Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se “Pursues Trustpolitik that Places Emphasis on Implementing International Norms”

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se delivered a congratulatory address at an academic conference celebrating the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Society of International Law at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy on June 20. In his address, Minister Yun noted with appreciation the role of the Korean Society of International Law in pulling through turbulent periods in the ROK’s diplomatic history together after the end of the Korean War and requested the Society make a big contribution to the ROK’s diplomacy, which aims to achieve peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula and an era of global happiness. 

In addition, Minister Yun pointed out that in the current situation where the scope of international law is expanding and its content is becoming more detailed and complex, establishing a diplomatic stance based on international law is directly linked with a country’s competitiveness. The Minister also stressed that the ROK needs to make international laws in a proactive manner instead of merely accepting them. 

Minister Yun explained that the Park Geun-hye government’s foreign policy pursues trustpolitik that places emphasis on implementing international norms in line with the grand principle of Roman Law, "Agreements must be kept (Pacta Sunt Servanda).” The Minister emphasized that the government will deal with a range of diplomatic issues, including North Korea and its nuclear program, on the basis of such a firm principle. 

Furthermore, the Minister said that given the rising demand for international laws in the ROK’s diplomacy, the government will further strengthen the cooperation system between the private and public sectors to deal with major issues concerning international law. 

The academic conference celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Korean Society of International Law was hosted by the Korean Society of International Law and co-sponsored by the Foreign Ministry, the Korea National Diplomatic Academy and the Lawtimes. The conference began with an academic event under the title “International Law and the ROK: Past, Present and Future,” followed by a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary and a discussion session. 

The Korean Society of International Law, founded on June 16, 1953, conducts academic research into international law, nurtures the next generation of academics, promotes the dissemination of international law, publishes a collection of treatises by the Korean Society of International Law, and operates international exchange programs, including holding international academic conferences and meetings. The Society consists of about 500 individual members and 90 institutional members.