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Civilian Killings and Long-Run Development: Evidence from the Korean War

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  • Yeonha Jung
  • Gedeon Lim
  • Sangyoon Park

Abstract

This study examines the economic legacy of civilian killings during the Korean War, which disproportionately targeted local elites, educated individuals, and their families. For identification, we exploit plausibly exogenous variation in the spatial distribution of killings driven by unanticipated UN military operations. Evidence suggests that local exposure to civilian killings had a persistently negative impact on contemporary development. As a key mechanism, we find that civilian killings led to a relative decline in structural transformation, potentially due to reduced investments in human capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Yeonha Jung & Gedeon Lim & Sangyoon Park, 2025. "Civilian Killings and Long-Run Development: Evidence from the Korean War," CESifo Working Paper Series 11974, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11974
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • N15 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Asia including Middle East

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