictates.

The seminar provided a platform for rich discussions and the exchange of insights on North Korea, highlighting the diverse approaches to understanding the complexities of the hermit kingdom.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DPRK-RELATED ISSUES AT KOREA UNIVERSITY

JUNE 17, 2024

On June 17th, 2024, Dr. Bang attended an international conference hosted by the Asiatic Research Institute of Korea University in Seoul, South Korea. The theme of the conference was “From Hostility to Stability: New Approaches to Peace and Prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.” The event gathered eminent scholars from South Korea and China, including Zou Zhibo, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Su Seok Lee from South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy.

As co-organizer of the conference with Dr. Jinhan Lee, the Director of the Asiatic Research Institute, Dr. Bang greeted the guests before giving a presentation on how the consolidation of U.S.-led alliances will impede China-South Korea cooperation for peace and stability in Korea. He also presented his current book project on North Korea’s ideology and how it impedes the country’s chances to achieve economic development. This ideology of class struggle is the cause not just of North Korea’s hostility, but of its economic woes. Dr. Bang advocated for the DPRK to follow in China’s footsteps and embrace market socialism, as Beijing did under Deng Xiaoping in 1978.

The conference was a success and gave an excellent opportunity for South Korean and Chinese scholars to discuss timely issues related to the establishment of peace, stability, and joint economic prosperity in Northeast Asia.

SOUTH KOREAN MINISTRY OF UNIFICATION VISITED DR. BANG AT KIMEP UNIVERSITY

NOVEMBER 23, 2023

A delegation of 21 public officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Unification came to KIMEP University on November 23 to meet with Dr. Bang and representatives of the Center. Dr. Bang presented a comprehensive recommendation for South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol to establish peaceful denuclearization, economic prosperity, and permanent stability on the Korean Peninsula. Dr. Bang was excited to meet with officials from the Ministry of Unification to share his research and recommendations as the open exchange of information is key to making progress on globally pressing issues.

DR. BANG’S KEYNOTE SPEECH AT THE 2023 EURO-ASIA ECONOMIC FORUM IN XI’AN CHINA

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

From September 17 to September 23, 2023, Dr. Bang led a delegation from the university that traveled to Xi’an, in Shaanxi Province of China. This trip was the logical continuation of Dr. Bang’s previous stay in Beijing. The Xi’an trip culminated in the opening of the 2023 Euro-Asia Economic Forum organized by the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (IWEP-CASS). Dr. Bang was one of the keynote speakers and delivered a presentation entitled, Prospects for Enduring and Mutually Beneficial China-Kazakhstan Economic Relations and the Political Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Kazakhstan. On September 22, following his keynote speech at the Forum, Dr. Bang was interviewed by a local TV channel where he shared the key insights from his speech. His participation in the forum as a representative of KIMEP University and the DPRK Strategic Research Center was highly praised by organizers of the event, particularly Dr. Zhang Yuyan, Director of IWEP-CASS.

CONFERENCE ON DPRK-RELATED ISSUES AT CHEONGJU UNIVERSITY

AUGUST 25, 2023

On August 25, 2023, Dr. Bang represented the Center at a seminar with students at Cheongju University. Cheongju University is a globally oriented university and the most prestigious university in the central region of Korea, located in North Chungcheong province. In addition to sharing his research insights, Dr. Bang drew on his expertise as the President of KIMEP to share his wisdom with them on how to be successful and to make the most of their educational opportunity.

DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS OF KOREA JOONGANG DAILY

JULY 20, 2023

On July 20, 2023, Dr. Bang met with leaders and writers at Korea JoongAng Daily to discuss the Center’s research on strategies to denuclearize North Korea. Korea JoongAng Daily is a leading English-language newspaper in South Korea and is the most cited Korean newspaper by influential international press. They regularly publish articles on North Korea and have their own internal Unification Research Institute. Given Korea JoongAng Daily’s role and reputation, they are an important player in shaping international understanding of issues related to the denuclearization of North Korea and the establishment of permanent peace and stability in Northeast Asia. During his visit, Dr. Bang met with the Korea JoongAng Daily’s Editor in Chief Choi Hoon, along with other leaders like the Director of the Global Affairs Team Ahn Chakhee, and the Editor of Global News Chun Insung. He also met with various writers and reporters at Korea JoongAng Daily like Chang Sejeong, an Editorial Writer, and Jeong Youngsoo, who is both an Editorial Writer and the Director of Korea JoongAng Daily’s Unification Research Institute.

THIRD TSINGHUA AREA STUDIES FORUM AT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY

JULY 3-5, 2023

The main event of the visit to Beijing started on July 3, 2023, at Tsinghua University. Dr. Bang was invited to attend the Third Tsinghua Area Studies Forum entitled Developing Countries in the Age of Uncertainties: Risks, Resilience and Interdependency. The forum gathered highly qualified scholars from around the world. The Third Tsinghua Area Studies Forum was organized by the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS) of Tsinghua University, and aimed to build an international academic platform for area studies on which scholars from all countries share their knowledge, research outcomes, and research methods, and thus gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the root causes of changes, development and problems in the developing world. The forum covered research topics concerning Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia and North Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. Panels and speeches focused on important current socio-economic issues, theoretical research, and policies in various areas from the perspective of different disciplines, such as political science, language and literature, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, and history. At the event, Dr. Bang presented KIMEP University to scholars and students from around the world and delivered a speech on research methodology in area studies, his experience as a researcher, and his work on the denuclearization of the DPRK. Dr. Bang’s speech came at the beginning of the final round table discussion of the forum. The session consisted of six panelists from world-renowned universities, including Dr. Michael Willis (Oxford), Prof. Gao Bai (Duke), and Prof. Kono Yasuyuki (Kyoto). The forum was a success, as participants took a genuine interest in Dr. Bang’s experience in research, and showed appreciation for his policy recommendation.

MEETING WITH DR. DAVID PAN, EXECUTIVE DEAN AND PROFESSOR, SCHWARZMAN COLLEGE, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY

JULY 3, 2023

On July 3, 2023, following the opening ceremony of the Third Tsinghua Area Studies Forum, the DPRK Strategic Research Center’s delegation led by Dr. Bang met with Dr. David Pan, the Executive Dean of the Schwarzman College at KIMEP University. Designed to prepare young leaders to serve as a bridge between China and the rest of the world, Schwarzman Scholars is one of the most significant programs available to Tsinghua University students. During the meeting, the parties discussed possibilities of cooperation between KIMEP University and Schwarzman College. Dr. Pan expressed interest in the DPRK Strategic Research Center’s work and in visiting Almaty when possible.

MEETING WITH DR. HAN FANGMING FROM THE CHARHAR INSTITUTE

JULY 3, 2023

On July 3, 2023, Dr. Bang met with Dr. Han Fangming, the founder, chairman, and chief sponsor of the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental think tank founded in 2009 that is committed to promoting progress in China’s foreign policies and the development of international relations in an orderly manner. The Charhar Institute’s mission is to formulate foreign policy recommendations, inform policy-makers of international developments, provide information on international affairs to the public, and educate the next generation of diplomats. The institute produces a variety of publications, sponsors research and field studies, and hosts academic events such as lectures, workshops, and forums. Dr. Bang and Dr. Han’s conversation was productive and included the topics of North Korea’s denuclearization, the necessary cooperation between South Korea and China, and the development of academic collaboration between the Charhar Institute and KIMEP University.

ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE AGREEMENT AT PEKING UNIVERSITY

JULY 2, 2023

The members of the DPRK Strategic Research Center attended the Academic Conference on the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement at Peking University on July 2, 2023. Dr. Bang was invited to speak at the closing of the conference, which gathered qualified historians from China and South Korea. The conference was jointly organized by Peking University and East China Normal University, located in Shanghai. Peking University was established in 1898 and has educated and hosted many prominent modern Chinese figures, including Mao Zedong and former Premier Li Keqiang. Peking University consists of 55 schools and departments, 60 research entities, and 10 affiliated hospitals. There are more than 48,600 students, nearly 2,500 of whom are international students, and over 12,600 faculty and staff members, including over 123 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

MEETING WITH HIGH-LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES OF IWEP-CASS IN BEIJING

JUNE 29, 2023

The DPRK Strategic Research Center’s delegation visited the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (IWEP-CASS) in Beijing on June 29, 2023. IWEP-CASS was founded in 1964 and is devoted to the study of international economics and politics. IWEP-CASS has about 130 staff across eleven research divisions, six research centers, and five editorial offices. The Center’s members were welcomed by high-level representatives of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, including Director Zhang Yuyan, Deputy Director Zou, and several research fellows. This meeting strengthened academic cooperation between the two institutions. Additionally, Dr. Bang presented his policy recommendation in greater detail at the meeting. The discussions were productive and the scholars of IWEP-CASS agreed to do their utmost to deliver the Center’s policy recommendation to the highest authorities in China. In addition, several scholars from IWEP-CASS expressed their wish to join the ranks of KIMEP University and collaborate in the future.

PROFESSOR SHEN ZHIHUA’S VISIT TO KIMEP UNIVERSITY

MARCH 29-30, 2023

KIMEP University received Professor Shen Zhihua, a prominent and respected scholar from Tsinghua University in Beijing. The visit was jointly organized by the Office of the President and the DPRK Strategic Research Center. Professor Shen’s research interests include Cold War history, the history of the Soviet Union, Sino-Soviet relations, and Sino-North Korean relations. Professor Shen was conferred with an Honorary Doctoral Degree in International Relations and gave a guest lecture on March 29. The next day, Professor Shen and Dr. Bang held a roundtable on DPRK-related issues and China’s role in Northeast Asia. Shen’s visit was fundamental to developing robust academic cooperation between KIMEP University and Tsinghua University.

ROUNDTABLE AT KOREA UNIVERSITY – WHY SOUTH KOREA SHOULD LEAD THE SIX-PARTY TALKS ON DENUCLEARIZING THE DPRK

JANUARY 30, 2023

On January 30, 2023, Dr. Bang was the keynote speaker at the roundtable conference hosted by Korea University in Seoul. Scholars from 13 prestigious universities, as well as former and current representatives from high-level organizations, such as the South Korean Ministry of Unification and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the event, which was dedicated to the topic: Why South Korea Should Lead the Six-Party Talks on Denuclearizing the DPRK. Dr. Bang presented his research on this topic, which consists of more than 50 articles published in the English, Korean, and Chinese languages, as well as eight books. The conference was followed by a lunch and a reception, providing the opportunity to extensively discuss future collaboration between research centers located in South Korea and the DPRK Strategic Research Center of KIMEP University.

INTERNATIONAL ONLINE CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY THE DPRK STRATEGIC RESEARCH CENTER

MAY 20, 2023

The DPRK Strategic Research Center at KIMEP University organized an international online conference in collaboration with the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (IWEP-CASS) and the Charhar Institute, both based in Beijing, on the topic of denuclearization and the establishment of permanent peace, stability, and economic prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. The conference was held online, and attended by scholars and experts from the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, South Korea, and China, as well as six scholars from KIMEP University. Among the attendees were eminent figures including Zou Zhibou, Deputy Director of IWEP-CASS, John Everard, a former British Ambassador to the DPRK, and Sung Wook Nam, Director of the Institute for National Unification at Korea University.