Lee Jong-Wha, Professor of Economics and Director of the Asiatic Research Institute at Korea University, served as Chief Economist and Head of the Office of Regional Economic Integration at the Asian Development Bank and was a senior adviser for international economic affairs to former President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea. His most recent book, co-authored with Harvard’s Robert J. Barro, is Education Matters: Global Schooling Gains from the 19th to the 21st Century.
South Korea’s new president, Moon Jae-in, has his work cut out for him. Though North Korea’s increasingly provocative behavior will likely continue to dominate headlines, the success of Moon’s preside… read more
Since South Korea decided to deploy a US missile-defense system, China has been attempting to use economic pressure to compel the South to reverse course. But, as long as North Korea poses such an acu… read more
At the heart of South Korea's political turmoil – in which the National Assembly has already the president impeached – is the reciprocal relationship between politicians and the giant family-owned con… read more
There is no question that Asia’s standing in the global economy is stronger than ever. But the US and Europe maintain an advantage, in terms of global strategic influence, while Asian countries are fa… read more
South Korea is facing major demographic challenges, rooted in an ultra-low fertility rate. With the population shrinking and aging, the government is trying to boost fertility, but it isn't going near… read more
While China's economic development has been exceptional in many ways, its growth trajectory resembles that of Japan and South Korea. If China is to manage the challenges it currently faces – in partic… read more
The central banks of major advanced economies have been navigating uncharted territory in recent years, deploying a range of unconventional monetary-policy tools that have had benefits, but have not s… read more
The emerging economies – which just a few years ago were being hailed for their resilience in the face of a global economic meltdown – are now facing myriad economic challenges, reflected in signific… read more
Over the last three decades, significant gains in workforce size and quality helped Asia to sustain rapid progress toward advanced-economy income levels and living standards. But with workers increasi… read more
