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The Centre focuses on three core research themes, which examine Korean society, politics and culture, as well as Australia-Korea relations with a specific interest in examining links between Western Australia and the Republic of Korea.
Each theme makes up a strategic research cluster helmed by a leading scholar and includes postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows from Curtin and other universities in WA, building on existing and established research excellence in these areas, with hopes of increasing high-quality Korea-related research in the State.
K-Pop stakeholders in Australia
K-Pop stakeholders in Australia
Project team: Crystal Abidin and Janey Umback
This project aims to survey the landscape of stakeholders who contribute to the growth and sustenance of K-Pop cultures in Australia. This includes diplomatic infrastructures, entertainment and idol industry enterprises, training academies and corporate organizations, and grassroots and fan-led initiatives.
Research in progress.
Aussie line in K-Pop
Aussie line in K-Pop
Project team: Crystal Abidin and Janey Umback
This project aims to study the history, rise, and evolution of Australian idols in the K-Pop industry who are colloquially known as the 'Aussie line'. This includes the cultural branding of Aussie line by various stakeholders, the proliferation of Aussie line discourse on social media, and connections to the globalization of K-Pop in tandem with multinational K-Pop idol groups.
Research completed and publications forthcoming.
Aussie Kelpies Go to Korea
Aussie Kelpies Go to Korea
Project team: Hea-Jin Park and Jo Elfving-Hwang
While the Australian and Korean general public might think that the ROK-Australia agricultural engagement is relatively new development, the roots of such farming exchanges go much further than the recent trade agreements. This research project focuses on Australian agricultural aid program to South Korea in the 1970s which included, among other things, 2,500 sheep from New South Wales and two kelpies called Mick and Monty. Read more...
Korean Aid and Development: Policies, Practices, and People
Korean Aid and Development: Policies, Practices, and People
Project team: Jae-Eun Noh (2023-2024)
South Korea is the 15th largest donor in its aid volume, sharing a history of experiencing colonial exploitation and poverty with developing countries. This research project explores how South Korea's aid policies and practices have been shaped by the history, socio-cultural norms and values, and the interplay of global and domestic policies.
This project has identified the role of 'emotions' in public attitudes, aid policies, and NGO workers' practices, drawing on policy documents and interviews. Findings were published in highly-ranked journals, including Third World Quarterly, Community Development Journal, Development in Practice, and Thesis Eleven.
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