The Development Paradigm Institute (DPI) is a research institute founded by Professor Joosung Jun and his colleagues to study and provide insights into economic development paradigms, particularly the “development paradoxes” exemplified by South Korea’s economic miracle. These experiences are often difficult to explain using conventional theories developed primarily around advanced economies.
The Institute focuses on five key areas: Fiscal Stability, Resource Mobilization, Industrial Policy, Foreign Direct Investment, and Public Governance. Together, these areas help explain South Korea’s remarkable transformation from a war-torn, low-income country into one of the world’s leading manufacturing economies within a single generation.
Research
At DPI, our research is driven by a deep curiosity about how political and institutional factors affect economic performance differently in emerging and advanced economies.
In particular, we investigate seven “paradoxes” underlying Korea’s economic success that challenge conventional wisdom in public finance and development economics:
Our scholars produce rigorous, policy-relevant research that sheds light on underexplored issues and offers fresh perspectives on economic and political governance. DPI researchers regularly contribute to policy discussions, present their work at academic and public forums, and collaborate with domestic and international institutions seeking a deeper understanding of structural transformation in rapidly changing economies.
Data
At DPI, we believe that transparent and well-structured data are essential for meaningful public finance research and informed policymaking.
As part of our commitment to advancing evidence-based discussion, we curate and share datasets developed through our own research, making them accessible to scholars, journalists, policymakers, and practitioners interested in emerging markets and institutional development. We also provide curated links and guidance to official Korean data sources, helping international users navigate the country’s rich but often fragmented statistical landscape.
As we often say, “Data is not just background—it shapes the questions we ask, the answers we find, and the policies we propose.” For this reason, we view data not merely as a research tool, but as a central component of our mission.
Consulting
DPI actively undertakes consulting and commissioned policy projects for government agencies and international organizations. Our team has conducted in-depth policy studies and advisory work for institutions including the Korean government, the National Assembly, the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC), and United Nations regional commissions such as UNESCAP and UNESCWA.
Drawing on extensive empirical research and cross-country analysis, DPI provides tailored, evidence-based recommendations that support effective decision-making and long-term policy design. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with governments, international organizations, and development partners seeking grounded analysis and regional expertise.
Joosung Jun is the Founder and Director of the Development Paradigm Institute (DPI). He received his Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. Following his doctoral studies, he served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Yale University and as a Faculty Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) before joining the faculty of Ewha Womans University.
He has held visiting appointments at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the University of California, and the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). In addition, he has advised international organizations and policy think tanks, including the United Nations and the Tax Foundation, on fiscal policy issues in developing countries. More recently, at the invitation of United Nations regional commissions, including ESCAP and ESCWA, he has provided policy advice on taxation and fiscal reform to countries across the Asia-Pacific region and the Arab world.
In Korea, he has served on numerous government committees, including those of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Budget, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the National Assembly. He also served as a member of the Presidential National Economic Advisory Council under the administrations of Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Lee Myung-bak.
(โถ Email: jjun@ewha.ac.kr)
Youngim Shin is a Resident Fellow at the DPI and a Research Associate at the Ewha Social Science Research Institute. Before joining the DPI, she served as a Senior Analyst at the National Assembly Budget Office (NABO), where she was involved in various public policy projects, including revenue estimation, budget management, and taxation. She received the Outstanding Public Official Award twice and was also honored with a Commendation Plaque from the Speaker of the National Assembly.
In addition to authoring numerous project reports at NABO, Shin has published research in economics and public policy journals, including the Journal of Budget and Policy, Public Audit and Inspection Review, the Journal of Tax Studies, and the Journal of Parliamentary Research. Her recent work explores the relationship between tax evasion and corporate governance, channels for absorbing fiscal shocks, and the effects of taxation on comparative advantage. Shin received both her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Ewha Womans University.
Hyemi Kim is a Resident Fellow at the DPI and a Research Associate at the Ewha Social Science Research Institute. She received her Ph.D. in Economics from Ewha Womans University. Her doctoral dissertation examined the determinants of outward foreign direct investment and alternative modes of accessing foreign markets. Her recent research focuses on how government subsidies enable Korean conglomerates to generate economic rents, which serve as a major source of their competitive advantage in export markets; how a fragmented budget system affects fiscal stability; and how public corruption is influenced by bureaucrats' discretion in budget operations. Her work has been published in the Journal of International Trade and Industry Studies, the Korean Trade Review, and Journal of Tax Studies. She has also participated in a variety of government-commissioned projects on topics including foreign exchange markets, budget management and tax reform.
Hankyung Jun is a Senior Research Scientist at NYU Stern School of Business. She earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management from the University of Southern California and an MPA from Columbia University. Her work examines how social and environmental factors shape mental and cognitive health across the life course, with research spanning digital technology, immigrant labor, Alzheimer's Disease, and long-term care. Jun’s work has been published in medical, health policy, gerontology, and economics journals, including Health Affairs, Social Science and Medicine, and The Gerontologist, and has been featured in media outlets such as The Times. Prior to joining NYU, she was an associate policy researcher at RAND and a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School.
Jinwoo Hwang is Vice President at Hanwha Group, where he serves as an all-around strategic advisor across a broad range of areas, including financial affairs, AI strategy, and external relations. He also represents the Group in engagements with international organizations and research institutions, including the Heritage Foundation and other global policy forums.
Known for his exceptionally broad intellectual interests, Hwang combines expertise in economics and corporate strategy with a deep knowledge of international affairs, culture, sports, and technology. His wide-ranging perspective enables him to connect ideas across disciplines and contribute creative insights to complex policy and business challenges.
Hwang has advised the founding members of DPI since before its establishment and is a core contributor to DPI's research on emerging-market multinational enterprises. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University.
Naengi and Dani are twin dark-silver Toy Poodles and the unofficial Chiefs of Public Relations at DPI. As the cherished canine daughters of Professor Joosung Jun, they have become recurring stars on his YouTube and Instagram channels.
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Be sure to check out Professor Joosung Jun's KCEF website (Korean version)!