KDI School welcomes Assistant Professor Dongkyu Yang, a scholar with a passion for international trade, development, and macroeconomics, studied through the lens of history. From his academic beginnings at Sungkyunkwan University to earning his PhD in Economics at the University of Colorado Boulder, Professor Yang brings with him not just academic rigor but lived experience and passion. As he settles into life in Sejong City, we caught up with him to hear more about his research interests, vision for teaching, and what excites him about becoming part of the vibrant, international KDI School community.

Professor Yang’s academic journey is grounded in curiosity and the courage to pivot. Though he initially pursued a career in asset management after earning his economics degree from Sungkyunkwan University, it was his deeper interest in economics, not just as a job but as a discipline, that pulled him back into academia. Eventually, he earned a PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder, where a growing fascination with trade, globalization, and economic history took shape.

“Brexit and globalization awakened my interest in energy and trade,” he shared. “At the same time, I combined trade with economic history, something I didn’t even know existed until my PhD advisor introduced it to me.”

This unique blend of historical context and economic modeling now forms the core of Professor Yang’s research. He believes that understanding policy impacts over time allows scholars and policymakers alike to better anticipate long-term effects.

“The present and future are always changing, but historical analysis gives us intuition and deeper insights,” he explains.

His current work explores how internal migration shapes development. One of his latest projects, The Great Migration and the Rise of the American South, uses U.S. data to examine the transformative power of migration. He’s excited to replicate similar research in South Korea. possibly drawing on data from the 1970s and 1980s to assess how trade shaped Korea’s developmental trajectory.

KDI School’s diverse student body and interdisciplinary faculty were key factors that drew Professor Yang here. Coming from Jeju Island, he appreciates the pace and environment of smaller cities. “The vibe of Sejong feels familiar. It’s great for focus—and cycling!” he laughs. An avid hiker and recent tennis enthusiast, he’s already connecting with faculty members over shared sporting interests.

In Fall 2025, Professor Yang will be teaching Trade and Industrial Policy. His approach balances theoretical grounding with practical application. “There will be one major exam and one large assignment related to trade policy,” he says. “I want students to walk away not only understanding models, but also being able to apply them.”

For students aspiring to careers in economics or international development, Professor Yang emphasizes the value of foundational knowledge and real-world relevance. “Math is important, yes, but understanding how the world works and how policy influences people and societies is essential,” he advises. “Trade might sound boring at first,” he adds with a chuckle, “but it holds incredible power to shape development.”

He also encourages students not to underestimate the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, a principle he’s eager to practice at KDI. “In many universities, departments are siloed. Here, there’s real synergy between scholars from different disciplines. That’s a huge strength.”

His research potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. He was recently awarded the Cambridge University Press Dissertation Fellowship by the Economic History Association, an honor reserved for exceptional PhD students. “To be recognized by senior scholars in the field was deeply motivating,” he reflects. “I hope to continue living up to that expectation.”

Despite his impressive academic achievements, Professor Yang remains approachable and eager to connect with students. “If anyone wants to talk trade, research, or even just get advice, my office is always open.”

As he embarks on this new chapter, his message to the KDI School community is simple but heartfelt: “I’m excited to be here. Let’s learn and grow together.”