Upcoming Events & Announcements
While South Korea successfully transitioned from nearly four decades of authoritarian rule to a parliamentary democracy, the high-level political democratization of post-1987 was also enmeshed with all-out neoliberal restructuring following the 1997 financial crisis. The consequent deepening of inequality and poverty, leading to extreme polarization of the society, along with disappointments with political reform, has resulted in the widespread sense of defeat and pessimism embodied in the discourse of “de-democratization;” that is, despite the hegemony of democratic rhetoric and political democratization, democracy in South Korea is in crisis.
This presentation argues that despite the widespread despair, a broad spectrum of civil society has made equally determined and vociferous efforts to demand and work for democratization in all spheres of life. It explores the political horizons and social imaginaries of these movements, which compel rethinking the meaning of democracy and broadening the existing concept of social movements.
Mr. Ko Young-hwan, President of the National Institute for Unification Education (NIU), will deliver a talk on the Republic of Korea’s unification policy, specifically the 8.15 Unification Doctrine. He will also provide insights into the North Korean political system, drawing from his extensive experience as a North Korean diplomat and interpreter for Kim Il-sung.
President Ko defected to the Republic of Korea in 1991 after over a decade of service in central and East Africa, including his first posting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since his defection, he has held several key positions in the Republic of Korea, including special aide to Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho and vice president of the Institute for National Security Strategy.
*This event will be in Korean. Interpreters will be on standby for Q&A.
The Annual USC Graduate Conference in Korean Studies is set to be held on Friday, February 7th, 2025. We are currently accepting applications for presenters.
We welcome applicants from the humanities and social sciences who are conducting research related to Korea, East Asia, or Asian diasporas. Submissions that situate Korea within broader comparative or theoretical frameworks are especially encouraged.
Important dates for applicants:
Deadline for paper proposals: Friday, November 15th, 2024
Notifications of acceptance: Monday, December 2nd, 2024
Deadline for paper submissions: Friday, January 17th, 2025
KSI Undergraduate Fellows Mini-Conference | March 15th
The KSI Undergraduate Fellows will be presenting their research to each other in preparation of the USC-Michigan Undergraduate Research Exchange Conference. They will be honing their papers and presentation skills and giving each other feedback.
Undergraduate Research Exchange Conference w/the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | March 29th, 2025
Our Undergraduate Research Fellows will be taking part in the annualc USC-Michigan Undergraduate Research Exchange Conference with students from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor as part of the research program! This year, the conference will be held in Los Angeles at USC. More details TBA.
KSI Undergraduate Fellows Commencement Reception | April 15th, 2025 (5 – 7 PM)
We will be celebrating our graduating KSI Undergraduate Fellows as well as welcoming the incoming cohort of students who will begin their journeys with our Fellows program at the Ahn Family House.
Check out all of the events that have happened in the past at the KSI!
Helpful Information
Click here to learn about Dosan Ahn Chang Ho and the history of the Ahn Family House.
For Ahn House visitors, it is recommended that you contact us ahead of time by email at ksi@usc.edu or by phone at (213) 740-3758 as we may be closed to the public for events and programming.
KSI Programs for Students
KSI Undergraduate Fellows Program
The KSI Undergraduate Fellows Program selects outstanding USC students who are interested in conducting research about Korea or Korean-American issues, writing a research paper and gaining experience presenting at academic conferences.
Selected students participate in monthly research workshops during the fall and spring semesters, take part in a mini-conference just for USC students and present their papers at the annual USC-Michigan Korean Studies Undergraduate Exchange in spring.
USC Graduate Conference in Korean Studies
The USC Korean Studies Institute invites applications for the Annual USC Graduate Conference in Korean Studies. This conference aims to foster a multidisciplinary community of local and regional graduate students whose research projects significantly engage Korean society and culture across the periods. It offers a platform for emerging scholars to present their work-in-progress, receive feedback from faculty and peers, and participate in interdisciplinary discussions within a supportive environment.
We welcome applicants from the humanities and social sciences who are conducting research related to Korea, East Asia, or Asian diasporas. Submissions that situate Korea within broader comparative or theoretical frameworks are especially encouraged.
U.S.- Asia Grand Strategy Predoctoral Fellows
KSI aims to make USC the key university that produces young scholars with the local area expertise to challenge and enhance debates about American grand strategy. Each year, USC brings 3-4 external ABD students to USC.
Contact Us
809 W 34th St., Los Angeles, CA. 90089
Business Hours
M-F 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
To get in touch or learn more about the Korean Studies Institute, please reach out to us by phone or by email.