Korea Foundation Korea Studies Forum at SOAS

Date: Tuesday 29 April 2025, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Venue:

Tickets: Free | Register via Eventbrite
Event will be held in the Khalili Lecture Theatre (on the lower ground floor of the SOAS main building)

This forum, jointly organised by the Korea Foundation and SOAS University of London, will bring together scholars and experts in Korean Studies, creating a platform to discuss current trends across various disciplines, considering the future of collaboration and partnerships between the UK and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Session 1: Korean Studies in the UK: Growth and Challenges

During the first session, the panel will discuss current trends in Korean Studies in the United Kingdom (UK), with the panelists drawing on their experiences in education, cross-border projects, and collaborations. Based on these shared insights, the session will then explore the integration of new disciplines, opportunities for regional cooperation, and strategies to address key challenges such as fragmented resources, varying levels of institutional support, and the need for sustainable, long-term initiatives.

Session 2: Contemporary Korean Art, Literature & Media

This panel will discuss the evolution of contemporary Korean Studies in the UK, with a focus on art, literature, and media. Panelists will share insights into emerging trends and themes in modern Korean cultural expression, emphasizing the role of globalization and digital technology in shaping artistic and literary narratives. Additionally, the session will consider future directions for research and academic inquiry in these fields, addressing potential challenges and opportunities for scholars and institutions engaging with Korean Studies.

Roundtable: International Security and the UK-ROK Relations

This roundtable discussion will explore UK-ROK cooperation within the broader context of international security. The discussion will examine the global security landscape, with a focus on both nations.

Session 3: Forging a New UK-ROK Partnership: Transcending Politics and Co-shaping in an Uncertain World

This session will focus on the evolving UK-ROK partnership, examining the opportunities and challenges both nations face in a rapidly changing world. Panelists will explore how Korean Studies plays a crucial role in strengthening this partnership, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two nations. The discussion will also highlight how academic and cultural ties can address shared challenges and create new opportunities for deeper cooperation in the future.

Session 4: Past, Present and Future of British Association of Korean Studies (BAKS)

This session will explore the past, present, and future of the British Association for Korean Studies (BAKS), highlighting its pivotal role in advancing Korean Studies in the UK. We will examine how BAKS has contributed to academic exchanges and shaped the growth of the field, while also reflecting on its strong collaboration with Korea Foundation (KF) and SOAS University of London. Panelists will discuss the key partnerships that have fostered research and cultural engagement, as well as the opportunities and challenges ahead for further strengthening these connections.

Programme

Time	Session

09:30am-10:00am	Welcome coffee
10:00am-10:15am	Welcoming Remarks: Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor, SOAS, University of London Opening Remarks: Gheewhan Kim, President, Korea Foundation
10:15am-11:30am	Session 1: Korean Studies in the UK: Growth and Challenges Dr Owen Miller, SOAS University of London (Moderator) Dr Mike Prentice, University of Sheffield Dr Sojin Lim, University of Central Lancashire Dr Anders Karlsson, SOAS University of London Dr Robert Winstanley-Chester, University of Edinburgh Ms Jiyeon Wood, University of Cambridge
11:30am-11:45am	Break
11:45am-1:00pm	Session 2: Contemporary Korean Art, Literature & Media Dr Charlotte Horlyck, SOAS University of London (Moderator) Dr Grace Koh, SOAS University of London Professor Jieun Kiaer, University of Oxford Professor Youngsook Pak, SOAS University of London Professor Hye-Kyung Lee, King’s College London Dr Christin Yu, CSM University of the Arts London Dr Hyunsun Yoon, City St George’s, University of London
1:10pm-2:00pm	Lunch
2:00pm-2:55pm	Roundtable: International Security and the UK-ROK Relations Professor Tat Yan Kong, SOAS University of London (Moderator) Dr Sung-han Kim, Former Director of National Security, Republic of Korea (ROK) Dr Taekeun Heo, Former Deputy Minister of Defense Policy, Republic of Korea (ROK)
2:55pm-3:15pm	Break
3:15pm-4:10pm	Session 3: Forging a New UK-ROK Partnership: Transcending Politics and Co-shaping in an Uncertain World Dr Chung Min Lee, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (Moderator) Professor Jaemin Lee, Seoul National University School of Law Dr Chris Deacon, SOAS University of London Dr John Nilsson-Wright, University of Cambridge
4:10pm-4:30pm	Break
4:30pm-5:15pm	Session 4: Past, Present and Future of British Association of Korean Studies (BAKS) Dr Sarah Son, University of Sheffield (Moderator) Dr James B. Lewis, University of Oxford Professor James H. Grayson, University of Sheffield Dr J E Hoare, SOAS University of London Dr Charlotte Horlyck, SOAS University of London Professor Keith Howard, SOAS University of London Mrs Susan Pares, Former Foreign and Commonwealth Office
5:15pm-5:30pm	Closing Remarks Professor James H. Grayson, University of Sheffield

Image: Gifts of Recognition, Ki Chang Kim, 1914-2001, from SOAS University of London Archives and Special Collections.