Since Kim Jong-un assumed power, the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula has been more tense than ever before. Despite strong sanctions and pressure of the international community, the level and frequency of North Korea’s provocations have unprecedently increased. As provocations have continued, North Korea’s nuclear capacity has also become more sophisticated. As presumed, North Korea is now entering the final stage in its nuclear sophistication, creating various and profound ripple effects. First, North Korea’s nuclear sophistication is entering the final stage. Second, with rising threats, strategic interests of neighboring countries including the Republic of Korea are damaged. Third, interests and views of major countries on the method to resolve North Korea’s nuclear issues are conflicting. Fourth, because of the continued strong provocations and nuclear sophistication process of North Korea, regional state of affairs has been structured and prolonged with the strengthened pressure and sanctions. Fifth, as North Korea strongly resists against sanctions and pressure and sticks to uncompromising strategies, the vicious cycle of ‘the toughening of sanctions and continuous resistance and provocations” has continued. Sixth, as the relations between North Korea and the U.S. have gotten worse over time, the possibility to reach a mutual agreement has heen on the decline...

1. Denuclearization Environment and Political Landscape 2. Basic Initiative of Negative Peace Regime and Tasks for Implementation A. Basic Initiative and Tasks for Implementation B. Implementation Tasks and Controversial Issues 3. Roadmap for Negative Peace Regime A. Roadmap for Negative Peace Regime with Progress in Denuclearization B. Roadmap for Negative Peace Regime with Difficulties in Denuclearization 4. South Korea’s Response A. Sanctions and Pressures against North Korea B. Preparations for Change in the U.S. and China’s Strategy against North Korea C. Tactical Intervention of North Korean Leadership D. Careful Strategic Approach to Threat from North Korea’s Nuclear Missile E. Strategy for the Synchronous Implementation of Denuclearization and Peace Regime