The Institute for Far Eastern Studies of Kyungnam University (Director Kwan-Sei Lee) held the 19th Samcheong Forum on May 6 (Wed) at 7 p.m. in the IFES Conference Room of the Peace Hall under the theme, “Lessons from the U.S.–Iran War and South Korea’s Economic Security Strategy”.

The forum was organized to analyze the impact of the recent U.S.–Iran war on global networks and to examine vulnerabilities in key supply chains, including energy and semiconductors, with the aim of exploring effective economic security strategies for South Korea.

Professor Seung Joo Lee analyzed that modern conflicts have entered an era of ‘weaponized interdependence’, in which ‘connectivity itself becomes a vulnerability’. He particularly warned of “a surge in energy prices caused by a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting spillover into food prices” and noted that “the United States’ counter-blockade strategy, carried out through the use of AI-powered reconnaissance assets, represents a key example of the paradox of interdependence.”

The professor also emphasized that the war has evolved into a cost-efficiency-driven conflict that is rapidly depleting stockpiles of advanced weapons, while vulnerabilities in digital chokepoints such as undersea cables have emerged as threats just as critical as disruptions to physical routes.

As a response strategy for South Korea, Professor Lee stressed that “this crisis should not be viewed solely as an issue of energy security, but rather as a ‘multidimensional game’ involving intertwined challenges related to supply chains, digital infrastructure, and the military-industrial complex.”

In particular, he explained that since it is impossible for any country to achieve complete strategic autonomy, the key is to reduce vulnerabilities while strengthening South Korea’s core strength in midstream semiconductor manufacturing to secure strategic indispensability, or the ability to exert leverage over other countries in times of crisis.

As for concrete measures, he proposed releasing strategic petroleum reserves in the short term and pursuing supply chain diversification in the long term. He also noted the need to reduce dependence on the Middle East by increasing imports of U.S. energy sources in the future. He also suggested establishing an early warning system between South Korea and Japan and strengthening bilateral supply chain partnerships with key middle powers such as the Netherlands and Australia.