On February 22, 2023, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) held the 2023 KIEP Digital Economy Forum at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, inviting leading experts in digital economy, trade, and commercial law to discuss policy issues related to the national roadmap and Korean standard model for digital trade agreements. Attendees included experts from international organizations, academia, the private sector, and KIEP researchers.

In his opening remarks, KIEP President Heungchong Kim highlighted the significance of the forum as an opportunity to discuss digital trade agreements and related policy research topics with leading experts in the field. 

President Kim underscored the importance of utilizing the review data on digital trade agreements embodied within the Korean standard model, based on empirical evidence and statistical data, when pursuing digital trade agreements. He further noted that the policy research outcomes discussed during the forum would contribute to establishing a new framework for Korea's digital trade strategy.

During the first session, Dr. Kyu Yub Lee, Head of KIEP's New Trade Strategy Team, presented on the "Digital Trade Agreement Roadmap," explaining the findings of a survey on the status of Korea's digital trade barriers, followed by an assessment of Korea's current position within the digital trade agreement network.

Dr. Kyong Hyun Koo, Head of KIEP's Trade and Investment Policy Team, analyzed the current status and challenges of online exports by domestic SMEs and presented according policy measures.

Additionally, Dr. Hyunsoo Kim, research fellow at KIEP, stressed the need for strengthening digital trade research grounded on statistics and empirical evidence, pointing out the gaps in cross-border digital service trade statistics.

Hyunho Kwon, professor of law at Sungshin Women's University, also presented on the "Korean Standard Model for Digital Trade Agreement," providing an overview of the norms and policy challenges of digital trade agreements from a regulatory perspective.

In the second session, a roundtable discussion was held with experts in digital economy, trade, and commercial law.

Participants included Professor Han Young Lee of Chung-Ang University, Professor Do Won Kwak of Korea University, Professor Jaepil Han from Gachon University, Senior Research Fellow Hyung Joo Kim of the LG Business Research, Senior Economist Jieun Choi (World Bank), Joohyoung Lee (Kim&Chang), and Drs. Cheon-Kee Lee, Head of KIEP's Trade Agreement Team, and Jiwon Park, research fellow at KIEP.