Russia’s potential military cooperation with North Korea has sharply escalated tensions with South Korea. Lim Soo-seok, the ROK foreign ministry spokesperson, highlighted the significant negative implications such a partnership could have for Moscow-Seoul ties. However, a key challenge for South Korea in reacting to Russia’s military overtures to the DPRK lies in its heavy reliance on Russian energy. This dependence gives Moscow a potential upper hand, with the capability to use energy exports as a strategic lever.

Even as diplomatic engagements continue, exemplified by the recent meeting between ROK foreign minister Park Jin and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, a shift is evident in South Korea’s approach to Russia under the Yoon administration. This shift, exacerbated by Russia’s warning to South Korea against supplying arms to Ukraine, points to a strained bilateral relationship that, if not managed carefully, could jeopardize South Korea’s energy security and broader regional security.