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Key people at Korea Institute for International Economic Policy.
The Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) is a government-funded think tank based in Sejong-si, South Korea, focused on conducting research into international economics and its implications for the nation. It provides advisory services to the South Korean government across critical policy areas such as macroeconomics, trade, finance, investment, and regional studies, functioning as a primary information resource on the country's international economic policies. KIEP operates with an estimated 222 employees as of 2025, reflecting growth from 103 employees in 2024, and reported 51% female staff in 2025. Its leadership includes President Siwook Lee, who was appointed in July 2023, succeeding former president Heungchong Kim. The institute was established in 1989 by the Korean government to support national economic development.
The Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) is not a company or investment firm but a government-funded economic research institute in South Korea, established to analyze global economic issues and advise on international economic policies.[1][2][4] Its mission centers on conducting studies, research, and analyses of international factors threatening economic stability, providing countermeasures, and serving as a key information hub for Korea's government on trade, finance, investment, and regional economies.[1][2][3] KIEP produces publications like World Economy Brief, Policy Analyses, and East Asian Economic Review, while hosting events and collaborating with affiliates such as the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI).[2][3][4][5]
KIEP does not engage in investments or startups; instead, it supports policy formulation for governmental agencies, foreign institutes, and international partners, focusing on macroeconomics, international cooperation, and areas like East Asia FTAs and G20 research.[3][4]
KIEP was officially founded in 1989 under a Special Act by the South Korean government, following the establishment of its foundation earlier that year, to address the international economy's ties to Korea.[4] Supervisory roles expanded quickly, including oversight of the U.S.-based KEI in 1990 and relocation of the KOPEC Secretariat.[4] Over time, its focus evolved from core policy advising to specialized centers, such as the 2013 East Asia FTA Research Support Group, 2014 G20 and KU-KIEP EU Center, 2015 Northeast Asian Economies Department, 2018 Center for Area Studies, and 2020 Center for International Development Cooperation.[4] Leadership has included presidents like Heungchong Kim (2023) and Si Wook Lee (appointed July 2023, ongoing as of 2024).[1][4]
This government-backed evolution positioned KIEP as a pivotal advisor amid Korea's rapid globalization post-1980s democratization and economic liberalization.[1][4]
These elements distinguish KIEP from private firms by emphasizing public policy impact over commercial ventures.[1][4]
KIEP contributes to the tech ecosystem indirectly through policy research on international economic trends like supply-chain resilience, U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) dynamics, and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which bolster technological leadership and innovation amid U.S.-China tensions.[5] It analyzes market forces such as civil-military fusion in Asia and critical technologies, influencing Korea's strategies in semiconductors, AI, and emerging tech exports—key to its chaebol-driven economy.[3][4][5] By advising on trade pacts and regional integration (e.g., East Asia FTAs), KIEP helps Korea navigate U.S.-led frameworks, enhancing startup scalability in tech via stable bilateral ties and investment policies.[4][5]
Timing aligns with post-COVID supply disruptions and tech decoupling, where KIEP's work supports Korea's "New Southern/Northern Policies" for diversified tech partnerships.[4]
KIEP will likely deepen focus on AI governance, green tech transitions, and U.S.-Korea alliances amid escalating trade wars and climate policies, expanding affiliates for real-time Asia-Pacific insights.[3][4][5] Trends like digital FTAs and supply-chain reshoring will amplify its role, potentially evolving influence through more TTC/Indo-Pacific analyses to shape Korea's tech policy edge.[5] As global economic volatility rises, KIEP's non-partisan research will remain essential, reinforcing its status as Korea's international economic compass.[1][2]
Key people at Korea Institute for International Economic Policy.
