[Asia Exclusive] "A Think-and-Do Tank Without Political Bias Is Needed... I Will Design South Korea in 2045"

A Bureaucrat and Scholar Who Served as Minister of Education, Science and Technology

First Chairman of a Private Think Tank

Preparing Detailed Policy Proposals for the Next Government

Lee Ju-ho, Chairman of the K-Policy Platform, is being interviewed on the 20th at the Asia Education Association in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Lee Ju-ho, Chairman of the K-Policy Platform, had an extremely busy 2021. Earlier this year, he took on the role of the inaugural chairman of the private think tank K-Policy Platform, launched by former bureaucrats and scholars with diverse political orientations. Since last year, he has also served as chairman of the Asia Education Association, established with the goal of educational innovation through "High Touch High Tech (HTHT)." He is a scholar who has long studied international economics and labor economics and is also a professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management.

Drawing on his experience as a scholar who entered the legislative body (National Assembly) and served at the heart of administration (Ministry of Education, Science and Technology), he carries the self-imposed mission of delivering more meaningful policy proposals. His philosophy is that "my diverse career is not a personal asset but a national asset." The K-Policy Platform is preparing policy proposals in various fields, including the aforementioned education reform.

He has been categorized as a conservative bureaucrat and scholar. He became a 17th National Assembly member through proportional representation for the Grand National Party, served as Senior Secretary for Education, Science and Culture at the Presidential Office during the Lee Myung-bak administration, and later served as Minister of Education, Science and Technology. However, the K-Policy Platform he leads advocates itself as a "politically neutral" "Think and Do Tank." The goal is to incorporate insights from former ministers and vice ministers as well as the problem awareness of young scholars in their 40s to produce balanced policy proposals. While the bureaucrats who form the foundation of the organization tend to have a strong conservative tint, many of the scholars who actively produce research results have made progressive claims. To avoid a cacophony of conflicting opinions and instead deliver independent and impactful proposals, the chairman, director, board members, and dozens of advisory and research committee members all work without political bias, he explains.

Chairman Lee emphasized, "There is a need for an independent private think tank like the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. that can be recognized in global market discussions," adding, "We must propose smart solutions that encompass the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and go beyond Korea to serve global citizens." He continued, "It is not just a simple think tank but a Think and Do Tank that takes action through communication, academic events, book publications, and concrete policy proposals," and added, "Going forward, we will focus on execution and maintain a good balance between research and policy."

He stated, "Ahead of the new government’s inauguration next year, we are preparing detailed policy proposals. A representative example is the university support system under the Prime Minister’s Office," emphasizing, "When a government is inaugurated, various voices are already at play, making execution difficult, so diverse research and proposals must be made before the inauguration." He added, "We plan to select important projects and organize the next government’s agenda," further explaining, "Ultimately, we have a vision to design Korea’s 100-year future in 2045."

Editor's Note<약력>

*Birth
▲1961 Daegu Metropolitan City

*Education
▲Graduated Cheonggu High School ▲Bachelor’s in International Economics, Seoul National University ▲Master’s in International Economics, Seoul National University Graduate School ▲Ph.D. in Economics, Cornell University Graduate School

*Career
▲June 2001?May 2004 Director, Korean Vocational Education Society ▲March 2002?May 2004 Director, Korean Labor Economics Association ▲July 2003?May 2004 Director, KDI Graduate School of International Policy Studies Education Reform Research Institute ▲May 2004?February 2008 17th National Assembly Member, Grand National Party ▲February 2008?June 2008 Senior Secretary for Education, Science and Culture, Presidential Office ▲January 2009?August 2010 1st Vice Minister, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology ▲August 2010?March 2013 Minister, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology ▲September 2015?Present Member, UN Global Education Finance Committee ▲Current Chairman, K-Policy Platform; Chairman, Asia Education Association; Professor, KDI School of Public Policy and Management