WASHINGTON, D.C. - Victor Cha, Senior Vice President for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), has strongly advocated for South Korea's inclusion as a permanent member of the Group of Seven (G7), emphasizing the nation's crucial role in addressing global challenges. In a special contribution to Yonhap News Agency following the recent G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, Cha highlighted that South Korea's absence was a missed opportunity for the group, given the country's significant contributions to global issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, despite active efforts by the Biden administration, Italy's focus on engaging the African Union to address migration issues resulted in South Korea and Australia being excluded from this year's summit. However, Cha argues that South Korea's capabilities and track record in global affairs make a compelling case for its inclusion. Citing a recent CSIS report, he pointed out that South Korea ranks above several current G7 members in various metrics including digital competitiveness and contributions to global economic security.

Cha further discussed the informal yet influential nature of the G7, noting that the group values candid discussions and quick, effective action on agreed-upon goals. He regards South Korea as meeting these criteria through its advanced democratic governance, OECD membership, and historical contributions as an aid recipient turned donor. Additionally, South Korea has been recognized for its leadership in organizing global summits and its role in synthetic biology and pandemic preparedness by the WHO.

The piece also touched upon the geopolitical dynamics within the G7, mentioning that while the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. support Korea's inclusion, other members like Japan appear hesitant, possibly due to a desire to remain the sole Asian representative in the group. Cha calls for the G7 to evolve from its traditional European-centric approach to a more globally representative forum, especially given the shifting economic and political landscape worldwide.

In conclusion, Cha's editorial makes a strong case for the expansion of the G7 to include South Korea, not only to enhance the group's diversity and representation but also to bolster its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges of the modern world.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Victor Cha, Senior Vice President for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), has strongly advocated for South Korea's inclusion as a permanent member of the Group of Seven (G7), emphasizing the nation's crucial role in addressing global challenges. In a special contribution to Yonhap News Agency following the recent G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, Cha highlighted that South Korea's absence was a missed opportunity for the group, given the country's significant contributions to global issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, despite active efforts by the Biden administration, Italy's focus on engaging the African Union to address migration issues resulted in South Korea and Australia being excluded from this year's summit. However, Cha argues that South Korea's capabilities and track record in global affairs make a compelling case for its inclusion. Citing a recent CSIS report, he pointed out that South Korea ranks above several current G7 members in various metrics including digital competitiveness and contributions to global economic security.

Cha further discussed the informal yet influential nature of the G7, noting that the group values candid discussions and quick, effective action on agreed-upon goals. He regards South Korea as meeting these criteria through its advanced democratic governance, OECD membership, and historical contributions as an aid recipient turned donor. Additionally, South Korea has been recognized for its leadership in organizing global summits and its role in synthetic biology and pandemic preparedness by the WHO.

The piece also touched upon the geopolitical dynamics within the G7, mentioning that while the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. support Korea's inclusion, other members like Japan appear hesitant, possibly due to a desire to remain the sole Asian representative in the group. Cha calls for the G7 to evolve from its traditional European-centric approach to a more globally representative forum, especially given the shifting economic and political landscape worldwide.

In conclusion, Cha's editorial makes a strong case for the expansion of the G7 to include South Korea, not only to enhance the group's diversity and representation but also to bolster its effectiveness in addressing the complex challenges of the modern world.