Korea Bill Seeks to Institutionalize Space Diplomacy Strategy

A bill to strengthen South Korea's space diplomacy and give the country an earlier voice in shaping international space rules was introduced in the National Assembly on the 7th.

Rep. Kim Gunn of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, introduced the bill as its lead sponsor. The measure is intended to codify the country's space diplomacy strategy and its implementation framework as outer space emerges as a key strategic domain tied directly to national security, economic interests and leadership in the international order.

South Korea has rapidly expanded its space capabilities through the successful launch of the Nuri rocket, the operation of the Danuri lunar orbiter and the launch of the Korea AeroSpace Administration. But critics have pointed out that its diplomatic and institutional foundation for responding to the formation of international space norms still lags behind its technology development and industrial policy.

The bill focuses on establishing an institutional basis for pursuing diplomatic activity in the field consistently and systematically at the national level.

It first sets out the basic principles of South Korea's space diplomacy, including the peaceful use of outer space such as the moon and other celestial bodies. It also requires the government to draw up comprehensive strategies and policies on that basis.

The bill further requires the foreign minister to establish and implement a five-year master plan for space diplomacy covering the basic principles and implementation strategy for space diplomacy as well as measures for active participation in international organizations and international space norms. It also calls for a Space Diplomacy Committee under the foreign minister to deliberate on and coordinate major policy matters in the field.

In addition, the bill requires the foreign minister to submit an annual report analyzing trends in space security and international space norms to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly before each regular session opens. It also provides a legal basis for the state to systematically train space diplomacy specialists with expertise in space law, space security and international space norms, along with diplomatic skills.

"South Korea should no longer simply follow space rules made by other countries, but must take a leading role in the process of creating international space norms," Kim said. "I will continue legislative and policy support so that South Korea can move beyond being a space power to become a core nation that helps design the international space order."