The Republic of Cuba and the Republic of Korea: Balance and Future in the Face of the Challenges of the First Year of Diplomatic Relations

Relations between Cuba and South Korea represent a unique case in international diplomacy, where historical, migratory and cultural factors have gradually and increasingly forged significant ties. The wave of Korean migration to Cuba in 1921, during the Japanese occupation, established a community that preserved its identity, which represented the first link of transcendence in this process that began to leave, although still limited, traces of its presence in our country. The Hallyu (Korean Wave) phenomenon that developed in the 2010s revitalized this connection through its cultural influence. Official diplomatic ties were established in 1949, but were interrupted in 1960, as a result of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, a political phenomenon that had implications for both countries in the field of international relations, within the framework of a world in which it was essential to take sides in the face of the predominance of the so-called Cold War. The causes of this situation persisted for many years until diplomatic relations were finally established recently, in 2024. Cultural diplomacy played an obvious, and not insignificant, role. The analysis presented in this article addresses the legacy of migration, the impact of Hallyu, diplomatic vicissitudes, and the opportunities for cooperation that exist in diverse areas such as biotechnology, trade, tourism, and sports. The study highlights precisely how these cultural and human ties have maintained dialogue between the two nations, underscoring the key role of civil society in international relations.