On May 14, 2025, the Institute of Russian Studies HK+ Research Project (Director: Prof. Woo-Ik Choi) held a humanities lecture at Suwon Foreign Language High School in Gyeonggi Province. The event took place from 15:50 to 18:10 in the audiovisual hall and was attended by approximately 45 second- and third-year students majoring in Russian. Organized under the HK+ Regional Humanities Center initiative, the lecture was delivered by Prof. Sung-Woo Hwang of the Institute of Russian Studies under the title 'Changing International Order and Korea–Russia Relations.'

Prof. Hwang emphasized that since the 20th century, the international system has remained essentially unchanged within the structural framework of bloc rivalry and conflict spanning the Cold War, the post–Cold War, and the “new Cold War.” He further highlighted that the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022 represents a critical turning point in the reconfiguration of the global order.

Within this shifting landscape, the security architecture of Northeast Asia is also undergoing significant realignment, bringing Korea–Russia relations to an important crossroads. Prof. Hwang noted that at pivotal moments in 1884, 1990, and 2022, the collapse of the existing order opened new opportunities for bilateral ties and cooperation between Korea and Russia.

Despite being high school students, the participants displayed deep interest in Korea–Russia relations and international affairs. Over the course of two hours, they actively engaged by posing more than 20 questions, making the lecture a highly meaningful occasion.