In a recent Op/ed a Chinese Professor says the "Balancer's Role" 　is attainable for Korea:

Fifteen years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Cold War mentality dies hard. Cold War strategies such as forming a military camp to prevent North Korea from developing nuclear weapons or to block China's rapid ascendancy are counterproductive. The risk of such an outdated policy is that the conflicts it seeks to avoid will only become more likely. It's unfortunate that some people are criticizing President Roh's new policy through the lenses of Cold Warriors. Contrary to these pessimistic and simplistic views, Roh's new policy demonstrates his wisdom, courage and understanding of the international political economy in Northeast Asia today.

As the region's third-largest economy and a well-respected diplomatic player, and as a peaceful nation throughout its history that has harbored no intent to dominate others, South Korea commands enough "soft power" and is well qualified for a bigger role in promoting regional cooperation and development. Roh's policy orientation will prove visionary and invaluable for a region that is ridden with potential great power conflicts.