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KAEP News
Academic Activities

KAEP News

Academic Activities

Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai to Host “The Heart of Korean Music: Philosophy Asks, Music Answers” Lecture-Concert

August 25 (Tue)–26 (Wed), Two-Day Event at the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai An interdisciplinary lecture-concert combining philosophy, musicology, and live performance to explore the aesthetics and emotions of traditional Korean music The Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai (Director Lee Dong-hyuk; hereinafter “the Center”), as part of the 2026 Touring K-Arts program sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), will host the lecture-concert “The Heart of Korean Music: Philosophy Asks, Music Answers” from August 25 to 26 at the Center. Organized and developed by the Institute for Korean Philosophy and Culture at Sungkyunkwan University and the Academy of Korean Studies, the event is an interdisciplinary humanities and arts program that explores the aesthetics embedded in traditional Korean music and the emotional sensibilities of the Korean people from philosophical and musical perspectives. Dr. Sojeong Park, a philosopher, and Dr. Suhyeon Kim, a musicologist, will provide commentary on the meaning and aesthetics of Korean music. They will be joined by traditional Korean musicians Park Ju-hee (geomungo), Yang Mi-hee (gayageum), and Kang Byeong-ha (daegeum and taepyeongso), who will bring the themes discussed in the lectures to life through live performances. The program follows a lecture-concert format in which the philosopher poses questions, the musicologist interprets their meaning, and the performers respond through traditional Korean music. This format is designed to offer audiences an accessible and multidimensional understanding of the “heart” of Korean music. By exploring the emotional sensibilities and aesthetic consciousness of the Korean people—elements rooted in traditional music and underlying Korean culture as it continues to expand into diverse fields through the Korean Wave—the event will provide local audiences with an opportunity to discover the depth and cultural value of Korea from a new perspective. The lectures will examine the distinctive expressive characteristics of Korean music and its aesthetics, including concepts such as jangdan (rhythmic patterns) and sigimsae (ornamental techniques), through comparisons with Korean, Chinese, and Japanese musical traditions. Audiences will also have an opportunity to experience Korean rhythmic patterns and modes of expression through listening sessions featuring “Gyeonggi Arirang” and “Gangwon-do Arirang.” In addition, “Jeongseon Arirang” and “Jindo Arirang” will be used to explore the Korean emotional concepts of han and heung, while traditional Korean musical instruments will also be introduced. The program will conclude with a mini-concert featuring traditional Korean music performances, followed by a sing-along of “Arirang” with the audience. The performances will include Cheongseonggok, Geomungo Sanjo, Chimhyangmu, Julpungnyu, and Sinawi, offering audiences an opportunity to share in the vitality, excitement, and emotional resonance of Korean music. Director Lee Dong-hyuk of the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai said, “Traditional Korean music is a form of culture that embodies the emotions and worldview of the Korean people. I hope this program will provide local audiences with an opportunity to discover the new魅力 of Korean music and experience the depth of Korean culture.” Applications to participate in the event are available through the official WeChat account of the Korean Cultural Center in Shanghai.
- 작성일 2026-08-23
- 조회수 94
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Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture Selected for Phase II of the K-Academic Expansion Project

Establishing Global Hubs for Korean Philosophy Education: Building an International Academic Base over Five Years The Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture, part of the College of Confucian Studies at Sungkyunkwan University (Dean: Professor Dongmin Kim; Director: Professor So-Jeong Park), has been selected for Phase II of the Center of K-Academic Expansion Project(KAEP), a national initiative jointly administered by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Studies Promotion Service of the Academy of Korean Studies. The KAEP, which will run for five years beginning in July 2026, is a government-funded initiative designed to share the achievements of Korean Studies with the international academic community while developing sustainable educational content and dissemination systems that can be integrated into overseas educational settings. Through this award, the KAEP at Sungkyunkwan University will continue to lead the philosophy component of the project, building on the accomplishments of the first five-year phase. The KAEP will receive KRW 300 million annually, for a total of KRW 1.5 billion over the next five years. Of the ten research institutes selected for the first phase in 2021, only seven were chosen to continue into Phase II. This achievement reflects national recognition of Sungkyunkwan University's excellence in research and education in Korean philosophy and provides a strong foundation for establishing an international educational hub for Korean philosophy over the next five years. Under the vision of "Beyond the Bridge: Building a Global Model of Mutual Growth through Reconfiguring the Landscape of Korean Philosophy" the second phase of the project seeks to move beyond the achievements of the first phase, "Build Bridge." Drawing upon the online courses and international partnerships established during the initial stage, the project will develop curricula that can be directly incorporated into courses at overseas universities while creating a sustainable model of global academic collaboration. Through these efforts, the Center aims to establish itself as a leading international hub for Korean Studies. ▲Overview of the 50 Online Courses Developed in Phase I The KAEP will develop a new series of modular courses designed for integration into university curricula overseas. It will also redesign its existing courses to accommodate the educational environments and linguistic needs of different regions, with the goal of incorporating them into the regular curricula of strategic partner universities in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong, and other key regions. In addition, the KAEP will establish an integrated content management system centered on its own online learning platform while building a sustainable global dissemination framework that connects international academic exchange with digital educational resources. Through these initiatives, the Center aims to promote the long-term international use and accessibility of Korean philosophy and Korean Studies. ▲Building a Video-Centric Learning Platform that Enhances the User Experience Beyond Conventional K-MOOC Platforms This new phase of the project marks a significant shift beyond the conventional model of producing online courses. Rather than focusing solely on content development, it introduces a "curriculum-integrated model for the global dissemination of Korean Studies," in which educational resources are designed for direct use in university teaching. By transforming research outcomes into high-quality educational content and creating a virtuous cycle in which teaching leads to international research collaboration and the training of the next generation of scholars, the project is expected to establish a sustainable foundation for the global dissemination of Korean philosophy. Throughout the five-year project period, the KAEP will pursue the following strategic initiatives: 1. Developing new flagship online courses in Korean philosophy; 2. Designing curriculum modules tailored to overseas university programs; 3. Reconfiguring educational content in region-specific languages, including English and French, to meet diverse educational and cultural contexts; 4. Organizing international academic events and producing global outreach and promotional content. Through these initiatives, the Center aims to establish a global platform for Korean Studies that organically integrates research, education, and international dissemination, thereby strengthening the worldwide presence and long-term impact of Korean philosophy. ▲The KAEP's YouTube channel by repackaging them into audience-friendly promotional content, including Shorts. The KAEP will also broaden its collaboration with leading Korean Studies institutes and universities worldwide, with a particular focus on the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. By supporting the integration of Korean philosophy into regular university curricula and strengthening international research collaborations and educational networks, the Center aims to establish Korean philosophy as a core educational resource for teaching and research in universities across the globe. ▲Screenshots from Previously Produced Courses Featuring Professor So-Jeong Park Professor So-Jeong Park, Principal Investigator of the project, remarked: "If the first phase of the project was about building bridges between Korean philosophy and the world, the second phase is about going beyond those bridges by integrating Korean philosophy into university classrooms around the globe. Our goal is to build a sustainable global educational ecosystem in which Korean philosophy grows alongside the world's philosophical traditions through meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning." Building on this achievement, Sungkyunkwan University plans to further establish itself as a global hub for Korean philosophy by integrating research, education, and international collaboration. Through the KAEP, the University aims to develop an innovative model for the global dissemination of Korean Studies—one that fosters long-term partnerships and advances Korean philosophy as an integral part of the international academic community.
- 작성일 2026-07-15
- 조회수 181
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[Philosophizing Han Kang] 4th Colloquium: "Revisting Human Acts", "Funerals and Piles of Corpses in Human Acts"

At the fourth session of the Contemporary Korean Philosophy colloquium series, we invite two speakers to offer new perspectives on Han Kang’s Human Acts. Prof. So-Jeong Park will examine the novel’s distinctive “Uri-dialogue(we-dialogue)” narrative style, exploring how Han’s unique voice differs from the omniscient perspective typical of Western literature. Following this, Prof. Ellie Hwa Wang will discuss themes of death and the rituals of mourning in the novel, offering philosophical reflections on how communities might cultivate deeper solidarity in the face of social indifference and evil. Through Human Acts, this colloquium invites participants to reflect on memory, voice, and the ethics of community—and to consider how, in the aftermath of violence, we might restore human dignity and rebuild bonds of solidarity. We welcome your interest and participation. 1. Date and Time: October 22, 2025, 14:00~17:30(two consecutive sessions) 2. Schedule Session/Time Title Speaker First Presentation (14:00-15:30) Revisiting Human Acts : Toward a Uri-Dialogic Reading Human Acts So-Jeong Park (Sungkyunkwan University) Break (15:30-16:30) Second Presentation (16:00-17:30) Funerals and Piles of Corpses in Human Acts :On Ritual, Evil, and a Better Kind of Solidarity Ellie Hua Wang (National Chengchi University) 3. Location: Room 32208, Dasan Hall of Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences Campus, Zoom (Zoom Link: https://skku-edu.zoom.us/j/83493464487?pwd=otqazeJXFe05bFBMVqh9SgIKHtvbIl.1 Zoom ID: 834 9346 4487 PW: kaep2025) 4. Contact: K-Center for Academic Dissemination (kphilo2021@skku.edu / +82-2-740-1863)
- 작성일 2025-10-17
- 조회수 595
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Philosophizing Han Kang: Contemporary Korean Philosophy 3rd Colloquium

“What does it mean to be human at the edge of violence?” This lecture explores a new perspective on human dignity through Han Kang’s novel Human Acts, challenging conventional legal-philosophical discourses that treat dignity as a fixed status. Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, the novel depicts characters who refuse to remain passive victims, instead actively striving to preserve their dignity through acts of conscience and solidarity. Key themes such as conscience, solidarity, and care-modulated courage shed light on the deeper and more nuanced dimensions of human dignity. Rather than viewing dignity solely as an inalienable legal status, this lecture invites participants to consider it as a value that emerges through human vulnerability, moral courage, and resistance to violence. Join us as we deepen our philosophical understanding of human dignity through the lens of Han Kang’s powerful literary work. 1. Speaker: David H. Kim (University of San Francisco) - Professor of Philosophy and affiliate of the Asian Studies, Asian American Studies, and Critical Diversity Studies programs. - Former Chair of the American Philosophical Association Committee on Asian and Asian American Philosophers and Philosophies; Co-founder of the North American Korean Philosophy Association. - Specializes in democracy and Asian American critique, decolonized philosophical dialogue, and Confucian political thought; currently completing his book American Xenos: Asian American Critique and the Bounds of Democracy. 2. Date and Time: October 14 (Tuesday), 3:00–5:00 PM 3. Location: Room B217 (B2), International Hall, Humanities and Social Sciences Campus / Zoom (Zoom Link: https://skku-edu.zoom.us/j/83493464487?pwd=otqazeJXFe05bFBMVqh9SgIKHtvbIl.1 Zoom ID: 834 9346 4487 암호: kaep2025) 4. Contact: K-Center for Academic Dissemination (kphilo2021@skku.edu / +82-2-740-1863)
- 작성일 2025-10-09
- 조회수 982
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Philosophizing Han Kang: as Contemporary Korean Philosophy_2nd Colloquium Announcement

How can we confront the wounds of violence and speak of hope for the future? In this lecture — “Translating Violence and the Possibility of Hope” — Jin Y. Park, William Fraser McDowell Chair Professor at American University and former President of the American Academy of Religion, begins with the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising and Han Kang’s Human Acts. Drawing on Eastern and Western — especially Korean and other non-Western — philosophies, the talk explores how violence might be “translated” into a language of hope through nonviolent resistance and “reflexive engagement.” Participants are invited to reflect on how Korean philosophy can address contemporary global challenges and imagine paths of dignity, healing, and hope. 1. Speaker: Jin Y. Park (American University) - William Fraser McDowell Chair Professor & Chair of Philosophy and Religion at American University; Founding Director of the Asian Studies Program (2013–2020). - Specialist in East Asian Buddhism, Buddhist and comparative ethics, and intercultural philosophy, with a focus on gender, violence, discrimination, and marginality. - Author and editor of influential works, including Buddhism and Postmodernity, Women and Buddhist Philosophy, and the translation Reflections of a Zen Buddhist Nun. 2. Date and Time: October 2, 2025, 2:00–3:30 PM 3. Location: Room 32208, Dasan Hall of Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences Campus 4. Contact: K-Center for Academic Dissemination (kphilo2021@skku.edu / +82-2-740-1863)
- 작성일 2025-09-27
- 조회수 887
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[2026.09-2026.11]Philosophizing Han Kang: as Contemporary Korean Philosophy

'K-Academic Expansion Center', in collaboration with '3T R&E Project Group based on Confucian, Eastern and Korean Philosophy, BK21 4th at Sungkyunkwan University', is pleased to host the Modern Korean Philosophy Colloquium. “Philosophizing Han Kang: as Contemporary Korean Philosophy” explores the works of Han Kang—one of the leading voices in contemporary Korean literature—through a philosophical lens. This colloquium will examine the distinctive narrative structures and language of her novels, and further reflects on the historical and collective dimensions of Korean society. Focusing on major works such as Human Acts (original title 『소년이 온다』) and We Do Not Part (original title 『우리는 끝내 헤어지지 않는다』), this event explores the intersections of literature, philosophy, and politics. In particular, it addresses key themes in contemporary Korean philosophy—such as “Language and Translation,” “Subjectivity and Dignity” and “Community and Democracy”—offering an open forum to think philosophy through literature and to revisit contemporary Korean society through philosophical inquiry. We warmly invite your participation and interest. Session 1 - Date & Time: Friday, September 26, 2025, 10:00–12:00 (KST) - Topic: What Does It Mean to Translate the Poetic? : Between “The Boy is Coming” and “Human Acts” - Speaker: Hannah Kim (University of Arizona) - Venue: Online via ZOOM [ZOOM LINK] / Meeting ID: 834 9346 4487 / Passcode: kaep2025 Session 2 (Upcoming) - Date & Time: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 14:00–15:30 (KST) - Topic: Translating Violence and the Possibility of Hope - Speaker: Jin Y. Park (American University) - Venue: Dasan Economics Hall Room 32208 (Space 1398 Studio) This session is also part of the SKKU WAVE (Worldwide Alliance for Virtual Exchange) special lecture program by the Center for Educational Innovation. Live online streaming will be available concurrently. Please note: The colloquium will take place in a hybrid format, with some sessions held online via zoom and others on campus (some with simultaneous online streaming). Since the location and format vary by session, please check the details for each event carefully before attending. Contact: kphilo2021@skku.edu / +82-2-740-1863
- 작성일 2025-09-15
- 조회수 1504
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[KAEP International Workshop(08.12)] "Bridging Korea and the World through K-Pop"

The K-Academic Expansion Project (KAEP) at the Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture (IKPC), Sungkyunkwan University, is pleased to announce an international workshop featuring three distinguished scholars. The event will explore the global proliferation of K-Pop and the discourses surrounding its transnational reception, offering fresh scholarly perspectives. Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025, 13:00 – 15:40 Location: Room 31409, Toegye Humanities Hall, Sungkyunkwan University (Seoul Campus) ① Opening Remarks So-Jeong Park (Sungkyunkwan University) 13:00–13:10 ② Presentation 1 Dobin Choi(Leiden University) Understanding the Global Appeal of Korean Pop Culture: “Paradoxical Dynamics” and “Prestressed Conditions” in Korea 13:10–13:50 (Presentation) 13:50–14:10 (Q&A) ③ Presentation 2 Barbara Wall(University of Copenhagen) & CedarBough T. Saeji(Pusan National University) The Role of the (Un)knowing Audience in Transmedia Storytelling: Why Seventeen’s “Son Ogong” Should Not Be Called “Super” but “Monkey King” in English 14:20–15:10 (Presentation) 15:10–15:40 (Q&A) The KAEP invites you to a scholarly dialogue on the cultural dynamics and global reception of K-Pop, presented through two insightful talks. * The presentations will be delivered in English, and participants may communicate with the speakers in Korean during the Q&A sessions. Inquiries: kphilo2021@skku.edu + 82-2-740-1863
- 작성일 2025-08-05
- 조회수 773
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New Coursera Courses in Korean Philosophy Launched by the K-Academic Expansion Center at the Institute of Korean Philos

The K-Academic Expansion Center at the Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture (Director: Professor Sojeong Park, College of Confucian Studies and Eastern Philosophy) has launched two new courses on Coursera, a global MOOC platform. The courses, titled “How to Understand Our Emotions: Seongho’s New Proposal 1”and “Philosopher’s Reading 1: Korean Political Thought in the Past and Present,”aim to introduce Korean philosophical thought to a global audience. Coursera, founded in 2012, is the world’s largest open online learning platform, serving over 175 million learners worldwide. The course "How to Understand Our Emotions: Seongho’s New Proposal 1" explores the intricate and sophisticated analysis of human emotions found in “New Compilation on the Four Beginnings and the Seven Emotions” (Sachil Sinpyeon, 四七新編), a seminal work by Seongho Yi Ik, a prominent Confucian scholar of 18th-century Joseon. The course features insightful interpretations of emotional theory in Joseon philosophy, presented by leading experts in Korean Confucianism and moral psychology. Contributors include Professors Youngsun Baek, Sojeong Park, and Na Ha (Sungkyunkwan University); Soi Jeong (Sogang University); Stephen Angle (Wesleyan University); and Hagop Sarkissian (CUNY, Baruch College). The course "Philosopher’s Reading 1: Korean Political Thought in the Past and Present" offers a comprehensive overview of the development and transformation of Korean political thought from the Joseon dynasty to the present. By introducing and analyzing key studies on major political events in Korean history, the course aims to foster a deeper theoretical understanding of Korean political philosophy. Planned by Professor Youngsun Baek (Sungkyunkwan University), the course features contributions from emerging scholars active in the international academic community, including Dr. Ahyoung Lee (City University of Hong Kong) and Professor Kyung Rok Kwon (National Chengchi University, Taiwan), who bring diverse perspectives and in-depth interpretations to the subject. Since 2021, the K-Academic Expansion Center has launched a total of five courses on the Coursera platform. These include four courses that form the “Korean Philosophy Essentials’ Specialization (https://www.coursera.org/specializations/koreanphilosophy-essentials): “Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture (2021),” “In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy (2023),” “EKP1: Modernity and the Emergence of Korean Philosophy (2024),” “EKP2: Formation of Korean Neo-Confucianism(2024).” In addition, the Center introduced “Korean Music: A Philosophical Exploration (2023, https://www.coursera.org/learn/korean-music-a-philosophical-exploration),” a unique course that examines the continuity of Korean ways of thinking through music. Together, these offerings have helped broaden the interests of learners—especially those initially drawn to Korean language and culture—toward the academic study of Korean philosophy. Covering a wide range of topics from traditional philosophical themes to contemporary Korean thought and culture, the curriculum is structured progressively to provide learners with a comprehensive and engaging introduction to Korean philosophy. These courses offer an accessible yet in-depth opportunity to master the field through online learning. These courses were initially developed with the support of Sungkyunkwan University’s Global MOOC initiative and have since been produced annually—approximately ten courses per year—by the K-Academic Expansion Center as part of a broader project supported by the Ministry of Education of Korea and the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) since July 2021. The K-Academic Expansion Center is currently developing additional courses on two prominent Confucian thinkers of the Joseon dynasty—Seongho Yi Ik and Dasan Jeong Yakyong. These new offerings are scheduled to be released next year. All courses are available on the Coursera platform. All courses are available on the Coursera platform. 1. https://www.coursera.org/learn/how-to-understand-our-emotions-seonghos-new-proposal-1 2. https://www.coursera.org/learn/korean-political-thought-in-the-past-and-present For more information, please visit https://www.coursera.org
- 작성일 2025-07-29
- 조회수 1858
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[KAEP Colloquium(05.20)] "From Korean Confucianism to Global Confucianism"

The K-Academic Expansion Center of the Institute of Korean Philosophy and Culture at Sungkyunkwan University is pleased to invite you to an upcoming colloquium that aims to reflect on the current state of Confucianism in Korea and East Asia, while exploring its future possibilities. This event will center on the insights and intellectual legacy of Professor Tu Weiming, a leading figure in the global discourse on Confucianism, with special attention to his reflections on the development and depth of Korean Confucianism. We are honored to welcome the following distinguished speakers: Prof. Young-chan Ro (George Mason University) Discovering Korean Confucianism and Rediscovering Confucian Spirituality (Presented in Korean) Dr. Jianbao Wang (Peking University & CKGSB) From Global Ethics to Multi-planetary Ethics: A Perspective of Spiritual Humanism (Presented in English) Interpretation will be provided during the Q&A session for English-language presentations. We cordially invite your participation in this meaningful event, which will offer a global perspective on the relevance and transformation of Korean Confucianism in contemporary times. For those unable to attend in person, the colloquium will also be accessible via Zoom. Zoom Link: https://skku-edu.zoom.us/j/87427290652?pwd=XB59BQlVp16aCdXMQE6nBiMt4BnqLp.1 Meeting ID: 874 2729 0652 Passcode: 908648 We look forward to your interest and engagement. Thank you.
- 작성일 2025-05-08
- 조회수 1016
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KAEP – Nanchang University Conducts Successful Academic Exchange

On 5th October 2024, KAEP engaged in a philosophy exchange programme with Nanchang University (China), specifically the School of Humanities. Four professors, 12 Masters and PhD students visited Sungkyunkwan university to engage in this programme. The College of Humanities at Nanchang University in China consists of three departments: the Department of Philosophy, the Department of History, and the Department of Chinese Language and Literature. Among them, the Department of Philosophy is considered the only department in China that teaches Korean philosophy from undergraduate all the way to the doctoral level. Significantly, Nanchang University is located in the area of Zhu Xi, an authority on Confucianism, and has a deep culture of studying Neo-Confucianism. At the same time, with experts in Korean philosophy serving as full-time faculty, there is a lot of interest in and in-depth research on Korean philosophy being carried out there. In this exchange program, the Nanchang University group first went on a field visit to the Temple of Literature (Sungkyunkwan) in Seoul. By visiting the soul of Korean Neo-Confucianism, Nanchang University visitors were able to vividly experience the origin and development of Korean Philosophy firsthand! In addition, student visitors from Nanchang University reviewed two KAEP lectures. Students engaged with course materials from Professor Park So Jeong’s “Exploration to Korean Philosophy” course as well as the Doesols of Korean Confucianism. Students took research notes based on both courses, shared them in the exchange space and presented their thoughts and feedback in an open session. KAEP researchers and professors were also present at the event, listening to the presentations and engaging in a lively Q & A session with students. Lastly, in this program, KAEP introduced and promoted its flagship “Supporters” programme currently underway at the Center. KAEP researchers explained to students how they can take courses developed at the Center and how to apply for the programme. It is expected that the next round of the programme with be expanded to the China region. We expect that the 2024 KAEP-Nanchang University Korea-China Philosophy and Culture Exchange Program will serve as a stepping stone for establishing a practical cooperative relationship between the two institutions and create a new opportunity to promote Korean philosophy abroad.
- 작성일 2024-12-31
- 조회수 1464
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