Who are the agenda-setters deciding what issues should be become placemaking policy? This chapter investigates the role of academics in shaping urban regeneration agendas during South Korea’s presidential elections. These academics, or “poli-fessors,” formed informal yet mutually beneficial relationships with politicians, influencing both short-term election promises and long-term urban policies. Unlike in many other countries, they assumed leadership roles within governmental organisations, including research institutes and ministries. Based on interviews with politicians, political mediators, and poli-fessors, this research explains how certain poli-fessors gained the trust of politicians so though not holding an official title in government they still shape policy. These interviews reveal how alliances between academics and political figures influence urban policies behind the scenes in a process started long before a presidential election is called. The findings highlight the need to understand the emergence of this particular type of policy entrepreneur within the historical context of South Korea.