The visit to Stockholm by broadcaster Hong Jin Kyung, which sparked controversy over her political leanings, will be covered in a broadcast.
The KBS special documentary series "Conditions for a prosperous nation," themed on the prosperity of Korea's economy, returns to viewers with a deeper story in part two.
In part two, "Korea's economy, the road to prosperity," which airs at 10 p.m. on KBS1 on the 18th, James A. Robinson, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences laureate (University of Chicago) visits various parts of Korea in person to seek answers about what institutions and choices Korea must adopt going forward to achieve sustainable prosperity.
Professor James Robinson is a professor at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago in the United States. He is also a co-author of the bestseller Why Nations Fail, translated into 41 languages. Robinson was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in recognition of his work proving the causal relationship between a nation's prosperity and its institutions.
The two-part "Conditions for a prosperous nation" revisits Korea's economic growth process centered on Robinson's lectures and explores the path forward. Part one, "The choice that determined fate," revealed not only the reasons for the economic gap between South and North Korea but also the secret of why some countries are rich while others are poor. Part two, "Korea's economy, the road to prosperity," hears advice on the path Korea must navigate amid uncertain global conditions and technological advances.
Also appearing are Korea's top knowledge entertainer Hong Jin Kyung as MC; Kim Jin-il, a professor in the Department of Economics at Korea University, who has served as a senior researcher at the Federal Reserve Board; Son Ji-ae, a professor (Graduate School of International Studies) at Ewha Womans University, a prominent journalist who served as CNN's Seoul bureau chief and later as president of Arirang International Broadcasting; Kim Du-eol, a professor in the Department of Economics at Myongji University, a former student of James Robinson during his tenure at the University of Southern California (USC) and thus having a special connection; and Lee Beol-chan, the Chosunilbo Beijing correspondent and an expert on China and AI, who will add diverse perspectives.
▲ Hong Jin Kyung's surprise visit to the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm
Having met global scholars such as Yuval Harari and Jared Diamond and established herself as a top knowledge communicator, Hong Jin Kyung fully demonstrated her serious and intellectual hosting skills as the main MC of the two-part KBS1 series "Conditions for a prosperous nation." In particular, she made the somewhat difficult subject of economics accessible with simple, intuitive questions tailored to viewers and, at times, sharp remarks that caught people off guard.
She was also praised for naturally carrying discussions between the panelists and Professor Robinson, enhancing the program's immersion without awkwardness. Her intellectual and dignified hosting style shown in this broadcast is expected to leave a fresh impression on viewers.
This broadcast also features a special visit. MC Hong Jin Kyung visited the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, in person. At the site that draws the world's attention, Hong Jin Kyung reacted with her characteristic delighted response, saying "Oh? Nobel!" She sequentially examined items donated by former President Kim Dae-jung and the handwritten note of Han Kang, the first Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Exclaiming repeatedly, "Are these President Kim Dae-jung's items?" and "This is a handwriting by author Han Kang," Hong Jin Kyung introduced the footprints Koreans have left on the world stage and said, "our country influencing the world like this makes me proud."
Earlier, Hong Jin Kyung was embroiled in a controversy over political leanings after she posted photos on social media of herself wearing red clothing ahead of the 21st presidential election. At the time she said, "The photos posted to my feed were taken two days earlier in a shop in Stockholm. I posted the photos because I thought the design was interesting, but I did not consider the color of the top I was wearing at the time," and "I apologized on SNS for having no thought about it. However, since I interviewed the three presidential candidates, I should have remained cautious and alert to the end. I apologize once again that I really had no thought about it."
▲ Nobel Prize winner Robinson visits SM, the heart of K-pop, and sees the secrets of K-pop at SM Entertainment
The highlight of part two is undoubtedly Professor Robinson's visit to SM Entertainment. Walking through the lobby of SM Entertainment, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, he directly observed how the K-pop industry achieved global success.
Professor Robinson examined with interest the recording booth where the history of Korean K-pop began, tried on headphones himself, and could not hide his surprise, saying, "It's all digital." Especially in front of a photo of singer Lee Jae, who sang the Netflix animation OST, he even took a commemorative photo and said, "cultural explosion is one of the secrets of Korea's economic growth." Lee Sung-soo, SM CAO, said in an interview, "It's not that the government did nothing, but that it provided the foundation that allowed people to do as they pleased, which made this industry possible." He explained the K-pop success story as a harmony of government policy and private creativity. Professor Robinson praised Korea's economic model, saying, "The government plays a role in establishing education and the rule of law and creating an inclusive society so that all talent can reach the top."
▲ America's inequality, China's long-term rule...what will Korea choose?
In the latter half of the broadcast, the conditions for Korea's prosperity are explored more deeply. From homeless tent villages in New York to the Rust Belt in Ohio, it highlights deepening polarization and political division and sheds light on the reality that "while GDP is among the world's highest, inequality is at the top among OECD countries."
It also compares China's massive state-led growth model as shown through Xi Jinping's long-term rule and the rise of AI. It asks what institutional choices Korea can make to pursue inclusive growth and what path to take between the two global powers.
▲ "Korea is a role model" what James Robinson says about Korea's potential!
Korea eliminated military dictatorship and entered democracy in the 1980s. Once political inclusion was achieved, Korea grew explosively. Robinson recounted seeing Korean cosmetics on the streets of Britain and mentioned his 10-year-old son who became obsessed with "K-pop Demon Hunters," conveying the influence of Korea he observed. He did not hold back praise, saying, "Korea will become a role model for other countries." What is the 21st-century strength of Korea that Robinson focused on, and where does that strength come from?
What is the secret to a prosperous nation that Nobel laureate James Robinson discovered? The answer can be found in part two of "Conditions for a prosperous nation," "Korea's economy, the road to prosperity," which airs at 10 p.m. on KBS1 on the 18th.
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