Cho, Seong-Ryoul

Abstract
APEC was first established with the purpose of promoting TILF (Trade and Investment Liberalization and Facilitation) and ECOTECH (Economic and Technical Cooperation) between countries. However, APEC has included security issues in its discussions for the first time since the September 11 Terrorist Attacks in 2001. What differentiates APEC though from other communities regarding security is APEC’s focus on human security rather than on the more traditional issue of national security. Although APEC does not deal directly with national security issues as such, its efforts to prevent terrorism and the proliferation of WMDs, to enhance health security and disaster response capabilities and preparedness are crucial in ensuring the free movement of trade in this region. Accordingly, the contribution that APEC makes towards maintaining the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region is directly related to Korea’s own prosperity and security. It is essential that South Korea proposes human security issues related to the Korean Peninsula through APEC, and asks for cooperation from other countries in the region. North Korea is currently not a member of APEC, but giving approval for North Korea joining as a member will stabilize trade in the area and will contribute to opening the gates to the North Korean economy. North Korea’s participation in APEC will help solve the current energy crisis, and enhance North Korean human security through multilateral cooperation on health and disaster relief policies.
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