Economy & Trade - Korea Economic Institute of America

CJK Economic Trilateralism: The Prospects and Perils of a New FTA

After more than a decade of energetic pursuit of FTAs, a moment of decision has arrived in 2013. Three far-reaching, multilateral initiatives are simultaneously under...

Chang Jae Lee

September 3, 2013

Publication

The South Korean Perspective

During the early days of Northeast Asian economic cooperation immediately following the end of the Cold War, the China-Japan-Korea FTA (CJK FTA) was considered impossible,...

Chang Jae Lee

September 3, 2013

Publication

The Japanese Perspective

On November 20, 2012, at the Japan-China-ROK Economic and Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,1 Ministers Edano Yukio, Chen Deming, and Bark Tae Ho,...

T.J. Pempel

September 3, 2013

Publication

The U.S. Perspective

The proposed China-Japan-Korea (CJK) FTA, if it comes to fruition, will be a major economic accomplishment in its own right; but it will also constitute...

Claude Barfield

September 3, 2013

Publication

South Korea’s National Assembly and the Issue of Household Debt

The rising household debt in Korea is a critical issue and a clear symbol of its importance was the high level of government officials testifying...

Jongsung Kim

July 19, 2013

Analysis

The Impact of Household Debt on Korea’s Economy and Society

The topic of household debt has not only economic implications for consumers and the country as a whole, but it is also a significant factor...

Jongsung Kim

July 3, 2013

Publication

The Impact of Kaesong’s Suspension on Korean Companies & South Korea-India Economic Connections

The fear that North Korea’s suspension of activities at the Kaesong Industrial Complex would have broader implications began to materialize last week when Daewha Fuel...

Nicholas Hamisevicz

April 24, 2013

Analysis

North Korea’s Economic Warfare

North Korea’s recent actions, including the suspension of work at Kaesong, are form of psychological and economic warfare against South Korea in response to heightened...

Troy Stangarone

April 22, 2013

Analysis

One Year After the KORUS FTA

The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, or KORUS FTA, has now been in effect for one year and, as with any agreement, it is natural to...

March 18, 2013

Analysis

South Korea’s Trade Balance Becoming More Extreme

KITA data reveals that over time, South Korea is undergoing an increasing level of trade polarization (i.e. greater degrees of trade imbalances) vis- à-vis its...

March 11, 2013

Analysis

North Korea Allows Internet Access (For Foreigners)

The Associated Press Pyongyang bureau reported that North Korean authorities will allow foreign visitors to access the internet using cellular devices from March 01.

Chad OCarroll

February 26, 2013

Analysis

Should South Korea’s Space Program Go Private?

South Korea joins an elite group of countries by launching its first rocket into space.

Troy Stangarone

January 30, 2013

Analysis

Dr. Strangelove and the Special Economic Zone: Balance and Imbalance in China’s Long-Range North Korea Strategy

The Chinese leadership generally fails to appreciate satire, but they have surely noted the wild and Strangelove-esque behavior of their erstwhile socialist ally North Korea.

Adam Cathcart

January 29, 2013

Analysis

The Bank of Korea Shows Foresight in Holding Rates Steady

While some were disappointed earlier this month that South Korea's central bank decided against easing up on nation's key interest rate, the Bank of Korea's...

Seongjin James Ahn

January 22, 2013

Analysis

Advancing Economic Freedom: Key To Ensuring South Korea’s Greater Economic Future

Despite a considerable level of uncertainty caused by the global economic slowdown since late 2008, South Korea has outperformed many other advanced economies in terms...

Anthony B. Kim

December 30, 2012

Publication