The Stockholm Korea Center welcomes Lars Vargö as new Head of Center

July 21, 2025: In March 2024, the Institute for Security and Development Policy successfully reopened the Stockholm Korea Center under the leadership of Maj Gen (ret.) Mats Engman. This summer, Ambassador Lars Vargö assumed responsibility for managing the Center.

“It is with great satisfaction that I have taken over the role as Head of ISDP’s Stockholm Korea Center, an organization that has received clear structures and played an increasingly important role under the leadership of my predecessor Mats Engman. Korea is a country and a culture that has fascinated me since I first visited there in 1974. During my time as Swedish ambassador in Seoul, 2006-2011, my interest grew further and I was  able to see how great the Korean interest was for Sweden and the rest of Europe, and vice versa. In recent years, Korea’s importance in global politics has only been accentuated.

As head of the Center, I will strive to ensure that the research we conduct is both current and in demand. Our publications, policy recommendations, seminars and other activities will in a similar fashion have realism and accuracy as leading principles.”

Lars Vargö, Head of the Stockholm Korea Center

ISDP looks forward to working together with Lars Vargö in this new capacity and values the continued cooperation with Mats Engman in his role as Distinguished Military Fellow.