While global investors have been flocking to the lucrative Southeast Asian market in search of sustainable growth opportunities, South Korea has an upper hand in forming partnerships with the countries. It is a rare economic power that shows no sign of hegemonic ambitions, according to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic policy expert. Kwak Sung-il, director general of KIEP's Southern Policy Department, speaks at the Korea Herald Biz Forum on Tuesday. (Park Hyun-koo/The Korea Hera