Our events and external engagement
We regularly host conferences, symposia, seminars, workshops, and other types of networking events covering diverse Korea-related topics, often featuring esteemed scholars from Korea and around the world.
Tourism, Mobility, and Cross-cultural Marriage: The Case of Japanese Women in Bali
Presenters: Dr Ni Nengah Suartini, University Pendidikan Ganesha
Date: 4 March 2025
Location: University of Auckland
In this Korean Studies Colloquium at the University of Auckland, Dr Ni Nengah Suartini explores how tourism and mobility foster intercultural relationships, focusing on Japanese women who form long-term partnerships with Balinese men and settle in Bali. Her analysis highlights non-economic motivations, including lifestyle preferences and cultural affinity.
Indonesia–Korea Partnership in the Context of Public Diplomacy
Presenters: Dr. Sukma Sushanti, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
Date: 20 February 2025
Location: The University of Auckland
Dr Sukma Sushanti examines Indonesia–Korea relations, highlighting the role of pop culture and public diplomacy in fostering cooperation and mutual engagement between the two countries.
From Creativity to Ideology – How Autocracy Removed Artistic Freedom in North Korean Music
Presenters: Prof. Keith David Howard, SOAS University of London
Date: 13 February 2025
Location: The University of Auckland
In this Korean Studies Colloquium at the University of Auckland, Professor Keith David Howard examines the transformation of North Korean music under political autocracy, focusing on how ideological mandates replaced artistic freedom. Drawing on archival material and scholarly commentary, he traces the evolution from the 1955 ‘juche speech’ to the current landscape of conformity in North Korean artistic production.
Economic Growth and Democratization in South Korea
Presenters: Prof. Dong Woo Yoo, University of Ulsan
Date: 29 January 2025
Location: The University of Auckland
In this Korean Studies Colloquium at the University of Auckland, Professor Dong Woo Yoo analyses how South Korea’s democratic development has been shaped by its decentralized electoral system. Focusing on the structure and function of National Assembly elections, the talk highlights how institutional constraints helped curb authoritarian tendencies and contributed to sustained democratic governance.
Immigrant Identity Through Stories and Imagery in Australian and NZ Children’s Books
Presenters: Dr. Hai-suk Kim (University of Queensland)
Date: 16 January 2025
Location: The University of Auckland
In this Korean Studies Colloquium at the University of Auckland, Dr. Hai-suk Kim explores how children’s literature shapes understandings of immigrant identity, using content and visual discourse analysis to examine portrayals of immigrant characters. Her research highlights how such narratives reflect social ideologies, promote or marginalize immigrant voices, and influence young readers’ perceptions of multiculturalism.
Incremental Mindset Strengthens Consumer Responses to In-kind CSR Contributions
Presenter: Yuri Seo (The University of Auckland)
Date: 6 December 2024
Location: Business Building, Room 630, Yonsei University
This marketing seminar, hosted by the Yonsei Business Research Institute, features Professor Yuri Seo from the University of Auckland. His presentation discusses how an incremental mindset enhances consumer responses to in-kind corporate social responsibility (CSR) and cultural appropriation in K-pop industries.
NZAI – KSMS Joint Symposium
Presenters: The University of Auckland, Korea University, and Nanjing University
Date: 23 November 2024
Location: Korea University Business School
The fourth New Zealand Asia Institute and Korean Scholars of Marketing Science Joint Symposium on “Asian Perspectives in Consumer Research” took place at Korea University Business School. This year, we also invited marketing scholars from Nanjing University in China to join the symposium.
Korean American Hip Hop Music and Contemporary Korean Youth Identity
Presenters: James An
Date: 12-13 August 2024
Location: The University of Auckland
This project focuses on the musical world of a Korean American artist who migrated to Canada, the US, and then returned to South Korea. It is related to the University of Auckland A Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) project since it features the construction and expression of the identity of a Korean American (Canadian) hip-hop artist.
Between Foreigners and Compatriots: Social Integration of Ethnic Koreans in Korea
Presenter: In-Jin Yoon (Korea University)
Date: 10 May 2024
Location: CLL Seminar Room (207-519), The University of Auckland
Sociology Professor In-Jin Yoon examines the social integration of overseas Koreans (ethnic Koreans) residing in Korea. This K-Diaspora colloquium explores the key factors that shape their integration experiences and the broader implications for Korean society.
Navigating Identity and Discrimination: A Zainichi Korean's Journey in Japan
Presenter: Dai Kaneda (The Nishinippon Shimbun)
Date: 3 May 2024
Location: Pat Hanan Room (207-501), The University of Auckland
Dai Kaneda shares his personal journey as a Zainichi Korean in Japan. This K-Diaspora colloquium explores the migration of his ancestors, the racial discrimination experienced by Zainichi Koreans, the complexities of their social dynamics, and shifting perceptions of Korea within Japanese society.
Connections: Creating Resonance through a Graphic Novel
Presenter: Patsy Y. Iwasaki (University of Hawai‘i at Hilo)
Date: 19 April 2024
Location: Pat Hanan Room (207-501), The University of Auckland
Associate Professor Patsy Y. Iwasaki discusses her graphic novel Hamakua Hero: A True Plantation Story, which brings to life the story of Katsu Goto, a Japanese migrant in Hawai‘i. The session highlights the use of visual storytelling in preserving historical memory and exploring diasporic identity.
Digital Curation of Humanities Data: Embracing Creative Culture and Art in the AI Era
Presenter: Hyeon Kim (The Academy of Korean Studies)
Date: 4 April 2024
Location: Humanities Building 201-Room 311, The University of Auckland
Professor Hyeon Kim discusses how the digital curation of humanities data can foster creative culture and artistic innovation in the age of artificial intelligence. This K-Curricular colloquium explores the intersection of technology, culture, and the humanities.
Diaspora is the Future
Presenter: Joseph Juhn, Esq.
Date: 15 March 2024
Location: Pat Hanan Room (207-501), The University of Auckland
Lawyer-turned-filmmaker Joseph Juhn shares his personal journey exploring the multiplicity and intersectionality of diasporic identity. This K-Curricular colloquium highlights how lived experience can inform cultural narratives and transnational belonging.
Forging Pathways: Understanding and Empowering the New Zealand Workforce in South Korea
Presenters: Yuri Seo (The University of Auckland), Amy Errmann (Auckland University of Technology), and Tony Garrett (The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea).
Date: 27 February 2024
Location: The Northern Club
This breakfast launch event was organised for a research project commissioned by the North Asia Centre of Asia-Pacific Excellence (NA-CAPE), aimed at exploring the experiences of New Zealand professionals in South Korea. The report was prepared by Associate Professor Yuri Seo and Dr Amy Errmann. We also welcomed special guest Professor Tony Garrett, the Chair of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, who shared his personal experiences of building a career in Korea.
East Asia Culture Power Research Workshop: Reconciliation and Coexistence of East Asian Countries
Presenters: Ria Shibata (University of Auckland), Rumi Sakamoto (University of Auckland), Changzoo Song (University of Auckland), SeokWon Song (Kyunghee University), Jihye Chae (Hallym University), Miae Lee (Hallym University)
Date: 22-24 January 2024
Location: Building 206 – Room 201, The University of Auckland
This international workshop on East Asia, hosted as part of the K-Diaspora Colloquia Series, involved prominent scholars in Asian Studies from the University of Auckland, Kyunghee University, and Hallym University in South Korea.