The Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) has officially announced the appointment of Professor Siwook Lee of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management as its 12th President. The National Research Council for Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences (NRC) held its 346th Board Meeting on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the Sejong National Research Complex, Sejong City. During the meeting, Professor Siwook Lee of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management was appointed as the 12th President of KIEP.

President Siwook Lee began his official duties on July 24th with an inauguration ceremony held at the Sejong National Research Complex. In his inaugural speech, President Lee conveyed that our economy is at a turning point due to various domestic and international factors, such as the U.S.-China power competition, trade protectionism, and regional conflicts. In this context, he stressed the increasing importance of the trade policy direction proposed by KIEP as a think tank. Especially with a heightened uncertainty in trade conditions, President Lee emphasized that KIEP should focus on research that identifies medium- to long-term trade policy directions. He also underlined the need for the research team to collectively strive to effectively communicate KIEP's research findings to policymakers and the public.

In addition, President Lee concluded his inaugural speech by stating that it is essential to strengthen the cooperation between KIEP and domestic and international research institutions. He also emphasized the need to strengthen capabilities in regional studies and international development research.

Prior to his appointment, President Lee was a research fellow at KDI and as a professor in the Department of Economics at Myongji University. He has also held various key positions at KDI, including Director of the Center for Regulatory Studies, Editor-in-Chief of the KDI Journal of Economic Policy, and Associate Dean of Planning and External Affairs at the KDI School. He continues to contribute as a professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management and previously served as president of the Korean Association of Trade and Industry Studies (KATIS) in 2022. His research focuses on trade and industrial policy, economic development, and industrial organization.