On 18 August 2025, the Korea Centre, in collaboration with the Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS) at Christ University, organized a distinguished lecture titled “Korean Peninsula at a Crossroad: Eight Years of Inter-Korean Relations and the Prospects of Unification.” Prof. Dr. Sang Yoon Ma from The Catholic University of Korea delivered an insightful keynote address tracing Korea’s historical division, regime rivalry, and contemporary geopolitical dynamics. The lecture comprehensively examined the persistent 80-year division, North Korea’s nuclear strategy, failed engagement policies, and the impact of US-China competition on unification prospects. Prof. Ma emphasized that peaceful coexistence represents the most realistic interim goal, given shifting public sentiment and geopolitical realities. An extensive Q&A session engaged students and faculty on China’s stance, denuclearization challenges, and generational perspectives on unification. The event successfully fostered academic discourse on Korea’s complex geopolitical situation. Prof. Manoharan delivered the opening address and Dr. Jojin V John, Hon. Director, Korea Centre, MG University moderated the discussions. This event was conducted as part of the project “Korean Unification Awareness and Korean Studies Promotion in India,” which is supported by the UniKorea Foundation.
The Korea Centre delegation, comprising Director Dr Jojin V John, Visiting Korea Professor Prof. Sang Yoon Ma, and Dr DPK Pillai, visited Christ University to strengthen institutional partnerships. The delegation held comprehensive meetings with Vice-Chancellor Dr. Fr. Jose CC and members of the Centre for East Asian Studies to explore academic collaboration opportunities to promote Korean Studies in India and India-Korea relations.
