North Korea launched a long-range rocket last December and conducted the 3rd nuclear test last February, which had incurred additional sanctions by the United Nations. In response, North Korea has raised the level of tensions in the Korean peninsula by raising belligerent rhetoric and military activities, and almost shutting down the Kaesong Industrial Complex – the last remaining symbol of inter-Korean cooperation. Meanwhile, the year 2012 witnessed leadership changes in both Koreas and the surrounding four major powers. Despite these leadership changes with hopes for peace and stability in Northeast Asia, the goal of denuclearizing the Korean peninsula seems to be remote, while North Korea has been making progress in nuclear buildup.
• Do we have realistic ways of getting out of the North Korean nuclear quagmire?
• If so, what options do we have including the 6 party talks, bilateral talks, and other measures and how can they be implemented in what time frame?
• If not, what scenarios should we consider for peace and security in Northeast Asia?

- Moderator
Stein TØNNESSON (Former Director, Peace Research Institute Oslo)

- Discussants
Peter HAYES (Director, The Nautilus Institute for Security & Sustainability)
PAN, Zhenqiang (Major General, retired, National Defense University, PLA)
CHEON, Seong-Whun (Director, Center for North Korean Studies, KINU)
KANG, Tae-Ho (Senior Reporter, The Hangyeorye)
LEE, Ha-Won (Senior Reporter, The Chosun Ilbo)
KIM, Hyun-Kyung (Director, Center for Unification Studies, MBC)

- Rapporteur
SHIN, Yoon Hee (Program Officer, East Asia Foundation)