Making Sense of the North Korea Security Challenge

Luncheon Dialogue
Registration 12:15pm 
Luncheon 12:30pm
Close 2:00pm

President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader are set to hold historic talks — reportedly within the next two months — following an invitation from Kim Jong-un to meet. Conversations between North and South Korea have also been rekindled via a recent wave of Olympic spirit. However, these diplomatic efforts come on the heels of Mr. Kim’s headlong pursuit of nuclear missiles capable of striking his country’s neighbors and the continental United States, putting North Korea on a collision course with the U.S., South Korea and Japan; alienating China; and alarming the world. Join a discussion with former officials who are well-versed in, and can provide a nearly unparalleled inside perspective on the current North Korea security challenge. Former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Yun Byung-se and Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel will be joined in conversation with Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia and President of the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Daniel Russel is a senior fellow and diplomat in residence at the Asia Society Policy Institute. He was previously Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs until March 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Russel served at the White House as Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affair, helping to formulate President Obama’s strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific region.

Yun Byung-se was minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Korea between 2013 and 2017. As the longest-serving foreign minister after 1981, he was involved in many daunting issues, such as North Korean nuclear and missile threat, and Korea’s relationships with its neighbors. Prior to that, he served as Deputy National Security Advisor to the President in charge of Korea's foreign, defense and unification policy.

Kevin Rudd is the Asia Society Policy Institute’s inaugural President. He served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister and as Foreign Minister, and helped found the G20. Mr. Rudd was a driving force in expanding the East Asia Summit to include the U.S. and Russia. He is a Distinguished Fellow at Chatham House and the Paulson Institute, and a Distinguished Statesman with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. (Chair)

Regular Menu

San Daniele Ham with Figs, Burrata Cheese and Balsamic Pearls
Grass-fed Beef Fillet Mignon with Baked Potato and Piquillo Pepper Sauce
70% Chocolate and Banana Cake with Whipped Cream and Passion Fruit Puree

Vegetarian Menu

White Asparagus Gratin with Parmesan Cheese and Baby Cress (V)
Seared Cod Fish (made by Soya Protein and Wheat Protein) with Fava Beans, Saffron Velouté and Polenta (V)
70% Chocolate and Banana Cake with Whipped Cream and Passion Fruit Puree

Co-Presented with Asia Society Policy Institute