South Korean President Moon Jae-in allocated the bulk of his political capital to inter-Korean engagement during the first year and a half of his presidency. This strategy has paid dividends thus far in the form of inter-Korean summits, agreements, family reunions, military confidence building measures, and much more. However, domestic and geopolitical forces are likely to determine his agenda’s success. What implications will the U.S.–ROK alliance, China’s role in the region, and upcoming South Korean elections have for South–North détente?

Experts Joseph Yun, Jean Lee, James L. Schoff, and Chung Min Lee review Moon’s first year and a half in office and the challenges that lie ahead.