London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Understanding South Korea’s Political Crisis: Martial Law, Impeachment and Populist Politics

A Roundtable on Contemporary South Korean Politics Speakers: Jang Kyung-tae (Democratic Party of Korea), Kim Jaesub (People Power Party), Lee Jaeyoung (People Power Party). Chair: Dr John Nilsson-Wright Following President Yoon Suk-Yeol’s surprise announcement of martial law on December 3, 2024, South Korean politics has been plunged into a period of great political uncertainty and … [Read More]

The Postdevelopmental State: Dilemmas of economic democratization in contemporary South Korea

Dr Doucette will introduce his recently published book on the politics and political economy of contemporary South Korea – a book that is even more topical in the current political crisis the country is facing. This book is a major contribution to both Korean and East Asian Political Economy across a number of different disciplines. … [Read More]

Confucianism and disaster: Floods, lightning and cosmology in Eighteenth-Century Chosŏn Korea

This presentation explores Chosŏn-period (1392-1910) Confucian responses to disaster. This was a period in which Confucianism not only was the state ideology, but also guided interaction in local communities socially and economically dominated by local elites sharing the ideas of this ideology. The Confucian convictions of this elite dictated how they, as leaders of communities, … [Read More]

Who’s in town: Hyunjin Kim

Who’s in Town is a loose programme series that invites curators, writers, researchers, and arts practitioners passing by London to stop at Asymmetry for a casual conversation with our audience. Designed to foster open sharing among aspiring and seasoned practitioners alike, the format offers a unique opportunity to engage and exchange with exciting professionals of different … [Read More]

SOAS-OKCHF Workshop: Collecting Korea — Explorations of Korean Collections in the UK and their continued relevance

This workshop examines the history and significance of Korean objects held in UK institutions, and their role in shaping contemporary understandings of Korean cultural heritage. Beginning in the 1880s, institutions acquired a wide variety of items from the Korean peninsula, ranging in type from ceramics, paintings, and textiles, to books and plant specimens. The workshop … [Read More]

Between Popular and Canonical Texts: Curating Korean Literature in Cross-Cultural Contexts

KCCUK are delighted to announce a distinguished event on 16th January, featuring Dr. Grace Koh from SOAS University of London. This special evening offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the beauty of Korean literature and its profound significance in the UK, through an engaging dialogue with Dr. Grace Koh. In this seminar, Grace Koh will … [Read More]

Bestselling and Beloved: Korean Literary Treasures

The Korean Cultural Centre UK is pleased to present ‘Bestselling and Beloved,’ a special exhibition that delves into the heart of Korean literature, showcasing both its enduring classics and its dynamic contemporary scene, with a spotlight on Nobel Laureate Han Kang. Exploring beloved Korean literature and contemporary classics, the exhibition illuminates the broader contours of … [Read More]

North Korea: Human rights, security and beyond

Please join the Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics for a panel discussion involving representatives of the Republic of Korea’s Institute for National Unification (KINU), and leading UK Korea specialists. The discussion will consider the human rights’ situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the wider issue of how international law might be used … [Read More]

‘K-History Unlock’: King Sejong

The second topic in the K-History Unlock Series at the Korean Cultural Centre UK is King Sejong. Known as one of the most significant figures in Korean history, King Sejong is frequently featured in Korean dramas and films for his remarkable achievements during the Joseon Dynasty. Join us as we delve into the life and … [Read More]

Anti-Feminist backlash: Gender and generational conflict in South Korea

Scholarship on Korean elections and voting behavior has emphasised the shift from traditional cleavages such as ideology and region to newer ones, including generation, class, and gender. One of the most common keywords used during South Korea’s 2022 presidential election was Idaenam (male in twenties), hinting at the social group more likely to prove determinant … [Read More]

Meet the authors: Eun Hee-kyung and Lee Geum-yi

Two eminent novelists are making their way to England to meet Korean literature enthusiasts in London and Kingston: Eun Hee-kyung A renowned novelist representing Korea since the 1990s, Eun Hee-kyung is celebrated for her evocative depictions of everyday life and her insightful exploration of life’s subtle truths. Her works vividly portray the nuances of seemingly … [Read More]

Book talk: Return to the Dallergut Dream Department Store

Meet the author and the translator of the international bestseller ‘Dallergut Dream Department Store‘ returning with the English translated version of ‘Return to the Dallergut Dream Department Store’ this November. The author Miye Lee and the translator Sandy Joosun Lee will join us via video-link for a discussion about their captivating work. This is an … [Read More]

BAKS Speaker Tour – Prof. Suk-Young Kim

The British Association of Korean Studies (BAKS) is organising an upcoming lecture series this autumn with Professor Suk-Young Kim of University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA). Professor Kim will be giving a series of lectures that builds from her published works. Such books include the recently published, Millennial North Korea: Forbidden Media and Living … [Read More]