This fall, KDI School welcomes Professor Minji Kwak to its faculty as an Assistant Professor for Development Economics. With expertise in development economics, applied microeconomics, and political economy, Professor Kwak joins the school after earning her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern California. Her research combines rigorous empirical methods with extensive field experience, focusing on how institutions, governance, and local leadership influence development outcomes in low-income countries. 

Although she is beginning her career as a faculty member, Professor Kwak approaches the classroom with enthusiasm and humility. Describing herself as “a very novice professor,” she reflected on the transition from graduate student to professor, emphasizing that she hopes to create a welcoming learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. 

“I want to be a friendly professor,” she said. “And try to be available and reachable for students.” 

Her path toward development economics began long before her doctoral studies. During her undergraduate years, Professor Kwak completed a six-month internship with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), an experience that fundamentally shaped her academic interests. Working on development projects exposed her to the challenges of implementing policies in the field and made her realize that good intentions alone are not enough to improve people’s lives. 

“I realized how important it is to understand before we act,” she explained. “ Sometimes interventions that seem very positive don’t produce the outcomes we expect, and I wanted to understand why.”

That question ultimately led her to pursue graduate studies and eventually a Ph.D., where she studies the role of traditional leaders in rural communities. Unlike elected officials, many traditional leaders inherit their positions and receive social recognition rather than financial compensation. Her research examines how these social incentives influence decision-making, particularly when allocating limited public resources such as agricultural subsidies. 

She believes that understanding local institutions is essential for designing effective development policies. 

“Every country has its own culture and institutions,” she said. “Before designing policies, we need to understand how people think and how communities actually function.” 

Her broader research interests reflect this perspective. In addition to studying governance and political economy, Professor Kwak has examined the long-term effects of education reform in Malawi, finding that increased education opportunities for mothers can have lasting benefits for the next generation. She is also exploring how different stakeholders – including government, international donors, traditional leaders, and local communities – often have different priorities when implementing development programs. 

This fall, Professor Kwak will teach Political Economy in Developing Countries, introducing students to the political and institutional factors that shape economic development. Rather than focusing solely on theory, she hopes students will learn how researchers formulate meaningful questions, evaluate evidence, and develop their own perspectives on complex policy issues. 

“I want students to build their own thoughts,” she explained. “At KDI School, everyone comes from different countries and professional backgrounds, so students can learn a lot from one another through discussion.” 

The diversity of KDI School was one of the main reasons she chose to join the faculty. She was drawn not only to the interdisciplinary nature of the school but also to its international student body, where professionals from around the world bring different experiences into the classroom. 

“I really love this diverse community,” she explained. “Students have different professional experiences and different cultural backgrounds, and I think that makes discussions much richer.” 

Beyond academics, Professor Kwak has also found herself enjoying life in Sejong. After living in both Seoul and Los Angeles, she appreciates the city’s quieter atmosphere, natural surroundings, and sense of safety. 

“Its’s very relaxing here,” she shared. “I really like the campus because it’s surrounded by nature.”

Looking ahead, Professor Kwak hopes her time at KDI School will extend beyond teaching. She expressed excitement about engaging with students outside the classroom and hopes to collaborate on research projects that draw on their experiences around the world. 

“I believe I can learn from students as well,” she said. “Since they come from many different countries, I hope we can even work together on research related to their own countries.” 

As she prepares to begin her first semester at KDI School, Professor Kwak brings not only expertise in development economics but also a collaborative approach to teaching and research. Her commitment to understanding local institutions, fostering open dialogue, and learning alongside students reflects the global and interdisciplinary spirit that defines the KDIS School community.