In this career event, we welcome Dr. Soohyung Lee, a member of the Monetary Policy Board of the Bank of Korea and a distinguished applied economist, to discuss how knowledge of labor economics is applied in monetary policy decision-making. Drawing from her expertise, Lee will explain how inflation, wage trends, and asset price inflation are analyzed and factored into central bank policy decisions. She will provide insights into how monetary policy—through interest rates and money supply—affects labor markets, including employment conditions and wage growth.
Additionally, Lee will share her career journey, detailing her transition from academia to the policy-making arena of a central bank. By bridging theory and practice, she will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how policymakers strive to balance price stability and employment. This seminar will provide career-oriented students with valuable insights into the opportunities available in the field of monetary policy and how they can leverage their economic background in real-world policymaking.
This event is exclusively for students of the University of Tokyo. Don’t miss it!
Date & time
Wednesday, April 23rd | 12:15-13:00
Venue
TAISEI Conference Room, 14th floor, International Academic Research Building (MAP)
Resigstration
Needed. Please register here
Speaker
Dr. Soohyung Lee
Dr. Soohyung Lee is currently serving as a member of the Monetary Policy Board (MPB) at the Bank of Korea (BOK). The MPB is responsible for making decisions regarding South Korea’s monetary policies and overseeing all BOK operations. It consists of seven members: the
Governor, the Senior Deputy Governor, and five individuals recommended by relevant authorities. Dr. Lee was recommended by the Minister of Economy and Finance and appointed to the MPB in April 2024, with a four-year tenure. She is the youngest member and the first
female academic to serve on the MPB, both currently and historically. Prior to her appointment at the BOK, Dr. Lee served as a Deputy Director in Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance before earning her PhD in economics from Stanford University.
Following her doctoral studies, she held faculty positions at Seoul National University; the University of Maryland, College Park; and Sogang University. She also served as a research fellow at Harvard Business School and a visiting professor at Hitotsubashi University and
Waseda University.
As an economist, Dr. Lee specializes in data-driven research that examines the determinants of efficiency of individuals and markets. Her field of research lies at the intersection of Econometrics; Labor, Public, and Development Economics; and Market Design.
Dr. Lee’s academic work is highly regarded among economists, policymakers, and the media. She has received various awards, including the Korean-American Economic Association’s Young Economist Award and the Korean Economic Association’s Award for Applied Microeconomists. She has advised international organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank, as well as various Korean government agencies and private companies.
Dr. Lee’s research and interviews have beenfeatured in renowned news sources such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNBC, Slate, Nikkei Asia, JoongAng Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo, Dong-A Ilbo, Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). Additionally, Dr. Lee authored a widely acclaimedbook providing guidance to South Korean parents on children’s education and career development.
Additional information is available at www.soohyunglee.com