My journey toward this book, “The South China Sea Dispute as International Law and Politics,” has been a voyage through diverse and enriching experiences. From my tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea to my role as a diplomat in Los Angeles and Bangladesh, and the valuable insights gathered from my engagement in multilateral and bilateral diplomatic processes, this journey has deeply enriched my understanding of international relations and the vital role of international law. In this process, I have benefited immensely from my time away from my role in the Korean Foreign Ministry, which allowed me to dedicate myself fully to this endeavor. I am profoundly grateful to the exceptional individuals who have contributed to my academic and professional development.
Foremost, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my dissertation committee members at the University of California at Berkeley School of Law—Professor John C. Yoo, Professor Katerina Linos, and Professor Vinod K. Aggarwal. Their unwavering support, insightful guidance, and intellectual mentorship have been immeasurable throughout my research and writing journey. Each of them played a unique and indispensable role in shaping this work. Professor Yoo, as the principal supervisor for my JSD, demonstrated remarkable brevity in pinpointing research questions and providing guidance for further scholarly exploration. Professor Aggarwal’s expertise in international relations theory has proven instrumental in my understanding how such theories can facilitate the legal resolution of international disputes. Professor Linos, an international lawyer, demonstrated how to leverage international politics in devising practical legal approaches to real-world conflicts.
At the heart of this academic endeavor, my wife, Eunhee Yoon, has been a steady source of inspiration and encouragement. Her unfailing support, especially during the trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic during which I conducted my JSD research, served as a driving force behind the completion of this book. Her belief in me has been a constant wellspring of strength.
I must also acknowledge my mentors, Professor Seok Hyun Kim, ITLOS Judge Zha Hyoung Rhee, Ambassador Sun Pyo Kim, and Ambassador Jong In Bae of the Korean Foreign Ministry. Their guidance, challenges, and continued support have been pivotal in shaping my academic and professional trajectory.
This book is a testament to the collective contributions of these exceptional individuals and the enduring spirit of international cooperation and diplomacy. My hope is that the insights shared within these pages will advance ongoing discourse and policy considerations related to the South China Sea dispute, ultimately guiding us toward a more stable and harmonious future.