[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]A case for a ‘balancer’ role

The role of a balancer that Korea wants to play is pragmatic.
For example, compare Korea with the British Empire. During the time of its hegemonic rule, Britain was able to conserve military resources and maintain dominance over its colonies through its cultural appeal, also known as “soft power.”
Moreover, Britain's unique geopolitical position ― situated between the American and European continents ― contributed to its emergence as a balancer between the United States and Europe.
Korea, too, has an increasing “soft power” over the region, explicitly demonstrated by “hallryu” or the Korean wave.
Similar to the British Straits, the Korean peninsula is in an advantageous geopolitical location between two of Asia’s greatest powers. Thus, it is only natural for Korea to assume the role of a balancer.

by Joseph Lee