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This paper examines the impact of national security threats on a nation's economic growth and fiscal policy based on a case study of the Korean peninsula. I construct four measures of provocations using a newly-assembled list of North Korean provocative events going back to 1960. The results show that the overall impact of North Korean provocations on South Korea's short-run economic growth is negligible. Since inter-Korean relations have gone through four phases, this paper also estimates the impact of provocations over each subperiod. Provocations had a significant impact on South Korea's economic growth during 1960-1970 and 1992-1997 when inter-Korean tensions were high, but the effects took on different signs. While provocations decreased South Korea's economic growth during 1992-1997, it had a positive impact on South Korea's macroeconomy before 1970. This paper provides evidence that the effect of national security threats may vary with the responses from the government and political factors such as the relation between the targeted country and the country that inflicts the threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose--This paper examines how economic sanctions imposed on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) by the United Nations and the United States, which has taken additional measures to ban DPRK's economic activities in order to pressure the regime into denuclearization, may have an adverse effect on the prospect of reunification in the Korean Peninsula. Design/Methodology/Approach--A critical evaluation of the current situation in the Peninsula through rational choice perspective. This paper proposes a solution that may promote the future of reunification in accordance with the modernization theory of democratization. Findings--This paper finds that economic sanctions can discourage the prospect of reunification for two main reasons: (1) sanctions put strains on the DPRK's economy, but not enough for the regime to surrender its nuclear weapons; and (2) UN sanctions have intrinsic monitoring and implementation issues. Practical Implications--The findings from this paper might be useful for policymakers as an alternative outlook on the issue of reunification; and thus, might reshape the approach to negotiation. Originality/Value--This paper offers an alternative perspective about economic sanctions, which are one of the most used instruments of coercion/manipulation in the realm of international relations. Moreover, it also offers a more good- natured approach to reunification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to make a brief survey of the previous weather modification activities over the Northern Part of the Korean Peninsula (NPKP) and to present the prospects of their further development. The weather modification activities over NPKP are divided into three stages with the first of 1960–1970s, the second of 1980–1990s and the third of 2000–2010s. In the first stage, significant cloud seeding experiment data and some technologies for the preparation of scientific basis in applying the weather modification theory were accumulated. The cloud seeding experiments in the second stage were hardly carried out over NPKP, however, fundamental researches and investigations, including the cloud and water-power resource explorations on a nationwide scale, were performed. The cloud seeding experiments over the city of Jungsan (39°06′ N, 125°23′ E) of NPKP during the period of 2017–2020 (the third stage) were performed seven times using newly developed 82-mm rockets and fire-AgI shells with a nucleus generation rate of , and the experiment results were presented in detail. All the cloud seeding experiments except of the first experiment obviously showed the effect of precipitation enhancement near the ground (9.1%). In NPKP, weather modification activities using various cloud seeding means with the object of enhancing the precipitation for overcoming severe drought, providing water-power resource security, etc. will continue on the national scale in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taiwan Strait poses a risk of war at any time due to a combination of international political factors such as China's national strength, willingness to unify, Taiwan's independence, and the U.S.-China leadership competition. In this situation, this paper analyzed the scenario of China's invasion of Taiwan, and considered the comparison of military power on both sides and the direction of Taiwan's military power construction. In conclusion, the war in the Taiwan Strait is likely to trigger geopolitical conflicts between the United States and North Korea on the Korean Peninsula, and the ROK will have to respond to diplomatic and security challenges simultaneously. Therefore, we must face up to the fact that tensions and crises between the two sides in the Taiwan Strait are directly linked to the security crisis on the Korean Peninsula. It is necessary to closely monitor the conflict between the two sides and preemptively prepare diplomatic and security response strategies for each situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, substantial amount of archaeological remains, which belong to the Bronze and the Iron Ages, has been excavated in Jungdo, central part of Korean peninsula, indicating that the prehistoric (partly, early historic) cultures had been flourished in this area. Particularly, more than 150 dolmens were found during the excavation campaign, and they have drawn keen attentions because dolmens are controversially regarded as being the representative remains for the Bronze Age in Korean peninsula. Despite their archaeological importance for understanding the ancient cultural and social aspects in Korean peninsula, the chronology of the dolmens has largely been dependent upon sensory tests using concomitant artifacts while numerical dating has been scarce and limited to the case when organic materials for radiocarbon dating were available. Recent advances in luminescence dating, however, allow direct dating of stone structures, like dolmens, by measuring OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) signals in phosphor minerals underneath the stone structures. In this paper, we performed OSL dating of quartz collected from underneath the stones making up dolmens in Jungdo. For OSL dating, we chose three dolmens and six sediment samples were collected from them. Using multiple grain aliquots, consisting of ∼300 quartz grains, the OSL ages of ∼4.3–3.2 ka were obtained. These ages, however, appear to be older than previously reported radiocarbon ages in Jungdo and a radiocarbon age (2119–1750 cal yr BP) of a human bone sample excavated from one of the dolmens. On the contrary, single grain OSL dating yielded MAM-3 (Minimum Age Model with three parameters) ages consistent with the radiocarbon age, ranging ∼2.9–2.2 ka. Our results suggest that Jungdo has been the place either for burial plots or habitation of the ancient humans up to early Iron Age in the central part of Korean peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017 the security situation in Northeast Asia worsened, largely due to a heightened missile crisis on Korean Peninsula. The DPRK (North Korea) was continuing to test a growing number of missiles with different ranges, culminating with an ICMB-level missile called Hwasong-15 (KN-22), and in September of that year, a sixth nuclear test was conducted. However, the 2018 brought a 180 degree change in the situation as the country have been engaged in significant diplomatic activity. Their so called 'diplomatic offensive' concerns South Korea, China, as well as the US. Some tangible results were achieved in inter-Korean relations, while the relations with the US remained at a stalemate ahead of second summit with president Trump in late February 2019. The aim of the presented paper is to look at the importance of the nuclear and missile program for North Korea, the results of the diplomatic offensive last year, and to shed light on North Korean expectations. The paper analyses the character of the DPRK regime and its need to survive in the broader context of current developments on the peninsula. The paper concludes with scepticism regarding the intentions for denuclearization as declared by the North Korean leader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Four new species, Edaphus haenamensissp.n., E. odaesanensis sp.n., E. suyuensis sp.n., and E. ulsanensis sp.n., are described in the Korean Peninsula. Additional two species, E. koreanus and E. lederi, are redescribed, and the latter species is recorded for the first time from Korea. The cosmopolitan euaesthetine genus, Edaphus Motschulsky, 1857, with about 90 Palaearctic species, was formerly known by a single species, E. koreanus Puthz, 2011, of which 2 specimens were collected in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In this paper, the knowledge of the Korean Edaphus fauna is expanded to include six species, including four described here based on a rich material collected in recent years. A key to all six species of Korean Edaphus, illustration of the habitus and diagnostic characters, and a distribution map are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose—This paper outlines how reverse nuclear sharing between North Korea and China, inspired by Cold War nuclear sharing agreements, could contribute to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Design, Methodology, Approach—After a critical evaluation of existing proposals, this paper surveys bilateral nuclear sharing between the U.S. and its allies and highlights its potential utility in working toward a resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis. Findings—Existing proposals for North Korean denuclearization are zero-sum approaches that fail to adequately take geopolitical context into account. Nuclear sharing agreements between the U.S. and its allies were successful in preventing proliferation and reassuring allies. Some of these features can be recreated in Northeast Asia by adapting the model to China and North Korea. Practical Implications—This paper outlines an attempt to find a compromise solution that can inform policy debates on North Korean denuclearization. Originality, Value—This is the first paper to propose an innovative adaptation of the Cold War nuclear sharing model to the Sino–North Korean relationship as a preliminary step toward denuclearization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a revision of Gymnomitrion and Marsupella in the Korean Peninsula based on a study of the collections housed in the herbaria of Jeonbuk National University (JNU) and the Botanical Garden-Institute in Vladivostok (VBGI). In total, 12 species were recorded (six in Gymnomitrion and seven in Marsupella), including four taxa whose identity was not confirmed with the available materials and suspected to be recorded wrongly. Each confirmed species is annotated by morphological descriptions based on available Korean material, data on ecology, distribution, specimens examined as well as illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that while there was no singular cohesive "national identity" in the modern sense in Chosŏn Korea, the elitist Neo-Confucian framework served as a basis for establishing an overarching identity on the Korean Peninsula. Every other entity defined itself through its relationship to the prominent Neo-Confucian framework. Two marginalized groups - Buddhist institutions and the Catholic Church--defined themselves and developed identities based around the Neo-Confucian framework; this paper analyzes this. By demonstrating that these two marginalized groups had no choice but to define themselves in terms of the Neo-Confucian framework, it is clear this framework also created an elitist identity built around its intellectual culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore key elements of President Moon Jae-in's policy on the Korean Peninsula and provide a conceptual framework and diplomatic roadmap for denuclearization and peace. Next, we perform a keyword extraction analysis of China's People's Daily and People's Daily Overseas Edition to identify the objectives, pathway, role identity, and position of the Chinese government in the nuclear negotiations since the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Our research finds the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, protection of peace and stability, and establishment of a peace regime as constituting China's main objectives. Dialogue and negotiation, political resolution, a double suspension and dual track approach, and international cooperation are suggested as pathways. China affirms its commitment to playing a constructive, active, unique, and responsible great power role on the peninsula, and suggests U.S.-DPRK dialogue and engagement as the primary vehicle to achieve peace, supplemented by inter-Korean reconciliation. Based on our findings, we address some key differences in perception and position between South Korea and China toward denuclearization and a peace regime. Finally, we offer prospects for bilateral crisis management and mechanisms for South Korea-China cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors investigate the idiosyncratic features of auto- and cross-correlation structures of PM2.5 (particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5 μ m ) mass concentrations using DFA (detrended fluctuation analysis) methodologies. Since air pollutant mass concentrations are greatly affected by geographical, topographical, and meteorological conditions, their correlation structures can have non-universal properties. To this end, the authors firstly examine the spatio-temporal statistics of PM2.5 daily average concentrations collected from 18 monitoring stations in Korea, and then select five sites from those stations with overall lower and higher concentration levels in order to make up two groups, namely, G1 and G2, respectively. Firstly, to compare characteristic behaviors of the auto-correlation structures of the two groups, we performed DFA and MFDFA (multifractal DFA) analyses on both and then confirmed that the G2 group shows a clear crossover behavior in DFA and MFDFA analyses, while G1 shows no crossover. This finding implies that there are possibly two different scale-dependent underlying dynamics in G2. Furthermore, in order to confirm that different underlying dynamics govern G1 and G2, the authors conducted DCCA (detrended cross-correlation analysis) analysis on the same and different groups. As a result, in the same group, coupling behavior became more prominent between two series as the scale increased, while, in the different group, decoupling behavior was observed. This result also implies that different dynamics govern G1 and G2. Lastly, we presented a stochastic model, namely, ARFIMA (auto-regressive fractionally integrated moving average) with periodic trends, to reproduce behaviors of correlation structures from real PM2.5 concentration time series. Although those models succeeded in reproducing crossover behaviors in the auto-correlation structure, they yielded no valid results in decoupling behavior among heterogeneous groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conceptualizes the emerging detente within inter-Korean relations as evidence of tangible transformations within North Korea's domestic and foreign policy, establishing how this phenomenon represents a unique and conclusive opportunity for peace and engagement. It contextualizes the inter-Korean and Singapore summits as foundations for the detente, before expanding upon the nature of the detente through the contrasting objectives of North and South Korea, and the transitional nature of domestic affairs in North Korea. The article establishes the bona fide nature of North Korea's detente, as revealed by a direct connection between North Korea's international diplomatic gestures vis-av-vis transitional domestic circumstances; involving incremental economic modernization and political liberalization under a shift in focus within Kim Jong-un's Byungjin Line policy. This analysis departs from and orthodox Western interpretation of inter-Korean relations, providing a holistic analysis of inter-Korean affairs and North Korean domestic politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sika deer inhabiting South Korea became extinct when the last individual was captured on Jeju Island in Korea in 1920 owing to the Japanese seawater relief business, but it is believed that the same subspecies (Cervus nippon hortulorum) inhabits North Korea and the Russian Primorskaya state. In our study, mt-DNA was used to analyze the genetic resources of sika deer in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula to restore the extinct species of continental deer on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, iSCNT was performed using cells to analyze the potential for restoration of extinct species. The somatic cells of sika deer came from tissues of individuals presumed to be Korean Peninsula sika deer inhabiting the neighboring areas of the Primorskaya state and North Korea. After sequencing 5 deer samples through mt-DNA isolation and PCR, BLAST analysis showed high matching rates for Cervus nippon hortulorum. This shows that the sika deer found near the Russian Primorsky Territory, inhabiting the region adjacent to the Korean Peninsula, can be classified as a subspecies of Cervus nippon hortulorum. The method for producing cloned embryos for species restoration confirmed that iSCNT-embryos developed smoothly when using porcine oocytes. In addition, the stimulation of endometrial cells and progesterone in the IVC system expanded the blastocyst cavity and enabled stable development of energy metabolism and morphological changes in the blastocyst. Our results confirmed that the individual presumed to be a continental deer in the Korean Peninsula had the same genotype as Cervus nippon hortulorum, and securing the individual's cell-line could restore the species through replication and produce a stable iSCNT embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus spachiana (Lavallée ex Ed.Otto) Kitam. f. ascendens (Makino) Kitam leaves exert natural anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide formation. P. spachiana flowers bloom earlier than other Prunus spp. and thus could serve as a valuable resource for the horticulture and pharmaceutical industries. However, its seed dormancy class and germination traits remain uncharacterized. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the seed dormancy and germination of P. spachiana. Imbibition, phenological, and move-along experiments were performed, and the effects of H2SO4 treatment, hormone soaking, warm/cold stratification, and endocarp removal on germination were explored. Observation revealed that ripe seeds of P. spachiana contain developed embryos and are water permeable. Radicle and shoot emergence began in March and April, respectively, under natural conditions in the year following production. No seed germination was observed after 30 days of incubation at 4, 15/6, 20/10, or 25/15 °C under light/dark conditions, indicating the physiological dormancy of the seeds. Germination increased with prolonged stratification and was affected by incubation temperature. Seed scarification by H2SO4 and soaking with gibberellic acid (GA3) and fluridone were ineffective in breaking dormancy. However, GA3 soaking of the seeds after endocarp removal effectively induced germination (100%). These results indicate that P. spachiana seeds exhibit intermediate physiological dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megalithic cultures have spread to every location in which there are traces of prehistoric humans on earth. The Korean Peninsula is no exception. The different types of menhir, cromlechs (stone circles), and stone images are not currently popular in English literature. However, approximately 40,000 dolmens (out of 60,000 worldwide) are in this region alone. Indeed, megaliths have been found all over Korea, including the Jeju and Ulleung Islands. Additionally, historical and cultural studies suggest that these sacred sites and their stones are relics dating from at least the late (East Asian) Neolithic Age to the late Bronze Age (c. 3100-300 BCE). Dolmen shapes are divided into table-style, draughtboard-style, and open-style, with the three dolmens of Hwasun, Gochang, and Ganghwa Island even recognized as a World Heritage (UNESCO) site. This article explores the socio-cultural map of the Korean dolmens. It also argues that the dolmens' purpose (e.g., tombs, Feng-Shui, and ritual), their application of cup-marks (leadership, astrology, and healing), and ancient Korean history have significant implications for understanding the prehistoric East Asian life of Gojoseon (2333-108 BCE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southeastern Korean Peninsula (SeKP) has experienced intense deformation owing to subduction and backarc extension at the eastern continental margin of the Eurasian Plate, leading to the formation of complex tectonic structures. Abnormally high surface heat flux, Cenozoic volcanism, signatures of mantle degassing and hydrothermal alteration, and several active fault systems with extensional sedimentary basins have been identified; however, the major driving forces that promote local seismic events and hydrothermal activities remain enigmatic. Here, we constructed 3-D P -wave velocity of the crust and upper mantle in the SeKP for the first time using a teleseismic traveltime tomography method and an extensive data set obtained from a dense seismic network. Our model revealed three distinct velocity patterns at different depths: (1) in the upper crust (depth ∼0–10 km), a low-velocity anomaly beneath the Cenozoic sedimentary basin exhibiting a prominent lateral velocity contrasts with higher velocities in the Cretaceous sedimentary and plutonic rocks; (2) a N–S trending low-velocity anomaly extending from the lower crust to the uppermost mantle (depth ∼20–35 km) beneath the major active fault systems interpreted as a thermally or mechanically weakened structure that could transfer high surface heat flux and transport mantle-driven gases and (3) a low-velocity anomaly adjacent to the Cenozoic basin in the upper mantle at depths of 35–55 km interpreted as the higher temperature upper mantle. Via a series of geodynamic simulations, we demonstrated that the extensional deformation at the eastern continental margin during the Early to Middle Miocene locally enhanced the temperature of the crust and upper mantle beneath the SeKP. We propose that a hydrothermal system, resulting from the thermally modified lithosphere of the continental margin, has contributed to the enhanced local seismicity and geothermal activities observed in the SeKP region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquakes in the Korean Peninsula often occur in subsurface hidden faults that are hardly identified before the seismic activity. We investigate a midcrustal subsurface hidden fault in a seismically quiescent region of the central Korean Peninsula that produced the 28 October 2022 M L 4.1 earthquake. A combined analysis of seismicity, geophysical properties and geological features constrain the subsurface fault geometry. The midcrustal fault may extend to the lineament on the surface that presents low gravity anomalies. The focal mechanism solutions and seismicity distribution suggest that the lineament may correspond to the surface trace of the fault. Further, the responsible fault is a left-lateral strike-slip fault with dip of 88° and bilateral rupture at depths of ∼12–14 km. The lateral extent of the fault may reach >25 km. A series of foreshocks formed the source zone to induce the main shock. The main shock nucleated at a location of lateral contrasts of heat fluxes and magnetic anomalies in the fault. The strong ground motions by the main shock are amplified by the sedimentary layers in the event site, inducing aftershocks to spread along the fault with time. The fault orientation is laid to respond to the ambient stress field. The Coulomb stress changes induced by the main shock load stress the fault, increasing the possibility of another earthquake occurrence. The study suggests that a combined analysis of seismicity, geophysical properties and geological features may provide constraints on seismogenic subsurface hidden faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated future projections of extreme precipitation (PR) over the Korean Peninsula (KP) under global warming levels of 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C (GWL 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C). The bias-corrected large ensemble of the Regional Climate Model (RCM) in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment–East Asia Phase 2 was used. Under GWL 1.5 °C, the RCM multi-model ensemble (MME) predicted the extreme PR intensity (RX1day) to increase by 10.14% more than the mean PR of 4.69%. A regional difference was observed in the projection, with a larger increase over the northern KP (NKP) and southern KP (SKP) than central KP. Accordingly, the distribution of extreme PR was expected to shift with the right, and extreme events occurring once every 20 years over the SKP and NKP were expected to change to a reoccurrence of 12.56 years and 10.04 years, respectively. The mechanism of extreme PR was examined for cases from June to September. The expected increase in extreme PR per warming over the SKP and NKP was 5.64% °C−1 and 8.37% °C−1, respectively, which was close to the Clausius-Clapeyron scale (7.7% °C−1). This implies that increased moisture capability from the warming will affect the change in extreme PR. Other possible factors were investigated and the RCM MME predicted vertical instability over East Asia to continue, and moisture flux and convergence around the KP to be intensified. Meanwhile, under GWL 2.0 °C, mean PR and extreme PR were projected to increase more than under GWL 1.5 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the family Issidae (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoroidea), Dentatissus longispinosus sp. nov., is described from the Korean Peninsula. Morphological information is presented with photographs based on male and female specimens. A key to species of the genus Dentatissus is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River runoff predictions in ungauged basins are one of the major challenges in hydrology. In the past, the approach using a physical-based conceptual model was the main approach, but recently, a solution using a data-driven model has been evaluated as more appropriate through several studies. In this study, a new data-driven approach combining various recurrent neural networks and decision tree-based algorithms is proposed. An advantage of recurrent neural networks is that they can learn long-term dependencies between inputs and outputs provided to the network. Decision tree-based algorithms, combined with recurrent neural networks, serve to reflect topographical information treated as constants and can identify the importance of input features. We tested the proposed approach using data from 25 watersheds publicly available on the Korean government's website. The potential of the proposed approach as a regional hydrologic model is evaluated in the view that one regional model predicts river runoff in various watersheds using the leave-one-out cross-validation regionalization setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Totally, 190 species of the family Tachinidae belonging to 96 genera and 4 subfamilies have been recorded from the Korean Peninsula. Their distribution is analysed and an areographical characteristics of the species are presented. Four species are endemics. The tachinids belong to 52 zoogeographical categories, divided into 2 main groups: (1) species with Manchurian type of distribution (82 species – 43.2 %) – more thermophilic and distributed mainly in the southern parts of the Palaearctic. The species of the southern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally associated to this group as well; (2) species with Holarctic and Palaearctic type of distribution (108 species – 56.8 %) – more cold-resistant and widely distributed in the Palaearctic. The species of the northern type, distributed in the Palaearctic and beyond it, can be formally related to this group as well. The lack of geographical barriers allows mixing of the Palaearctic and Oriental fauna and determines the high percentage of the oriental taxa (47.4 %) in Korea. More than half of the species (106 species – 55.8 %) are distributed in the Oriental Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layers 12 and 13 of the Chongphadae Cave site located northwest of the central part of the Korean Peninsula include human fossils, fireplaces, a great number of lithic artefacts, and mammal remains. These layers represent new evidence for the paleoenvironment, human occupation, and activities in this region during the late MIS 3 and MIS 2, associated with global cold and dry climate, respectively. Most of lithic artefacts collected are flake tools. Raw material selection, lithic reduction technology, and lithic industry represent peculiar local characteristics. Our analysis of faunal assemblages also suggests that the Chongphadae region had a rich ecosystem capable of forming a diverse mammalian fauna including ungulates (mainly deer and horses) during this period. It is likely that the mosaic landscapes, including grasslands, forests, rivers, and wetlands, provided a favorable environment for humans, as well as mammals and plants, and the occupants of the site actively hunted and gathered in a relatively temperate environment. Our study suggests that the central Korean Peninsula was not severely affected by global dry and cold events such as LGM, although it was a somewhat humid and cold environment during the late MIS 3 and MIS 2. The central Korean Peninsula may have existed as an unknown refugium (or area of endemism) in northeastern Asia during this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of giant Star Shell (Turbinidae: Astreinae) has been discovered from the Neritic Zone of the Korean Peninsula. The new taxon, Pomaulax geummiae new species, is described from specimens collected by Haenyeo women shellfish divers on Jeju Island, South Korea. Based on the range of this new species, and the distributions of other endemic taxa, a new subprovince of the Japonic Molluscan Province, the Korean Subprovince, is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents empirical formulas for calculating the maximum wave height and period in a numerical wave hindcasting model in terms of significant wave height, mean wave period, and peakedness parameter. The formulas are developed by applying the least-square method to the wave data measured at KOGA-E1 and KOGA-S2, which are located in the Japan/East Sea and on the southeast coast of the Korean Peninsula, respectively. The developed formulas are validated by comparing with the wave measurements around the Korean Peninsula. The formulas are shown to concur well with the measurements even in the Yellow Sea where the tide is very strong. To examine the applicability of the formulas in a wave hindcasting model, numerical simulation has been performed for wind wave generation around the Korean Peninsula. The maximum wave height and period have been calculated using the wave parameters computed in the numerical simulation. The calculated maximum wave height and period are then compared with the measurements to show that the developed formulas can be used for long-term prediction of the maximum wave height and period in a numerical wave hindcasting model. This comparison shows that the predicted maximum wave height and period agree well with the measured ones. Image 10768 • This paper presents formulas on the maximum wave height and period in terms of spectral wave parameters. • The formulas were developed using the wave measurements in the Japan/East Sea and on the southeast of Korean peninsula. • The applicability of the present formulas was examined by the wave hindcasting around the Korean peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Uromunna species, Uromunna mundongensis sp. n. and Uromunna jejuensis sp. n., are described from the Korean Peninsula, representing the first record of the genus in Korean waters. Genetic analyses using two mitochondrial (COI, Cytb) and one ribosomal (18S rRNA) gene allowed us to confirm high pair-wise interspecific differences with the establishment of reliable barcoding gaps of COI (19.9%) and 18S (0.4%) between the new species. Finally, the phylogenetic relationship between the Uromunna species as well as the position of the genus within the munnoid groups are reconstructed using 18S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the nexus between human rights and security on the Korean Peninsula. The past policies toward North Korean human rights by South Korean governments were inconsistent and ineffectiveby being selective and subordinated to security policies. In this article, I suggest holistic and integrative approaches toward North Korean human rights. The holistic approach includes both political and civil rights and economic, social, and cultural rights as indivisible and interdependent. The integrative approach connects North Korean human rights to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula through denuclearization, economic engagement, and humanitarian aid. They would enable the South Korean government to devise more consistent and effective human rights policies by securing domestic and international support, increasing its coordination with a variety of actors, and sending a credible signal to the authoritarian regime in the North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronze cast bells have been designed and developed for hundreds of years, with the worldwide spread of several faiths and religions such as Buddhism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. The exceptional ringtones of bronze bell metals have scientific healing and cultural importance. In this review article, we highlight the evolution of bronze bell metal over the decades, its composition, and the complex fabrication technologies used to date. Furthermore, we overview ancient and modern casting alloy technology, especially bronze bell castings in Asia. The bell shape, materials, and alloy casting technology have undergone dramatic change over the years. For comparison, we include different bronze cast bells and their characteristics produced from the Middle Ages to the present times. Based on the data obtained from the bell casting technology surrounding the Korean Peninsula, the major trends in the evolution of bronze bell castings and long-standing traditions of mold materials and alloys are described. In the present review, the effects of different elements on bell materials are qualitatively overviewed, with an assessment of the material and casting properties, service life, and bell sound. We also highlight the challenges of conventional bronze casting and possible solutions for future investment castings and rapid prototyping of bronze bells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approximately 40‐km long high‐resolution reflection seismic profile (P3) was acquired in the metropolitan area of Seoul in South Korea for the purpose of fault system imaging in a highly noisy and challenging urban environment. Two 12t seismic vibrators (mini‐vibs) were used as the seismic source. Data were recorded using a dual element seismic spread; 20 m spaced 421 wireless seismic recorders connected to 10 Hz geophones and 20 micro‐electro‐mechanical‐based landstreamer sensors (2 m sensor spacing) attached to one of the vibrators. The purpose of the dual spread employed was to delineate both near‐surface and deep structures. The processing results show good quality and the processing work was complemented by different analysis to further constraints the geological interpretation. The survey results provide evidence for the 3D geometry of three fault systems, including Chugaryeong, Pocheon, and Wangsukcheon faults. A gently westerly dipping set of reflectivity underlying a dome‐shaped package of reflectivity is interpreted as a fault, and could project to the known surface position of the Pocheon fault. The dome‐shaped reflectivity is interpreted as folded and faulted dyke or sill systems. Downward continuation of the interpreted fault intersects the sub‐vertical Chugaryeong fault in a zone where the current seismicity is observed, suggesting that these two major fault systems may have jointly evolved in the form of splay faults. Reflections from the Wangsukcheon fault are also present in the data and interpreted to dip approximately 60° to the east, in an opposite direction to the two other faults. Plain Language Summary: An approximately 40‐km long high‐resolution reflection seismic profile was acquired in the metropolitan area of Seoul in South Korea for the purpose of in‐depth fault system imaging in a highly noisy and challenging urban environment. Two different types of receivers were used simultaneously to achieve good results from both shallow and deep structures. Processing results have good quality and are complemented with different analysis to further constraints the geological interpretation. The survey results provide evidence for the 3D geometry of three fault systems, including Chugaryeong, Pocheon, and Wangsukcheon faults. A gently westerly dipping structure underlying a dome‐shaped structure is interpreted as a fault, and could project to the known surface position of the Pocheon fault. A dome‐shaped reflectivity is interpreted as folded and faulted dyke or sill systems. Downward continuation of the interpreted fault intersects the sub‐vertical Chugaryeong fault in a zone where the current seismicity is observed, suggesting that these two major fault systems may be connected and jointly evolved. Results from the Wangsukcheon fault are also present in the data and it is interpreted to approximately dip 60° to the east, in an opposite direction to the two other faults. Key Points: Reflection seismic imaging of fault systems in Seoul metropolitan areaSuggested dependency of the regional seismicity from Chugaryeong fault systemDeep geometry reconstruction of three regional fault systems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term settlement data of a thick soft clay deposit improved by vertical drains frequently shows different field settlement behaviors from laboratory-driven predictions by conventional theories due to the variability and uncertainty of the soil properties, modeling simplifications, and types of prediction methods. This paper presents the field application of a back-analysis method based on a genetic algorithm (GA) to evaluate the performance of a new settlement prediction method compared with conventional graphical settlement prediction methods, such as the hyperbolic method and the Asaoka method. The GA back-analysis method shows better flexibility in modifying surcharging plans and adaptability to multi-layered thick soft soil deposits at the early stages of post-construction settlement. Thus, this new settlement prediction method enables geotechnical engineers to subsequently modify the heights of surcharge fills in accordance with field settlement data monitored in the interim for rapid and cost-effective construction. The comparative results show that the GA back-analysis method is capable of superior field performance in settlement predictions compared with two conventional graphical methods, within a margin of less than 200 mm in a thick soft clay deposit with multiple layers under complex loading conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In solar resource assessment, the climatological environment of the target area is objectively quantified by the cloudiness or clear sky index, which is defined as the ratio of global horizontal irradiance to clear sky solar insolation. The clear sky model calculates incoming solar irradiance on the ground surface considering several atmospheric parameters such as water vapor and aerosol optical depth. This study investigated the importance of aerosol optical depth for deriving clear sky irradiance in radiative transfer models and examined its viability in a universal or community model for public use. The evaluation was conducted based on ground observations at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) station from January to December 2021. The original simulation was performed using the monthly mean of aerosol optical depth obtained from the Aerosol Robotic Network station; the mean absolute error was 29.9 W m−2. When the daily mean of in situ observations at KIER was incorporated into the clear sky model, the mean absolute error was reduced to 9.7 W m−2. Our results confirm that the clear sky model using gridded datasets of aerosol optical depth is suitable for use as a universal or community model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What makes the schemes to address Pyongyang's nuclear program so ineffective? Aside from conventional explanations, two gray zone discourses are at play. First, the gray zone discourse of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has been viable since 1991. Second, another gray zone discourse of nuclear arms control with North Korea has been gathering pace recently. Gray zone discourses blur the line between North Korea and the United States regarding who should be a targeted state. How are gray zone discourses at play in the long process of negotiations and talks? Who is the most likely to win if these gray zone discourses remain intact? These blurred discourses also help North Korea become a recognized nuclear power and a normal state in an international arena. Leaving the distorted mechanism unchecked can encourage a gray zone perpetrator to seize the initiative of tackling nuclear issues, allowing North Korea to achieve a final goal of nuclearization. As part of the efforts to make gray zone discourses unfunctional, three strategic and policy remedies need to be at the forefront: making black‐and‐white discourses, increasing leverage to North Korea, and establishing a zero‐gray‐zone strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, the Korean Peninsula has occupied an important place in Russia's foreign policy strategy, due both to its geographical proximity to Russia's Far Eastern borders and to its geopolitical role. The circumstances on the Korean Peninsula have a direct influence on the security of Russia's Far East and NorthEast Asia (NEA) as a whole, making the Peninsula naturally one of Russia's foreign policy priorities. Officially and unofficially, Russia has two underlying interests in the Korean Peninsula, as stated repeatedly by Russian officials. Firstly, Russia has no interest in seeing weapons of mass destruction appear anywhere in the world, least of all on its borders. Consequently, Russia has consistently taken the position that international nuclear non-proliferation should be preserved, including preventing the nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Secondly, Russia is worried about an outbreak of hostilities in Korea. There are reasons for this. Such a war would be a genuine catastrophe near Russia's borders, replete with radioactive contamination of the area and movement of refugees to the Russian Far East, and it would complicate severely the implementation of Russia's development strategy for its Far Eastern regions. Consequently, Moscow is, instead, interested in maintaining peace, stability and an atmosphere of cooperation on the Korean Peninsula and in NEA, which would provide an environment conducive to developing Russia's economy. Russia is interested more than anyone else in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and resolving the problems of the Peninsula, including the nuclear issue, by exclusively peaceful political and diplomatic means, whilst respecting the sovereignty and interests of all states involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the impact of space competition on the security, science and technology, and military power of the two Koreas by examining the space development process of the two Koreas in terms of the times. In addition, by evaluating the space power of South Korea and North Korea, I would like to propose how to respond to threats to space competition between the two Koreas and a future space power development plan for South Korea. This study will contribute to strengthening Korea's security in outer space by comparing and studying the space power of the two Koreas through analysis of space development and suggesting South Korea's countermeasures to potential space threats. It will also present a new perspective on space development and space competition between the two Koreas by examining space development and space competition, which were studied mainly by the United States, Russia, China, and Japan, major powers on the Korean Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change and oceanic warming have an increasing impact on coastal waves, accurate observation of satellite significant wave height (SWH) in coastal regions is becoming more important. In addition to the validation of satellite SWHs in the global ocean, the SWHs should also be validated in coastal regions for their diverse applications. In this study, the accuracy and error characteristics of altimeter SWH data, Jason-3 Geophysical Data Records Version D and Sentinel-3A/B Level-2 marine scientific products, were investigated using SWH measurements from 18 buoy stations in the coastal region of the Korean Peninsula from 2017 to 2019. Results showed that the Jason-3 and Sentinel-3A/B SWHs exhibited root mean square errors (RMSE) and bias errors of 0.59–1.60 m and 0.03–0.42 m, respectively. Cross-validation between Jason-3 and Sentinel-3A/B exhibited a consistency comparable to that of the global ocean. The spatial distribution of comparison between altimeter SWH and wave model data was similar to that obtained using altimeter SWH and in situ measurements. Validation of altimeter SWH from the buoy stations yielded the highest error in the southwestern coastal region of the Korean Peninsula, with high tidal currents in the Yellow Sea. The stronger the tidal current speed, the more amplified the satellite SWH errors. The SWH differences exhibited a high dependence on the tidal index, including the elements of tidal current speed, water depth, and tide height. A relationship was found between the tidal index and the altimeter SWH differences from the in situ measurements. Based on this relation, formulas were proposed to reduce satellite SWH errors due to tidal currents in the coastal regions of the Korean Peninsula. For the matchups with tidal index less than 2, RMSE and bias errors of each satellite sensor were improved by up to 14.25% (0.28 m) and 94.40% (0.84 m), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Korean Peninsula exhibits a characteristic graded floral distribution, with northern (Manchurian flora) and southern (China-Japan-Korea flora) lineage species coexisting according to climatic and topographical characteristics. However, this distribution has been altered by climate change. To identify ecosystem changes caused by climate change and develop appropriate measures, the current ecological status of the entire Korean Peninsula should first be determined; however, analysis of the current floral distribution in North Korea has been hampered for political reasons. To overcome these limitations, this study constructed a database of floral distributions in both South and North Korea by integrating spatial information from the previously established National Ecological Survey in South Korea and geocoding data from the literature on biological distributions published in North Korea. It was then applied to analyze the current status and distribution characteristics of Manchurian and China-Japan-Korea plant species on the Korean Peninsula. Results: In total, 45,877 cases were included in the Manchurian and China-Japan-Korea floral distribution database. China-Japan-Korea species were densely distributed on Jeju-do and along the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The distribution density decreased as the latitude increased, and the distributions reached higher-latitude regions in the coastal areas compared with the inland regions. Manchurian species were distributed throughout North Korea, while they were densely distributed in the refugia formed in the high-elevation mountain regions and the Baekdudaegan in South Korea. In the current distribution of biomes classified according to the Whittaker method, subtropical and endemic species were densely distributed in temperate seasonal forest and woodland/shrubland biomes, whereas boreal species were densely distributed in the boreal forest biome Korean Peninsula, with a characteristic gradation of certain species distributed in the temperate seasonal forest biome. Factor analysis showed that temperature and latitude were the main factors influencing the distribution of flora on the Korean Peninsula. Conclusions: The findings reported herein on the current floral distribution trends across the entire Korean Peninsula will prove valuable got mitigating the ecological disturbances caused by ongoing climate change. Additionally, the gathered flora data will serve as a basis for various follow-up studies on climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like most of the world's coastlines, the Korean Peninsula experienced higher-than-present sea levels during the last interglacial (LIG), otherwise known as Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e. However, the expression of that highstand in the geological record differs across the eastern and western Korean Peninsula. The tectonically active east coast of the Korean Peninsula is characterized by broad uplifted marine terraces, while the stable west coast is characterized by tidal flats and rias. In this study, we used a standardized database template to review and extract the existing constraints on LIG sea levels along both the east and west coasts of the Korean Peninsula. A total of 62 LIG constraining data points were compiled including 34 sea-level indicators, 22 marine limiting records, and 6 terrestrial limiting records. The ages from these data points are based on 61 optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) measurements and 1 paleomagnetic-based age. Along the uplifted east coast, LIG sea-level indicators based on marine terraces are at elevations ranging from + 9 to + 32 m. The uplifted marine terraces are cut or otherwise deformed by faults developed under a compressional regime due to back-arc closing of the East Sea since the early Pliocene. As a result, tectonic uplift likely has affected the elevations of the east coast LIG shorelines. In contrast, LIG sea-level records on the west coast of the Korean Peninsula are found at heights of between + 3 and + 6 m and include marine and terrestrial elevation limiting records as well as true sea-level indicators. The LIG sea-level constraints along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula are likely unaffected by vertical movement or experienced minor subsidence during the Quaternary. The database is available open access at 10.5281/zenodo.4974826 (Ryang and Simms, 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the species of the genus Heterospilus Haliday from South Korea. Nine species, Heterospilus chinjuensis sp. nov., H. gajwaensis sp. nov., H. heulriensis sp. nov., H. hyungkeunleei sp. nov., H. maseongus sp. nov., H. suriensis sp. nov., H taehoani sp. nov., H. weolchulsanus sp. nov., and H. yeogiensis sp. nov., are described as new to science. The species Heterospilus fujianensis Tang, Belokobylskij, He & Chen, 2013 is recorded for the fauna of Korea for the first time; H. ater Fischer, 1960 is synonymised under H. austriacus (Szépligeti, 1906). Heterospilus rubicola Fischer, 1960 and H. corsicus (Marshall, 1888) are excluded from the fauna of Korea. A key to all Heterospilus species known from the Korean Peninsula is compiled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of radioxenon isotopes from an underground nuclear test using the International Monitoring System of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty is complicated by a radioxenon background, largely originating from the civil radioxenon emissions of medical isotope production facilities and nuclear power plant reactors. Much of the background is measured as single isotopes near the detection threshold, limiting the use of isotopic ratios which could differentiate between the possible sources. Here we introduce the UK Radionuclide National Data Centre methodology to approach the problem of radioxenon detections and source identification. Using automated analysis of radiometric data and atmospheric transport simulations, the detectability of radioxenon isotopes 133 Xe , 131 m Xe , 133 m Xe and 135 Xe from North Korea is estimated for the Takasaki radionuclide station JPX38, and the possibility of detecting 133 Xe from selected locations across the Korean Peninsula and extended region is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liverwort and hornwort flora of the Korean Peninsula possesses some unique traits arising from the geographic position of the Peninsula, where the mainland flora meets insular flora. This flora is still not exhaustively studied, due not only to political reasons, but also because much less attention has been paid than to adjacent lands by hepaticologists. A checklist presented is based on a study of ca. 15,500 specimens collected by the authors and a review of relevant literature. This study provides the checklist of liverworts and hornworts known from Korea and the geographical distribution of each species within the peninsula. The liverworts and hornworts in Korean flora include 346 taxa (326 species, 16 subspecies and four varieties) in 112 genera and 50 families. Since 2007, 75 taxa of liverworts and four taxa of hornworts are reported as new to the Korean Peninsula, with a number of the new records arising following application of new taxonomic concepts that have become apparent over the last few decades. While compiling the checklist, 42 species, previously reported to Korea, are excluded from the Korean liverwort flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southwestern Gyeonggi Massif features many faults. The main faults are NE-striking faults, including the Jeonju and Kwangju faults, and they are cut by N-S- and NNE-striking faults. Additionally, E-W-, WNW-, and NW-striking faults occur as minor faults. Historical earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 5.0 have occurred on or near these faults. Earthquakes with focal depths shallower than 12 km have generally occurred on the NE-, NNE-, and N-S-striking faults, while those with hypocenters deeper than 12 km have occurred on the NW-, WNW-, and NE-striking faults or do not show a relationship with any faults. The instrumental earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 5.0 in the Korean Peninsula mainly have hypocenters deeper than 12 km, and their epicenters form a NW-oriented trend. These data effectively reflect two seismogenic layers with a boundary at ca. 12 km, as suggested in a previous study. The recent earthquake in the Haenam area occurred in the lower seismogenic layer. The shallower earthquakes seem to be the result of the reactivation of pre-existing faults. In comparison, the deeper earthquakes tend to occur on recently formed or newly formed faults related to the present regional stress of the Korean Peninsula. The shear-wave velocity tomography of the southwestern Gyeonggi Massif at 1 km corresponds well to the geology. In contrast, the shear-wave velocity variations at 5–9 km generally correspond to the locations of brittle faults. The depth of the ~3.5 km/s isovelocity line is quite irregular and is deeper in areas with active fault movement. In the Gyeongsang basin, the relationship between the shear-wave velocity and faults is somewhat unclear because the thickness of low-density sedimentary rocks is up to 8 km. Shear-wave velocity tomography at 13 km can be used to identify areas with high shear stress. These data indicate that shear-wave velocity tomography may provide different information depending on the depth and that the brittle faults in this region may not extend to a depth of 13 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western Korean Peninsula preserves evidence for multiple Proterozoic to Phanerozoic orogenic processes along the convergent continental margins. After the Late Palaeozoic to Early Mesozoic collisional stage within the long-lived tectonic Wilson cycles, the area underwent post-collisional extensional tectonics, creating the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic basins on top of the collisional orogenic belt. Here, we present the LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb ages of detrital zircons and bulk-rock geochemical data from post-collisional basin fills (viz., the Nampo and Gimpo groups and the Seokmun Formation) and the overlying volcano-sedimentary sequence (Oseosan Volcanic Complex). Our results suggest that (1) the Nampo Group was supplied with detritus mainly from nearby felsic igneous rocks or geochemically equivalent migmatitic basement gneisses, while the Gimpo Group and Seokmun Formation were predominantly sourced from (meta-)sedimentary rocks, likely reflecting their structural positions in the orogenic belt in terms of the exhumed basement-dominant hinterland side vs. the cover rock-dominant foreland side of the mountain belt; (2) the ages of the youngest zircon group in the Nampo Group and the overlying Oseosan Volcanic Complex (ca. 1854 age peak in the lowermost unit and ca. 164 Ma age peak in the uppermost unit) tend to approach the sedimentation ages with ascending stratigraphic order, indicating a transition from a collisional to a convergent tectonic setting during sedimentation. The results from this study provides important insights into the sedimentary response to the evolution of the collisional orogenic belt along the western Korean Peninsula and elucidates the Mesozoic tectonic transition from collisional (closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean) to convergent (subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean) processes in the Far East Asian continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on a quasi‐stationary convergence zone over the Sea of Japan (Japan Sea polar airmass convergence zone, JPCZ) in early winter and examined how the Changbai Mountains and the Korean Peninsula play an influential role in the formation and maintenance of the JPCZ and associated precipitation amounts in the coastal regions of central and western Japan. We performed numerical simulations with and without modified topography of the Changbai Mountains and the Korean Peninsula using a regional atmospheric model. The results show that the presence of the mountains is largely responsible for the JPCZ formation and usually contributes to the reduction of precipitation in the coastal regions. If specific conditions are satisfied, however, it can trigger heavy precipitation. One condition is the rapid growth of mesoscale eddies off the Sea of Japan coast under strong low‐level wind convergence. The precipitation band involved in the enhanced eddies slowly migrates southward and reaches the coastal regions, causing heavy snowfall. Another condition is the change in background monsoonal flows associated with synoptic‐scale cyclone development due to the orographic effect. The resultant background flows may help sustain a significant amount of precipitation in the coastal regions. Under the prevailing JPCZ, the mountains play two contradictory roles in modulating precipitation amounts in the coastal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2006 and 2007, the mountain rock vegetation of the central and southern part of the Korean Peninsula (Republic of Korea) was studied using the traditional Zürich-Montpelliér school approach. Based on the classification of 223 phytocoenological relevés, twelve associations and three communities were identified in the study area. Within the Selaginello tamariscini-Potentilletea dickinsii class, the Selaginello stauntonianae-Buxetalia koreanae order, with an alliance of the same name was newly described for limestone rock plant communities. Five new associations have recently been described for the whole Korean Peninsula and simultaneously for the territory of South Korea: Pyrrosietum linearifolio-petiolosae, Astilbo chinensis-Chrysosplenietum flagelliferi, Meehanio urticifoliae-Selaginelletum stauntonianae, Junipero rigidae-Buxetum koreanae, and Patrinio rupestris-Mukdenietum rossii. A total of seventeen associations, nine subassociations and six communities included in four alliances and three orders were recently found on the territory of the Korean Peninsula. All units were documented by phytocoenological tables, descriptions of the floristic composition and structure, their habitat, the synecological characteristics and the yet known distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in atmospheric environments can have a significant impact on microphysical processes of precipitation. Dominant warm (cold) rain processes in East Asia (southern Great Plains of the United States) are implied by a large (small or constant) gradient of reflectivity at low levels in vertical reflectivity profiles. Long-term ground observations using two-dimensional video disdrometers were conducted in the southern Korean Peninsula (KOR) and Norman, Oklahoma, United States (OKL). Raindrop size distributions (RSD) and their moments in the two regions were analyzed in the framework of scaling normalized RSDs. Results show that the concentrations of small (big) raindrops were higher (smaller) in KOR than in OKL. KOR RSDs were also found to be characterized by relatively high characteristic number concentrations N' 0 and small characteristic diameters D' m when compared to OKL RSDs. The N' D' increases with increasing D' m in both KOR and OKL at lower Z with the opposite trend at higher Z. In addition, OKL RSDs with D' m .2:5mm indicate the existence of an equilibrium between coalescence and breakup processes. Rainfall estimation relationships between the rain rate R and radar variables were retrieved from scattering simulations at S-, C-, and X-band wavelengths. KOR RSDs showed relatively small horizontal reflectivity and specific differential phase shift at the same R and same wavelength when compared to OKL RSDs. The regional dependency was significant due to the different microphysical process in KOR and OKL. The specific attenuation of KOR was, however, similar to that of OKL only at S band, indicating an advantage of using specific attenuation in S band in rainfall estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is the Kim Jong-un regime genuinely pursuing a peaceful solution, to eventually give up its nuclear arsenal, after a series of summits and negotiations with the US and South Korea? We examine how military and economic power networks on the peninsula are associated with the prospect of North Korea's denuclearization. North Korea could use its nuclear weapons program, an internal tool designed to promote national security and power, to build up power in both military and economic power networks. Drawing lessons and speculation from the literature on states' hedging behavior, and using agentbased models, we explain that denuclearization as part of a hedging strategy would be a viable policy option for North Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biota to analyze the distribution pattern of biogeographic regions is essential to gain a better understanding of the ecological processes that cause biotic differentiation and biodiversity at multiple spatiotemporal scales. Recently, the collection of high‐resolution biological distribution data (e.g., specimens) and advances in analytical theory have led to the quantitative analysis and more refined spatial delineation of biogeographic regions. This study was conducted to redefine floristic zones in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and to better understand the eco‐evolutionary significance of the spatial distribution patterns. Based on 309,333 distribution data of 2,954 vascular plant species in the Korean Peninsula, we derived floristic zones using self‐organizing maps. We compared the characteristics of the derived regions with those of historical floristic zones and ecologically important environmental factors (climate, geology, and geography). In the clustering analysis of the floristic assemblages, four distinct regions were identified, namely, the cold floristic zone (Zone I) in high‐altitude regions at the center of the Korean Peninsula, cool floristic zone (Zone II) in high‐altitude regions in the south of the Korean Peninsula, warm floristic zone (Zone III) in low‐altitude regions in the central and southern parts of the Korean Peninsula, and maritime warm floristic zone (Zone IV) including the volcanic islands Jejudo and Ulleungdo. Totally, 1,099 taxa were common to the four floristic zones. Zone IV showed the highest abundance of specific plants (those found in only one zone), with 404 taxa. Our study improves floristic zone definitions using high‐resolution regional biological distribution data. It will help better understand and re‐establish regional species diversity. In addition, our study provides key data for hotspot analysis required for the conservation of plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climatic suitability and driving climatic factors of forage crops are considered fluctuant, and their measurements are important for the production of high‐quality forage under the context of global climate change. Meanwhile, need for improving the domestic supply of high‐quality forage sources is increasing in the related parties of forage and livestock production in Korea. Therefore, this study analyzed the climatic suitability conditions of whole crop maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum–sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum sudanense) in the south area of the Korean Peninsula and Jeju Island. Furtherly, the driving climatic factors on the two summer forage crops were detected through stepwise regression analysis based on historical field experiments and climatic data. The results showed that the climatic conditions in almost all the areas of the south area of the Korean Peninsula and Jeju Island are suitable or moderately suitable for the cultivation of the two forage crops except some mountainous areas. However, since the precipitation in this region is concentrated in the growth period of the two forage crops, the accumulated precipitation was detected stressful on their yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The security surrounding the Korean Peninsula has mainly focused on resolving the nuclear problem, deterring military conflict, and enhancing national security. However, in recent years, the importance of non-traditional security agendas such as hunger, health, and environment is gradually increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly shows that the widespread nature of the virus can threaten the safety of countries and the lives of citizens across national boundaries, revealing the importance of understanding and responding to the new security crisis on the Korean Peninsula. It is estimated that the food and health conditions in North Korea have worsened as borders are controlled and imported goods have become difficult to obtain in the wake of COVID-19. This article argues that, for sustaining peace on the Korean Peninsula, we should pay more attention to human, health, and environmental security for people's security, livelihood, and dignity. Given the impact of COVID-19 on human development, hunger, and health, there is a need for South Korea to establish a new model for inter-Korean cooperation to alleviate the humanitarian situation in North Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of creating a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula is based both on bilateral tracks (the most important ones are the US-DPRK and the North-South tracks) and multilateral ones. This process is deeply embedded in a framework that involves a larger number of players, including Russia, China and Japan, as well as the United Nations. The primary bilateral track is the US-DPRK dialogue, the history of which is dramatic; the unprecedented upturn in 2018 gave rise to many hopes that the peace regime may be achieved in exchange for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. North-South dialogue also played a crucial role. What are the reasons that bilateral attempts for a settlement have gone nowhere so far? As a result, North Korea might have passed a "point of no return" in its drive to reach a nuclear status. At the same time an uneasy confrontational stability has settled on the Peninsula, and paradoxically it, in fact, suits everyone as a lesser of evils. This balance might be institutionalized. A multilateral approach should be tested in order to reconcile the antagonists and create a system of multilateral guarantees for the implementation of agreements. Ideas on roadmap options and synchronizing of the steps to move to the new peace regime are suggested in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]