Some classes are remembered for the concepts they teach. Others are remembered for the questions they leave behind. “Democracy, Mobilization and Development: Korea’s Experience in Comparative Perspective,” offered at KDI School every summer semester, was a class that did both.

Taught by Professor Byoung-Joo Kim, the course examined the political dimensions of economic development, focusing on Korea while drawing comparisons with experiences across the world. Rather than treating development as a straightforward journey from poverty to prosperity, the course explored the political choices, institutions, social forces, and struggles that shape how countries develop, and why some reforms succeed while others fail.

Professor Kim in one of his afternoon lectures.

Professor Kim brought an unusual breadth of experience to the classroom. A professor of International Relations and Political Science at KDI School, he received his Ph.D. in Political Science from MIT after beginning his professional career at the World Bank’s Economic Development Institute. In addition, he performed duties as the policy adviser and special assistant to the Korean Ministers of Trade and adviser of many international corporations regarding politics and legislation. His experience across academia, government, international organizations, diplomacy, and business gave the discussions a distinctly practical dimension.

The course began with questions that seemed deceptively simple: What makes development possible? What role should the state play? And what happens when political and economic power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few elite individuals?

Through readings, lectures, student presentations, and discussions, these questions became increasingly complex. Concepts such as democracy, political mobilization, state capacity, the rule of law, oligarchy, and economic development were not treated as isolated ideas. Instead, students examined how they interact and sometimes come into tension with one another.

For Agata Matuszelanska (MDP, Poland), the appeal of the course began with her background in Korean Studies and fascination in Korea’s development experience. A former student of Professor Kim had also recommended his courses to her, and intrigued by the course title, she decided to enroll. “It brings together many important issues that I find interesting and meaningful in a single class,” she said.

Korea’s own development experience provided one of the clearest examples. Discussions of the developmental state explored how strong state intervention and development plans helped establish the foundations of rapid economic growth. Yet the course also examined the limits of state power. As economies mature, institutions and markets may need greater independence, while political systems must develop mechanisms to make state power accountable.

Chi shares her presentation with the class.

For Pham Vu Quynh Chi (MDP, Vietnam), one of the most memorable discussions centered on this transition. “Development, besides having a strong state, is also about knowing when to let go of that power,” she reflected.

The comparative perspective made the course even more engaging. Students examined cases beyond Korea, considering why political and economic reforms unfold differently across countries. 

The course offered a way to make sense of the complicated world beyond the classroom. As someone who follows current affairs and social issues, Tri Nur Chasanah (MPP, Indonesia) found the class particularly helpful in understanding problems that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

That new perspective extended beyond the classroom.

“Before taking the class, I had a fairly straightforward understanding of these ideas,” Agata explained. “Through our discussions, however, I realized how much deeper and more complex they are.”

DMD class in an online Zoom session.

Perhaps this was what made the class particularly memorable: it did not offer development as a formula. Instead, it encouraged students to question assumptions, connect historical experiences with contemporary events, and recognize that successful development often depends on institutions capable of adapting to changing circumstances.

And the class did not leave students only with difficult questions. Tri noted that there was also something that gave reason for optimism. She remembered his reminder that previous generations had also experienced periods of profound pessimism. 

“Humanity was once envisioning the same pessimism such as the world wars, the Great Depression, but it got better. This time too,” Prof Kim said in one of his classes.

The DMD class 2025 gathers for a group photo.

As the semester was coming to an end Professor Kim reiterated the importance of building relationships that were formed during the semester. He expressed his hope that they would remain connected not only as former students, but as friends who could continue sharing ideas and learning from one another.

And perhaps that is the most fitting conclusion to a course about continuous reform: learning does not have to end when the semester does.

“Thank you, Professor Kim, for making this class such a meaningful part of not only my semester, but also my time here at KDIS.” - Chi

“I really enjoyed the readings and discussions; our Saturday classes were something I genuinely looked forward to every week.” - Camille