South Korean foreign policy is often discussed mainly in relation to North Korea, China, Japan, or the US, but ASEAN and India seem to be playing a bigger role now — economically and strategically. Vietnam in particular has become hugely important for Korean manufacturing and supply chains, while ASEAN remains one of the few regional platforms where both Koreas still participate together through forums like the ARF. Hanoi also hosted the 2019 US–North Korea summit, which showed how parts of Southeast Asia can still function as politically viable spaces for engagement with Pyongyang. India’s growing role in technology, infrastructure, and regional connectivity also seems to make it an increasingly attractive partner for Seoul. It feels like South Korea is quietly trying to diversify its partnerships in a much more uncertain regional environment. submitted by /u/Carob-Inside [link] [comments]