Dr. Kunhyui Kim | Economics| Best Researcher Award

Graduate School of Economics, Nagoya Univrsity, Japan

Kunhyui Kim (金健輝 / キム、ゴンフィ) is a South Korean economist, currently serving as a Full-time Lecturer and Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Economics, Nagoya University, Japan. He holds a Ph.D. from Waseda University, where he was also Valedictorian and Dean’s List honoree. With expertise in international trade, development economics, and econometrics, he has published several influential papers on global value chains, trade regulations, and economic aid effectiveness. Kim has conducted research at top institutions, including Yale University and the Asian Development Bank Institute, and worked with organizations like ERIA, APG Partners, and the World Bank. Fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese, he combines a strong academic background with international experience in research, teaching, and consultancy. His work aims to shape policy on trade and development, contributing to the global dialogue on economic challenges and solutions.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Academic Excellence:
   • Kunhyui Kim has an impressive publication record, with several high-quality articles published in leading journals such as The Economic and Labour Relations Review and World Development. His research focuses on significant global economic issues like international trade, global value chains, non-tariff measures, and the impact of regulatory changes. His upcoming papers, such as “A Rise in Global Value Chains Participation: Stimulus for the New Goods?” in the International Economic Journal, show that he is engaging with cutting-edge topics in international economics.
2. Multidisciplinary Expertise:
   • Kim’s research spans diverse areas within economics, including econometrics, trade theory, development economics, and public policy. His involvement in research projects on global value chains, trade regulation impacts, and aid effectiveness demonstrates his broad expertise and ability to integrate different economic concepts. His experience working with the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) on projects related to informal firms, fintech, and the effects of COVID-19 underscores his ability to handle both macro and micro-level economic issues.
3. International Recognition and Collaboration:
   • Kim’s international collaborations are a key strength. As a visiting scholar at Yale University and a researcher at several prominent institutions like ADBI and ERIA, he has contributed to globally relevant research. He has received significant research grants, such as those from Waseda University and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, which further highlights the recognition of his expertise by international academic and research communities.
4. Teaching Excellence:
   • As a full-time lecturer at Nagoya University and Aoyama Gakuin University, Kunhyui Kim has demonstrated a commitment to academic teaching, particularly in English-language economics courses. His teaching responsibilities, which include complex subjects like Microeconomics, Econometrics, and International Economics, suggest he is highly capable in conveying difficult concepts to diverse student groups.
5. Commitment to Professional Development:
   • The numerous scholarships and fellowships Kim has received—such as the Fox Fellowship at Yale University and the MUFG Mitsubishi International Scholarship—indicate a strong commitment to advancing his academic and professional career. Furthermore, his active participation in various research internships and teaching assistant roles illustrates his dedication to continuously expanding his knowledge and skills.
6. Language Proficiency:
   • Kim’s fluency in Korean, English, and Japanese (business level, JLPT N1) makes him an asset for research in international contexts, especially in East Asia. His ability to engage in research across multiple languages also supports his cross-cultural academic collaboration.
7. Leadership and Recognition:
   • As a Valedictorian of his cohort at Waseda University and a recipient of multiple awards and scholarships, Kim’s leadership in the academic community is evident. His roles as a representative graduate and dean’s list honoree further highlight his ability to excel in both research and leadership.

Areas for Improvement

1. Publication Breadth:
   • While Kunhyui Kim has published extensively, many of his works are concentrated in a few high-impact journals and may benefit from broader dissemination in a variety of economic subfields. Expanding his research portfolio into areas like behavioral economics, environmental economics, or economic policy analysis could help diversify his contributions and increase his visibility across multiple academic communities.
2. Research Impact:
   • While Kim’s research is rigorous and contributes to relevant fields like global value chains and trade policy, there is a potential opportunity to amplify the policy impact of his findings. Engaging more directly with policymakers and using his research to influence practical applications could enhance the societal relevance of his work.
3. Collaborations in Non-Academic Sectors:
   • Although Kim has worked with organizations like the Asian Development Bank and ERIA, there seems to be less engagement with private-sector firms or non-academic institutions. Building connections with industry partners or development organizations outside academia could provide a platform for more applied research that has a tangible impact on business and policy.
4. Public Engagement:
   • Given the nature of his research, increasing public outreach through media, public talks, or blog contributions could help bridge the gap between his academic work and public understanding of economic issues. Promoting his work more widely could also increase his visibility in the academic and professional communities.

Education 

Kunhyui Kim holds a Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies at Waseda University, where he excelled academically, being named Valedictorian and receiving multiple prestigious scholarships. Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Waseda University, where he was consistently recognized for his academic excellence, including making the Dean’s List and receiving the Haraguchi Memorial Fund for overseas research. Kim’s academic journey also includes a visiting scholar position at Yale University under the Fox Fellowship, where he researched global value chains and trade policy optimization. In addition to his formal education, he holds an ODA Master’s certificate (Official Development Assistance) from KOICA and a MOS Master certification (Microsoft Office Specialist). Kim’s broad academic background has been instrumental in shaping his research focus and teaching philosophy, enabling him to contribute significantly to the fields of international economics and econometrics.

Experience 

Kunhyui Kim is currently a Full-time Lecturer and Assistant Professor at Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Economics, where he teaches Microeconomics, Econometrics, Macroeconomics, and International Economics in English. He also serves as a researcher at APG Partners in Seoul, South Korea, collecting and analyzing data on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Kim has extensive research experience with prominent institutions such as the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and Pukyong National University. His role at ADBI focused on the economic impacts of COVID-19, fintech, and informal firms in ASEAN countries. Kim has worked as a visiting scholar at Yale University, contributing to research on global value chains and trade policy. Additionally, his academic experience includes a research associate position at Aoyama Gakuin University and ERIA, where he focused on non-tariff measures and trade quality. Kim has also been involved in consulting and industry research for APG Partners and other organizations.

Awards and Honors 

Kunhyui Kim has received numerous awards and scholarships throughout his academic career. He was awarded the prestigious “Scholarship for Young Doctoral Students” by Waseda University, and he also received the “Haraguchi Memorial Fund for Overseas Research.” Kim was named Valedictorian of his graduating class and received the Dean’s List honor in 2018. His academic excellence was further recognized by scholarships such as the Azusa Ono Memorial Scholarship and the MUFG Mitsubishi International Scholarship, supporting his studies abroad. As an honor student and the representative graduate of 2018, Kim has consistently demonstrated leadership and outstanding performance in his field. Kim’s research also earned him a Research Grant from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) for projects related to international trade and non-tariff measures. His achievements reflect his dedication to academic excellence and his potential for continued success in the field of economics.

Research Focus 

Kunhyui Kim’s research primarily focuses on international economics, with particular attention to global value chains (GVCs), trade policy, and the impact of non-tariff measures (NTMs) on international trade. His work examines how the participation of countries in GVCs influences the production networks and trade flows, with a specific focus on forward and backward linkages. Kim also investigates the economic implications of regulatory changes and their effects on trade margins, product quality, and trade policy effectiveness. His research extends into development economics, particularly the effectiveness of aid for trade and the role of government support during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Kim has explored the role of informal firms in developing economies and their access to digital financial services. His research aims to inform policy decisions in international trade, economic development, and regional cooperation, contributing to a deeper understanding of global economic dynamics.

Publications 

• Kim, K. (2024). A Rise in Global Value Chains Participation: Stimulus for the New Goods? 🌍📈
• Baek, D., Jeong, H., Liem, W.-S., & Kim, K. (2024). The impact of the Korean safe rates system on work environment and road safety. 🛣️🚗
• Kim, K. (2024). Non-tariff Measures on the Production Network: Analysis on the Forward and Backward Participation in Global Value Chains. 🔗📊
• Kodama, W., Long, T. Q., Azhgaliyeva, D., Morgan, P. J., & Kim, K. (2023). Family business during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia: Role of government financial aid and coping strategies. 💼🏥
• Nabeshima, K., Obashi, A., & Kim, K. (2021). Impacts of Additional Compliance Requirements of Regulations on the Margins of Trade. 📦📑
• Kim, K. (2021). Aid Effectiveness of Aid for Trade: An Empirical Analysis on the Extensive and Intensive Margins of Aid Recipients. 🎓💸

Conclusion

Kunhyui Kim is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His combination of academic excellence, international collaborations, and commitment to both teaching and research make him stand out in the field of economics. His research is impactful, timely, and relevant to global economic challenges, especially in areas like global trade, regulatory economics, and development.His leadership roles, diverse research experience, and dedication to professional development reflect his capacity for sustained academic success. While there are areas where further diversification of his research interests or broader public engagement could be beneficial, his track record and potential for future contributions to economics are undeniable. As such, Kunhyui Kim is highly deserving of recognition for his outstanding research and academic achievements.