PUBLIC DIPLOMACY WITHOUT BORDERS: SOUTH KOREA’S HUMANITY-CENTERED APPROACH TO GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Positioned within the “Global Pivotal State (GPS)” framework, South Korea’s public diplomacy efforts have sought to move beyond traditional soft power projection toward a more inclusive, cooperative model of international engagement. This study examines South Korea’s evolving public diplomacy strategy of GPS through the lens of the “humanity-centric public diplomacy” (Zaharna 2022a), “reputational security” (Cull 2022) and the “good country equation” (Anholt 2020). It focuses specifically on the dynamic relationship of the public diplomacy activities of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Korea Foundation (KF). By integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis, this research highlights how public diplomacy functions as both a strategic and relational tool—enhancing national credibility, fostering global trust, and contributing to global public goods. The findings suggest that a humanity-centered approach, emphasizing collaboration in shared global challenges, can enhance reputational security and serve as an effective strategy for states navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. By situating South Korea’s experience within broader discussions on public diplomacy, the study seeks to provide insights that may be relevant to other states navigating diplomatic strategies beyond boundaries in a changing global landscape.