The Korean Studies Institute hosts lectures by international experts and leaders on current affairs and issues of transpacific significance. These events not only strengthen communication and collaboration between the United States and Korea but also offer USC students and faculty valuable opportunities for high-level professional and academic networking in both formal and informal settings.
KSI also collaborates with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C. through the U.S.-Korea Next-Gen Scholars Program, further enhancing the dialogue on critical policy matters.
Upcoming Events
Coming soon.
Past Events
Opportunities and Challenges for US-Asia Relations | West Coast US-Asia Scholars Network Distinguished Speaker Event
April 4, 2025
Doheny Memorial Library (DML 240)
Join us for a dialogue with distinguished speakers – former Ambassador Cho Hyun and Councilmember Jon Kaji on “Opportunities and Challenges for US-Asia Relations” moderated by Professor Jane Junn (USC).
The West Coast US-Asia Scholars Network is an event that brings together senior scholars and midcareer professionals who study topics related to US-Asia relations with some interest in policy relevance or public intellectual space.
This year’s public event will address topics of importance to US-Asia relations in politics, economy, diplomacy, and technology and is open to anyone interested in the topic.
Bridging Asia Conference
January 24, 2025
Bashor Lounge, Heritage Hall
Emphasizing mentoring the next generation of scholars of American grand strategy and East Asia, the USC KSI Bridging Asia conference links KSI U.S.-Asia Grand Strategy Predoctoral Fellows with young and senior scholars around the country to address key issues in America’s relationship with Asia.
This event is sponsored by the USC Center for International Studies and Stand Together Trust
Ko Young-Hwan – South Korea’s Unification Policy Talk
November 12, 2024
Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Family House (AHN), 100
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.
Continuing Programs
U.S.- Asia Grand Strategy Predoctoral Fellows Program
The USC Korean Studies Institute US-Asia Grand Strategy Predoctoral Fellows Program develops and nurtures scholars who have deep knowledge of the region and care about policy issues. The fellows are advanced doctoral students whose research agendas are related to US policy, Asia or security. The program creates special opportunities to hone the skills and taking the tradecraft to the next level. The Fellows are expected to actively participate in all scheduled activities that include the three-day intensive summer workshop, the Bridging Asia Conference and the policy trip to DC.
U.S.-Korea NextGen Scholars
This unique two-year program (non-resident) provides opportunities for mid-career Korea specialists to discuss issues of importance to US-Korea relations with policymakers, government officials, and opinion leaders in Korea and the United States.