S. Korea and Central Asia forge new strategic and cultural ties

한•중앙아시아, 전략 협력부터 K-라이프까지

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.
The first Korea-Central Asia Summit has wrapped up in Seoul, marking a major upgrade in ties between Korea and the five Central Asian nations.
The leaders adopted the Seoul Declaration, laying out a broad framework for cooperation, from critical minerals and supply chains to AI, energy, infrastructure and climate.
They also agreed to hold the summit every two years, putting the partnership on a more institutional footing.
So what did this first summit actually achieve, and can these commitments translate into lasting cooperation?

For insight on this, we're joined by Mason Richey, Professor of International Politics at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Welcome.
1. Let’s start with the significance of this first summit.
After nearly two decades of ministerial-level cooperation, why is Korea looking to elevate its partnership with Central Asia now?


2. One key focus is critical minerals and supply chains. President Lee Jae Myung also emphasized supply chain cooperation in his bilateral meetings with all five Central Asian countries ahead of the summit.
Could this summit become a real turning point for Korea in diversifying its supply chains and securing new markets?


4. The leaders have now adopted the Seoul Declaration and agreed to hold the summit every two years, with ministerial talks in between.
What will it take to turn these commitments into a sustainable, long-term partnership?


Now, beyond diplomacy and economic cooperation, Korea and Central Asia are also growing closer through culture.
Across the region, the Korean Wave is expanding beyond K-pop and dramas into food, beauty, language and education.

To break this down we connect to Chun-Young Park, Assistant Professor and Director of the Korean Studies Center at Nazarbayev University.
Professor Park, thank you for joining us.

1. Let’s start with the bigger picture.
In Central Asia, the Korean Wave is expanding beyond K-pop and dramas to K-food and K-beauty. What’s driving this shift toward a broader “K-lifestyle”?


2. And there’s a unique historical connection here as well: the ethnic Korean community, known as Koryo-saram.
The Seoul Declaration describes the Koryo-saram as a “living historical bridge” between Korea and Central Asia.
Given their history dating back to1937, what role do they play today in spreading K-culture and bringing the two sides closer?


3. And at Nazarbayev University in particular, I understand Korean language classes are extremely popular, with courses sometimes filling up early.
What is the atmosphere actually like on campus?
And since many students first encounter Korean through K-dramas or social media, is there a memorable classroom story you could share?

That will be all from us on Within the Frame.
Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!


That will be all from us on Within the Frame.
Be sure to tune in next time as we continue to explore the stories that matter. Until then, stay informed and engaged!

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2026-09-16, 20:30 (KST)