South Korea’s addition of a third deputy director to the National Security Office (NSO), focusing on economic security, signals its decision to separate trade strategy from its other diplomatic endeavors.

While outwardly addressing Seoul’s trade relations with China, experts told Korea Pro that there is a deeper agenda: preparing for possible protectionist shifts in trade policies by the U.S. and Japan.

This new position in the NSO, a key decision-making body, marks a clear delineation in the division of responsibilities. Unlike the principal deputy, Kim Tae-hyo, who manages diplomacy, and the second deputy, who is responsible for national defense, this