Sang Hun Seok

Sang Hun Seok is a Senior Associate Fellow of RUSI. His research interests encompass nuclear deterrence, grand strategy, and strategic culture. This focus, along with his broader work and analysis, is deeply informed by over a decade of experience as a career diplomat with the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During his diplomatic service, Sang Hun handled a diverse portfolio. While posted in London, he played a significant role in advancing the UK-South Korea strategic partnership, significantly contributing to the 2023 presidential state visit and the signing of the Downing Street Accord. His overseas experience also includes serving as acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Abuja, Nigeria.

At the Ministry's headquarters, his work encompassed managing sensitive aspects of ROK-US security cooperation, contributing to dialogues on ROK-Japan bilateral issues, and supporting South Korea’s MIKTA middle-power diplomacy and the formulation of its mid-term diplomatic strategy. Beyond these political files, his experience extends to economic and multilateral diplomacy, such as FTA negotiations, and coordinating humanitarian assistance projects, including co-authoring South Korea's first national SDGs implementation report. In recognition of these contributions, he received the Foreign Minister's Citation in 2021.

Sang Hun is currently pursuing a PhD in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge, where his doctoral research examines state preferences regarding nuclear weapons proliferation in Northeast Asia during the post-Cold War period. He holds an MPhil in Modern Chinese Studies with distinction from the University of Oxford, and Bachelor's degrees in International Studies and Economics from Korea University.