The analysis presented in this paper reflects the views of seminar participants only.

There has been hardly any research done on what sort of reactions we would get from the business community in the aftermath of a North Korean collapse.What little efforts we have seen came from South Korean government agencies and not the real business community. At the same time however, this same business community often proves to be a stakeholder—albeit an unwilling one—in international crises and in reconstruction efforts across the globe. Understanding its reactions—and overreactions—and its analyses could help policymakers anticipate the effects of deep and abrupt political change.

Today, speculation about the reasons for Kim Jong-un’s disappearance should remind policymakers and regional stakeholders of how significant the issue is. In practice, it is very difficult to discuss this matter with business leaders. It is with this observation in mind that one of us (J.G.) designed a simulation scenario for the HEC Paris-Leadership Certificate for a very broad audience—ranging from individuals who just finished business school to MBA and EMBA participants.

 

The Scenario: From the Death of Kim Jong-un to a New Emerging Economy

Run to or away from the Region? Reactions from the Private Sector

Implications for the Private Sector, for South Korea