South Korea’s ascending diplomatic status and enhanced multilateral engagement with Indo Pacific countries will not only solidify its deterrence against North Korea, but it will also put it on a firmer footing to conduct effective inter-Korean engagement. 

America’s number two diplomat, Stephen Biegun, hinted that South Korea might enhance its engagement with the Free and Open Indo Pacific initiative (FOIP) on Aug. 31. The White House also sought South Korea’s inclusion in the upcoming G7 meeting, which is now postponed. And yet all of this is happening as North Korea faces continued crises with COVID-