Greetings!

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the many heartfelt messages and generous support I have received over the past months. Your kindness – through gift cards, contributions to the memorial fund, and meals – has also been extremely invaluable during my bereavement leave. This foundational encouragement has enabled me to continue delivering the lectures and milestone events planned for this term. Thank you.

This newsletter highlights the exceptional work within our community. In particular, we were pleased to partner with many units and departments, including the Middle Eastern Studies Center, the School of Social Work, the Dean’s Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Department of Sociology, and the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program, on campus to promote the events. Off campus, we continue to strengthen our collaborative relationships with a number of community organizations in the region and universities overseas. 

We face uncertainty and challenges. Yet, we hope that this newsletter helps you be inspired by our collective contributions to PSU and beyond. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Hyeyoung Woo, PhD
Director of the Institute for Asian Studies
Professor and Chair of Sociology

U.S. Race Relations and the Asian American Achievement Paradox: 
Sociological Explanations and Implications

On 9 April, we welcomed Dr. Andrew as our guest lecturer, who delivered an insightful talk on “U.S. Race Relations and the Asian American Achievement Paradox: Sociological Explanation and Implication.” Drawing on sociological research and national data, Dr. Andrew challenged the common perception of Asian Americans as a uniform “model minority.” He explained that while many Asian Americans have achieved high levels of educational and economic success, these outcomes cannot be attributed solely to culture or individual effort. Instead, they are shaped by the complex interaction of immigration, selective migration, and racialisation, which together create both opportunities and structural barriers.

The lecture also highlighted the diversity within Asian American communities, emphasising that significant differences exist across ethnic groups in terms of educational attainment, income, and poverty. Dr. Andrew noted that the model minority stereotype can produce both advantages and disadvantages: it may foster perceptions of competence, but it can also obscure inequality, overlook underrepresented communities, and reinforce barriers to leadership and recognition. By examining these complexities, the session encouraged participants to rethink conventional understandings of race relations in the United States and recognise the importance of accounting for diversity within racial and ethnic groups.

Shifting Landscape of Social Relationships and The Depression Epidemic In South Korea

Dr Dr. Eun Kyong Shin joined us on the 23rd of April, 2026, where she shared insights on the "Shifting Landscape of Social Relationships and the Depression Epidemic in South Korea". Drawing on interdisciplinary research in sociology, psychology, and data science, Dr. Shin explored how rapid demographic change, urbanisation, and evolving family structures have reshaped social relationships in South Korea. She highlighted the growing prevalence of social isolation and loneliness, demonstrating how weakening interpersonal ties can have profound implications for mental health, particularly the rising incidence of depression.

Dr. Shin also introduced her pioneering work on “sociomarkers”, social relationship indicators that can be used alongside traditional clinical measures to improve depression prediction. By analysing patterns of social interactions, communication, and support networks, sociomarkers provide valuable insights into individuals' mental well-being and may enable earlier identification of those at risk. The lecture concluded by emphasising that meaningful social relationships are not only essential for emotional resilience but also represent a critical resource for promoting healthier societies and addressing the growing burden of depression.

Swiping” in South Korea: Tinder and Generation MZ’s Attitudes and Strategies about Dating and Sex

For this year’s Trena Gillette Memorial Lecture, held on 14 May 2026, we were honoured to welcome Dr. Seung-kyung Kim, Korea Foundation Chair and Founding Director of the Institute for Korean Studies at Indiana University. In her lecture, “Swiping” in South Korea: Tinder and Generation MZ’s Attitudes and Strategies about Dating and Sex, Dr. Kim explored how digital dating platforms are reshaping intimate relationships among South Korea’s younger generation. Drawing on her research, she examined how Generation MZ (Millennials and Gen Z)  navigates dating, sexuality, and partnership in the context of shifting gender norms, changing expectations around marriage, and the growing influence of technology on everyday social interactions.

The lecture highlighted how dating apps such as Tinder have become more than a means of finding romantic partners; they also provide a lens through which to understand broader social and cultural transformations in contemporary South Korea. Dr. Kim encouraged attendees to consider how young adults balance personal aspirations, career pressures, and evolving ideas about relationships, while reflecting on what these changes reveal about gender, family, and social change in the twenty-first century. The engaging discussion offered valuable insights into the lived experiences of Generation MZ and the rapidly changing landscape of intimacy in Korea

Late Industrialization, Tradition and Social Change in South Korea

On May 29, 2026, KORE welcomed Dr. Yong-Chool Ha of the University of Washington as a special guest speaker for a book talk on his 2024 UW Press publication, Late Industrialization, Tradition and Social Change in South Korea. Dr. Ha opened by presenting a central paradox at the heart of Korea's development story: how an ultra-modern industrial economy emerged alongside, and in fact reinforced, deeply traditional networks of blood, school, and regional ties. Rather than treating this as a coincidence, his book argues that Korea's path of late industrialization actively shaped and entrenched these "primordial" bonds into the fabric of its politics, society, and economy, a phenomenon he terms neofamilism.

Dr. Ha traced the origins of this dynamic to the developmental state under Park Chung Hee, whose acute sense of national backwardness and urgency drove an extraordinarily ambitious program of state-led industrialization. To implement it, Park relied simultaneously on competitive merit-based recruitment and loyalty networks drawn from his native province, a dual strategy that blended competence with regional favoritism. Chaebols, in turn, emulated this model, securing access to state incentives through a three-tiered structure built on family ownership, regional affiliation among management, and school ties, embedding neofamilism ever deeper into Korean business and society.

Dr. Ha concluded by reflecting on what Korea's experience reveals beyond its own borders. By examining how late industrialization interacts with local traditions, rather than simply producing universal modernization outcomes, his work challenges scholars to move past generic theories of social change. He also raised the concept of "de-provincializing Korean studies," arguing that Korea's distinctive trajectory, shaped by colonial legacy and Park's particular approach to harnessing tradition, holds meaningful comparative insights for understanding late industrialization in countries from Japan and Germany to the Soviet Union.

On May 29, 2026, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at Portland State University to celebrate the inaugural PSU KORE Initiative (Korean Outreach, Research, and Education). The event marked an important milestone in advancing Korean Studies and strengthening cultural, educational, and research connections across campus and beyond.

The celebration highlighted the growth and impact of the KORE Initiative, which seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Korea through academic programming, cultural engagement, and community partnerships. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, reflection, and learning as they connected with others who share an interest in Korean culture, history, and contemporary issues.

The program featured remarks from university leaders, faculty members, and community partners who emphasized the importance of international education and cross-cultural exchange in today's interconnected world. Participants also had the opportunity to learn more about the Initiative's accomplishments, ongoing projects, and future goals.

A special highlight of the event was the recognition of students and scholars whose contributions have helped advance the mission of the KORE Initiative. Their work reflects the growing interest in Korean Studies at PSU and demonstrates the value of creating opportunities for meaningful global engagement.

The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to expanding outreach, research, and educational opportunities related to Korea. As the Initiative continues to grow, it will serve as a hub for collaboration, scholarship, and cultural understanding within the PSU community and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this inaugural celebration. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming the community to future KORE Initiative programs and events.

Effective July 1, 2026, I will be stepping into the role of Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement. One of the aspects of this transition I am most energized by is taking a central role in shaping PSU’s internationalization strategy—I cannot wait to dive in.

My journey at PSU began back in 2007. I spent many rewarding years as a faculty member in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP), while gradually finding myself drawn into administrative leadership, an interest that culminated in serving as the Director of the IELP.  In 2024, there were a lot of changes: I joined the Office of Global Engagement and Innovation (OGEI) as the Director of Partnerships and the Portland Center, and shortly after, was appointed Interim Director of OGEI. As part of that transition, I also took on the interim leadership of Education Abroad.

The Power of Collaboration: OGEI and IAS

OGEI’s work with the Institute for Asian Studies has been a wonderful collaboration and a prime example of how academic and support units can elevate one another. A perfect illustration of this occurred last year: thanks to Director Woo’s invaluable academic connections, I was able to attend an event at the University of Washington in Seattle with a consortium of South Korean universities seeking regional partners. This collaboration not only generated excellent publicity for PSU but successfully brought dynamic new partners into our global portfolio.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, my vision is built entirely on shared momentum. To fully realize the vision of a vibrant, globally-connected PSU, we need to deeply understand one another’s work and actively build upon each other’s efforts. By leveraging our mutual strengths rather than working in isolation, we can work smarter, amplify our impact, and move our international mission forward together.

IAS 2025-2026 Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

We are delighted to announce that Raegan Shoote has been selected as a recipient of the IAS Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Rae's application stood out for its excellence, dedication, and clear vision for her academic and professional future. The selection committee was particularly impressed by her outstanding contributions as a PSU KORE Fellow and her upcoming plans to further her studies in Korea.

Her commitment to fostering international engagement and pursuing meaningful cross-cultural learning opportunities exemplifies the spirit of this scholarship. We are excited to support her as she embarks on this next chapter of her academic journey and look forward to seeing the impact of her

experiences abroad.

Asian Studies Courses offered in 2026-2027