Rob Rapson's guest appearances

Rob Rapson

The Korea Society

Korean Kontext

OwlTail

In 2023, KEI has set out on its "Rethinking Korea initiative," which explores the evolution of U.S.-Korea relations, Korea's place in the world, and rapid changes in Korean society itself. The initiative involves both retrospective inquiry as well as prospective analysis about future trends. Our guest today is someone who was present for and a direct participant in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance and remains a keen observer of the relationship and the region.   Rob Rapson, Senior U.S. Diplomat (Ret.) and Korea and Asia Specialist, served as a diplomat and foreign service officer for 39 years from 1982 to 2022. During his time in the foreign service, Rob served in a range of positions focused on Korea, including as the Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Seoul/U.S. Consulate Busan, Korea (1984-86); Senior Trade Officer &amp; Deputy Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Seoul (1997-2000); Director Office of Korean Affairs, Washington, DC (2012-15); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Seoul (2018-2021); and, finally, as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador), U.S. Embassy Seoul (Jan-July 2021). In addition, Rob served in Japan, India, Afghanistan, and throughout Southeast Asia.   This second part of our conversation covers Rob's time at the Korea Desk (2012-2015) up to his final assignment as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador) in the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. Our discussion traverses a range of events and topics, including multiple transitions between progressive and conservative leaders in Seoul; the Obama administration's "Pivot to Asia"; the difference in perspective working on Korea from Washington DC as opposed to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul; and the fast-paced transition from "fire and fury" to historic if ultimately stalemated diplomacy between the two Koreas and the United States and North Korea.   Finally, Rob provides some forward-looking analysis (48:39) on where the alliance could be headed amidst a rapidly shifting regional environment and worsening U.S.-China relations and evolving bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, and touches on key alliance issues in the run-up to President Yoon's coming state visit. 

In 2023, KEI has set out on its "Rethinking Korea initiative," which explores the evolution of U.S.-Korea relations, Korea's place in the world, and rapid changes in Korean society itself. The initiative involves both retrospective inquiry as well as prospective analysis about future trends. Our guest today is someone who was present for and a direct participant in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance and remains a keen observer of the relationship and the region. Rob Rapson, Senior U.S. Diplomat (Ret.) and Korea and Asia Specialist, served as a diplomat and foreign service officer for 39 years from 1982 to 2022. During his time in the foreign service, Rob served in a range of positions focused on Korea, including as the Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Seoul/U.S. Consulate Busan, Korea (1984-86); Senior Trade Officer &amp; Deputy Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Seoul (1997-2000); Director Office of Korean Affairs, Washington, DC (2012-15); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Seoul (2018-2021); and, finally, as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador), U.S. Embassy Seoul (Jan-July 2021). In addition, Rob served in Japan, India, Afghanistan, and throughout Southeast Asia. This second part of our conversation covers Rob's time at the Korea Desk (2012-2015) up to his final assignment as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador) in the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. Our discussion traverses a range of events and topics, including multiple transitions between progressive and conservative leaders in Seoul; the Obama administration's "Pivot to Asia"; the difference in perspective working on Korea from Washington DC as opposed to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul; and the fast-paced transition from "fire and fury" to historic if ultimately stalemated diplomacy between the two Koreas and the United States and North Korea. Finally, Rob provides some forward-looking analysis (48:39) on where the alliance could be headed amidst a rapidly shifting regional environment and worsening U.S.-China relations and evolving bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, and touches on key alliance issues in the run-up to President Yoon's coming state visit.

Four Decades of Korea, In & Out: Rob Rapson (Part 2)

In 2023, KEI has set out on its "Rethinking Korea initiative," which explores the evolution of U.S.-Korea relations, Korea's place in the world, and rapid changes in Korean society itself. The initiative involves both retrospective inquiry as well as prospective analysis about future trends. Our guest today is someone who was present for and a direct participant in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance and remains a keen observer of the relationship and the region.    Rob Rapson, Senior U.S. Diplomat (Ret.) and Korea and Asia Specialist, served as a diplomat and foreign service officer for 39 years from 1982 to 2022. During his time in the foreign service, Rob served in a range of positions focused on Korea, including as the Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Seoul/U.S. Consulate Busan, Korea (1984-86); Senior Trade Officer &amp; Deputy Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Seoul (1997-2000); Director Office of Korean Affairs, Washington, DC (2012-15); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Seoul (2018-2021); and, finally, as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador), U.S. Embassy Seoul (Jan-July 2021). In addition, Rob served in Japan, India, Afghanistan, and throughout Southeast Asia.   Our conversation is split into two parts, the first of which focuses on Rob's time before joining the Korea Desk in 2012. We cover a wide range of experiences and issues, from Rob's path to the foreign service and first impressions of South Korea to Seoul's transition from dictatorial rule to democratization, its navigation of the "IMF" or East Asian financial crisis, and its remarkable transformation into a middle power and one of the world's most advanced economies.   The second part of our conversation, due for later release, will cover his time at the Korea Desk (2012-2015) up to the present day.

In 2023, KEI has set out on its "Rethinking Korea initiative," which explores the evolution of U.S.-Korea relations, Korea's place in the world, and rapid changes in Korean society itself. The initiative involves both retrospective inquiry as well as prospective analysis about future trends. Our guest today is someone who was present for and a direct participant in the evolution of the U.S.-South Korea Alliance and remains a keen observer of the relationship and the region.  Rob Rapson, Senior U.S. Diplomat (Ret.) and Korea and Asia Specialist, served as a diplomat and foreign service officer for 39 years from 1982 to 2022. During his time in the foreign service, Rob served in a range of positions focused on Korea, including as the Vice Consul, U.S. Embassy Seoul/U.S. Consulate Busan, Korea (1984-86); Senior Trade Officer &amp; Deputy Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Seoul (1997-2000); Director Office of Korean Affairs, Washington, DC (2012-15); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Seoul (2018-2021); and, finally, as the Charges d'Affaires (acting Ambassador), U.S. Embassy Seoul (Jan-July 2021). In addition, Rob served in Japan, India, Afghanistan, and throughout Southeast Asia. Our conversation is split into two parts, the first of which focuses on Rob's time before joining the Korea Desk in 2012. We cover a wide range of experiences and issues, from Rob's path to the foreign service and first impressions of South Korea to Seoul's transition from dictatorial rule to democratization, its navigation of the "IMF" or East Asian financial crisis, and its remarkable transformation into a middle power and one of the world's most advanced economies. The second part of our conversation, due for later release, will cover his time at the Korea Desk (2012-2015) up to the present day.

Four Decades of Korea, In & Out: Rob Rapson (Part 1)

October 19, 2022 - This Quick Take on Korea discussion covers the latest issues impacting South Korea, the U.S.-Korea Relationship, and North Korea, with expert insights from Rob Rapson, former Chargé d'Affaires of U.S. Embassy Seoul. Robert Rapson is a former senior U.S. Foreign Service Officer whose 39-year diplomatic career spanned the Indo-Pacific region from Korea and Japan to Southeast Asia, India and Afghanistan. As Chargé d'Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission, led, managed, and motivated large multicultural U.S. Embassies in Seoul, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur to advance significant U.S. political, economic, commercial, security, law enforcement, and public diplomacy interests with those countries and across the Asia region during periods of major political transition and crisis. A recognized Korea/East Asia expert and skilled advocate, negotiator, team builder, strategic planner, editor and communicator who navigates with ease across senior-most levels of foreign governments, the corporate sector, and public audiences.

October 19, 2022 - This Quick Take on Korea discussion covers the latest issues impacting South Korea, the U.S.-Korea Relationship, and North Korea, with expert insights from Rob Rapson, former Chargé d'Affaires of U.S. Embassy Seoul. Robert Rapson is a former senior U.S. Foreign Service Officer whose 39-year diplomatic career spanned the Indo-Pacific region from Korea and Japan to Southeast Asia, India and Afghanistan. As Chargé d'Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission, led, managed, and motivated large multicultural U.S. Embassies in Seoul, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur to advance significant U.S. political, economic, commercial, security, law enforcement, and public diplomacy interests with those countries and across the Asia region during periods of major political transition and crisis. A recognized Korea/East Asia expert and skilled advocate, negotiator, team builder, strategic planner, editor and communicator who navigates with ease across senior-most levels of foreign governments, the corporate sector, and public audiences.