Ha-Joon Chang

Date of Birth: October 7, 1963

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Ha-Joon Chang is a prominent South Korean economist known for his critical views on the neoliberal approach to economic development and his advocacy for economic policies that support national development and the welfare state. Born on October 7, 1963, in Seoul, South Korea, Chang has made significant contributions to the field of economics through his extensive research, writings, and teaching. Chang earned his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Cambridge, where he later became a faculty member. He is best known for his book “Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective,” which argues that developed countries used protectionist policies to grow their economies and only afterward promoted free trade policies. This book won the 2003 Gunnar Myrdal Prize. Chang’s work spans a variety of economic topics, including industrial policy, institutional economics, and economic history. He is a vocal critic of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, arguing that their policies often hinder the development of poorer nations. He has written numerous books and articles aimed at both academic and general audiences, including “23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism” and “Economics: The User’s Guide.” In addition to his academic and writing endeavors, Chang has served as a consultant to various international organizations, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Investment Bank.

5 Interesting Facts about Ha-Joon Chang

1. Ha-Joon Chang has been a faculty member at the University of Cambridge since 1990.

2. He has won several prestigious awards, including the Gunnar Myrdal Prize and the Wassily Leontief Prize for Advancing the Frontiers of Economic Thought.

3. Chang is fluent in multiple languages, including Korean and English.

4. He has consulted for numerous international organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations.

5. Chang’s books have been translated into over 20 languages, making him one of the most widely read economists globally.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ha-Joon Chang

1. “The history of capitalism has been a history of state intervention in innovation and industrialization.”

2. “There is no such thing as a free market. Markets are created and regulated by states.”

3. “Rich countries used protectionism and subsidies to develop their economies, but they now lecture poor countries about the virtues of free markets.”

4. “The washing machine has changed the world more than the internet has.”

5. “Economics is too important to be left to professional economists.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Although specific details about Ha-Joon Chang’s net worth are not publicly available, it is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million, primarily accrued from book sales, consulting fees, and his academic salary.