Policy Report on Korea's Development Cooperation Strategy toward ASEAN

Professors Changkeun Lee (principal investigator) and David Sungho Park, along with our esteemed former colleague Dr. Minyoung Seo, now working as a research fellow at the Korean Energy Economics Institute, have completed their policy report titled "Korea's Development Cooperation Strategy towards ASEAN" and submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister. This comprehensive report, underpinned by the academic literature, underscores the crucial role of complementary investments in safeguarding the region from being caught in the middle-income trap. It leverages survey insights from our alumni in the region to demonstrate the ASEAN countries' growing expectation for more industry- and skill-focused programs from Korea, advocating for a unified and strategic approach. The findings were showcased during the Development Cooperation Week in November 2023, which was subsequently enriched by a roundtable discussion featuring Professor Lee and participants from the ASEAN Student Forum, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives.

KDI Policy Report on Korea's Middle Class

Changkeun Lee completed a KDI policy report about Korea's middle class with Dr. Sookyeong Hwang, a senior fellow at KDI. Concerns about dismantling Korea's middle class contrast with the prevalence of policies labeled for their benefit amidst widespread disagreement over the middle class's definition among the public, policymakers, and researchers. This report finds a profound gap between the actual and perceived composition of the middle class, using a uniquely designed survey to show its heterogeneous social makeup. It reveals how upper-class individuals often see themselves as part of the middle class, skewing policies in their favor, while those in the lower middle class feel overlooked, exacerbating policy misrepresentation. By identifying the misalignment and correcting these misconceptions, the report aims to navigate the intricate class dynamics and policy challenges within Korean society, promoting a more informed and effective approach to supporting the middle class. The report will be available in April.