Rethinking International Economic Law – Past a Developed Korea

This chapter analyzes South Korea’s remarkable transformation from an aid-dependent developing country to a rule-making actor in international economic law (IEL). Tracing Korea’s economic rise, OECD and WTO engagement, and global FTA leadership, it highlights how Korea challenges the traditional developed-developing dichotomy in IEL. Korea’s contributions in digital trade, sustainability, and economic security demonstrate its capacity to shape new trade norms. By examining Korea’s institutional development and legal influence, the chapter argues for a more inclusive and adaptive IEL that recognizes the growing role and influence of rising middle powers in shaping global trade rules. Korea offers a compelling case for rethinking the normative architecture of global trade governance.