South Korea Tackles Energy Security Amid Geopolitical Tides

South Korea is confronting a crucial review of its energy security in light of rising geopolitical pressures, particularly stemming from tensions in Taiwan and the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict related to Iran. The RAND Corporation's September 2025 policy game brought together industry leaders and security experts to simulate a potential blockade of the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea by 2028, underscoring how these scenarios could disrupt South Korea's already vulnerable energy supply chains. The exercise emphasized that South Korea's heavy reliance on energy imports—between 90-95%—places it in a precarious position amid such global tensions.

Participants in the RAND exercise identified that South Korea's energy security is intertwined with broader regional stability, particularly in the context of its key industries like semiconductors and petrochemicals. The ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has further highlighted the urgency of diversification in energy sources, as dependence on Middle Eastern oil threatens production and export stability. The insights gained from the simulations reveal that proactive measures such as diversified supply routes and fortified cyber defenses are no longer optional but critical to securing South Korea’s economic and strategic interests amidst uncertain geopolitical landscapes.