Economics Outlook

Conducted by KEY(Korea Europe & You) NextGen contributors, led by Raphaël Seung-Ho Lee (Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy in the Republic of Korea)

The Economic Outlook presents the findings of a special study conducted by KEY(Korea Europe & You), under the leadership of Raphaël Seung-Ho Lee (Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy in the Republic of Korea), in collaboration with 12 distinguished NextGen members.

Structured around four pivotal themes - Macroeconomics, Social Issues, Politics, and Climate Change - the report offers a distinctive and comprehensive overview of the critical economic trends, social dynamics, political shifts, and environmental challenges shaping both Europe and Korea. 

What distinguishes this report is its comparative framework. Grounded in rigorous, data-driven analysis, it highlights the shared challenges faced by these geographically distant yet structurally analogous regions and identifies promising pathways for deeper, more strategic cooperation. By providing insights that contribute to a better understanding of Europe in Korea and vice versa, the study seeks not only to enrich mutual awareness but also to strengthen bilateral engagement and foster a more resilient, forward-looking EU-Korea partnership.

To explore the full analysis in depth, please download the complete report below: 

KEY Economic Outlook_Final version.pdf

Download PDF • 9.65MB

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About the Authors

Raphaël Seung-Ho Lee

Raphael Seung-Ho LEE is currently serving as an Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy in the Republic of Korea. A graduate of École Polytechnique in France, he holds a PhD in Economics and specialises in macroeconomics and international economics.

Tom Fleury

Tom Fleury is currently working as a trainee lawyer and has a graduate background in international studies, law and management. He is completing the mandatory traineeship in law firms required for the French Bar.

Laure Gillot-Assayag

Laure Gillot-Assayag is currently an associate researcher at the EHESS (Paris, France), within the Center for Research on Politics - Research and Analysis (CESPRA). A former visiting student at Yonsei University (South Korea), she has worked as a consultant and policy analyst for the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the U.S. Congress, and the European Parliament.

Emma Lombard

Emma Lombard currently works as a program associate and holds graduate degrees in international studies, economics, and management. With her strong international background, she actively contributes to strengthening relations between France and Asia.

Flavie Chalumeau Boisgibault

Flavie Chalumeau Boisgibault is a Policy Officer at the Representation of the Normandy Region to the EU in Brussels. Born in France, she completed Master’s programmes in European law and diplomacy, during which she specialized in geopolitical and defense issues in the Indo-Pacific.

Justine Laguerre

Justine Laguerre is a senior strategy professional with international experience across Europe and Asia, having worked in luxury, advertising and entertainment. Her professional focus lies in cross-market analysis, cultural dynamics and consumer behaviour, with a particular interest in Europe–Korea economic, social and societal issues. A graduate of HEC Paris, she has completed certificates in Consumer Neuroscience and Fashion & Luxury Management.

Yaerin Ku

Yaerin Ku graduated from Kyung Hee University and is currently a Master’s student in Accounting and Finance at EDHEC Business School. She also serves as Co-President of EDHEC Women in Finance (WinFin). Trilingual in French, English, and Korean, she has gained academic and professional experience across five countries, with a focus on economics, geopolitics, and corporate finance.

Theresa von Boetticher

Theresa von Boetticher is a lawyer at Freshfields in Berlin. Law training with Kim & Chang in Seoul, the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UN in New York and the German Federal Chancellery in the department for Economy, Finance and Climate. Prior to this, she worked as an investment associate at the global venture capital fund Antler in Berlin.

Hyunkyeong Yun

Hyunkyeong Yun works at the OECD in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Directorate, within the Science, Technology and Policy (STP) Division. Her work focuses on technology policy, strengthening national innovation systems, and advancing open data. She supports the development of country-specific innovation reviews and provides analytical and strategic insights for policymakers. Her expertise spans innovation governance, capability building, and competitiveness-driven policy reform to support more effective innovation ecosystems.