The K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at the Inha Center for International Studies held its fifth colloquium on Tuesday, December 2, under the theme “Central Asia’s Development and the Role of Koryoin.” The colloquium featured presentations by Sergey In, President of the Koryoin Trade Association (KTI), and Viktor Lee, Head of the CIS Team at NK GlobalNet, who examined the economic roles played by the Koryoin community in Central Asia and explored strategies for linking these roles to the broader dissemination of Korean Studies. In particular, the event highlighted how a wide-ranging diaspora—including not only Koryoin but also Sakhalin Koreans—serves as a bridge to the Korean homeland, thereby expanding the global capacities of the Korean people.   In his presentation, “The KTI: Introduction and Roles,” President Sergey In outlined the current status of the economic networks that the KTI has developed across the CIS region. Built upon the “United Koryoin Business Club Association (ОБКК),” the KTI has grown into a network of eleven business clubs across six countries involving 339 entrepreneurs. Emphasizing the principles of “HUMAN TO HUMAN” and the concept of the “Bridge of Opportunities (МОСТ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЕЙ),” he argued that the network functions not merely as an expatriate organization but as a crucial informal infrastructure underpinning economic cooperation between Korea and Central Asia. He further explained that the KTI maintains extensive linkages connecting entrepreneurs from Korea, Russia, and CIS countries, as well as networks reaching businesspeople from 45 countries, Korean SMEs, and more than 18,000 companies across 22 countries. By providing trust-based cooperation in logistics, finance, legal services, and business consulting, the KTI, he noted, holds significant potential for contributing to the socio-economic advancement and dissemination of Korean Studies.   Viktor Lee then delivered a presentation titled “Central Asia’s Development and the Role of Koryoin.” He analyzed the multifaceted human capacities of the Koryoin and their potential as agents of knowledge transmission within the sustainable development models pursued by Central Asian states. Citing Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s remark that “anyone seeking to dominate Central Asia must begin with Uzbekistan,” he underscored Uzbekistan’s strategic importance. This importance, he explained, is grounded in the country’s central geographic position in the region, its population of approximately 37 million as of 2025, the historical and cultural centrality derived from its Silk Road cities, and the stability afforded by its border management with Afghanistan.   Although the Koryoin constitute less than one percent of the population in Central Asia, Lee stressed their unique capacity to serve as intermediaries between Korea and Central Asian societies. While many Koryoin predominantly speak Russian, their deep understanding of Central Asian cultural norms and modes of thought enables them to function as cultural and economic bridges. Comparing Korea’s “ppalli-ppalli” (hurry-up) culture with Central Asia’s more measured understanding of time, he highlighted how navigating these differences can contribute to more effective models of social development. He also invoked the Koryoin’s identity as descendants of independence activists, concluding that their ultimate historical mission lies in contributing to Korean unification.   A lively discussion followed, led by Visiting Research Fellow Oh Young-hoon (former Board Director of the Overseas Koreans Foundation), Research Professor Seungjae Lee, Research Fellow Yunhee Choi, and Researcher Ryo Tahara, with active participation from students. The discussion centered on ways to link Koryoin trade networks with the development of Korean Studies education and research. Students raised questions concerning the difficulties Koryoin face in economic activities within Korea and the identity challenges they encounter in Korean society, which broadened the conversation into deeper inquiries about how the economic capacities of the diaspora could contribute to building platforms for the dissemination of Korean Studies.   This colloquium was significant in that it expanded the scope of Korean Studies dissemination from traditional academic domains to include economic and human networks, while simultaneously addressing practical challenges and the broader historical mission of contributing to unification. The presentations by President Sergey In and Viktor Lee placed the experiences of the Koryoin community within academic and policy-oriented discourse, offering a practical model for linking Korean Studies with the socio-economic development of Central Asia. Ultimately, the event provided an important opportunity to explore how Korean Studies might pursue sustainable growth within a global knowledge ecosystem by integrating human capital, economic capacity, and the realities faced by diaspora communities—while also considering their potential contributions to Korean unification.      

Korean Studies and Global Innovation: The Korean Model of Science and Technology Development and ODA Strategy   The K-Academic Diffusion Research Center of the Inha University Institute of International Relations held its 5th-year 4th Colloquium on Monday, October 13, at the Dalgaebi Conference House under the theme “Korean Studies and Global Innovation: The Korean Model of Science and Technology Development and ODA Strategy.” The colloquium is centered on a presentation by Dr. Ji-Hyun Kim, Research Fellow at the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI).   Dr. Kim reinterpreted Korea’s experience of scientific and technological advancement as a state-led model of strategic innovation policy and proposed it as a convergent development framework linking international development cooperation (ODA) and the K-Academic Diffusion Project. She emphasized that the evolution of Korea’s science and technology policy was achieved through the accumulation of a long-term vision, institutional networks, and quantitative diagnostic indicators. She analyzed that such a structural approach could also be applied to the global expansion of Korean Studies. In particular, drawing on the cases of government-funded research institutes and the Daedeok Science Town, she underscored that the close linkage among policy, industry, and academia formed the foundation of Korea’s national innovation system.   She further noted that these experiences align with the K-Academic Diffusion Project’s goal of “international knowledge infrastructure sharing,” suggesting that it should serve not merely as a channel for content export but as a sustainable cooperation model that transfers institutional frameworks and human capacities together. Dr. Kim stressed that the Korean-style ODA should evolve beyond donor-centered short-term projects toward a long-term, indicator-based cooperation system—one that enables Korean Studies to take root autonomously within the academic and social contexts of different countries. Also, she proposed that scientific and technological innovation could be organically integrated with the future strategies of Korean Studies, including digital transformation, educational platform development, and the establishment of global networks. Ultimately, Dr. Kim concluded that by restructuring Korea’s development experience into an “integrated diffusion of policy, knowledge, and culture,” Korean Studies must secure sustainability across both academic and practical domains.   Following the presentation, a lively discussion ensued, led by Professor Suweon Kim (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), Research Fellow Yoon-Hee Choi (Inha University Institute of International Relations), and Research Professor Min-A Yang (Institute of Foreign Studies, Chung-Ang University). The Q&A session focused on how the Inha University Institute of International Relations’ K-Academic Diffusion Project could be connected to or applied within Korea’s science and technology ODA strategies.   This colloquium was highly significant in that it organically linked Korea’s experience in science and technology development with both ODA strategy and the global diffusion of Korean Studies. Dr. Kim’s presentation provided profound insights by presenting the Korean development model as an integrated framework that combines academic analysis and policy practice, thereby offering a forward-looking vision for the international expansion of Korean Studies. In particular, her reinterpretation of Korea’s structural experience in science and technology policy as a sustainable model for the diffusion of Korean Studies opened new possibilities for interdisciplinary research. Overall, the event served as an outstanding forum for academic exchange, offering a clear direction for building the knowledge ecosystem that will support the global transformation of Korean Studies.

The Impact and Implications of AI Agent Technology on the Use of Educational Content: Focusing on the K-Academic Diffusion Project   The K-Academic Diffusion Research Center of the Inha University Institute of International Relations held its 5th-year 3rd Colloquium on Thursday, September 25, at the main conference room of the Jungseok Memorial Library, under the theme “The Impact and Implications of AI Agent Technology on the Use of Educational Content: Focusing on the K-Academic Diffusion Project.” The colloquium featured presentations by Professor Sun-Kyu Ko (Fukushima Gakuen University, Japan) and Mr. Kazuha Nose (CEO, StoD Co., Ltd.), with Dr. Seung-Jae Lee (Research Professor, Inha University Institute of International Relations) serving as moderator. Professor Ko emphasized that the educational paradigm is shifting from classroom-based to individualized learning and explained that AI-based “agents” possess the potential to fundamentally transform the productivity and accessibility of learning. He also pointed out that the current K-Academic Diffusion Project’s K-MOOC content structure remains supplier-centered and lacks timely updates. He argued for a transition toward an AI-based personalized system and concluded his presentation by stressing that future AI agent design should consider user experience (UX), data privacy, and customization features. Following this, Mr. Kazuha Nose, CEO of StoD Co., Ltd., presented a concrete model of an AI-based learning platform centered on his company’s ongoing project, the AI Learning Concierge System “COMPASS.”  He explained that the system enables learners, instructors, and universities alike to benefit from AI integration. Learners can build “personalized curricula” that reflect their interests and goals with the support of a 24-hour AI tutor; instructors can reduce administrative workload through automated Q&A and provide more precise guidance using learner data; and universities can reduce dropout rates, enhance brand image, and attract new learners through AI-driven automated promotion. His presentation was supported by real-world application cases from the United States, Switzerland, and Germany. During the subsequent discussion and Q&A session, Director Jean-Young Lee (Inha University Institute of International Relations), CEO Ki-Hwan Nam (Mirim Media Lab), and Mr. Jae-Yeon Lee (Next Runners) participated as panelists. They engaged in an in-depth discussion on the current state of K-MOOC courses under the K-Academic Diffusion Project and explored ways to enhance their effectiveness. Through this dialogue, the participants shared valuable insights into how the dissemination of Korean Studies content by the Inha University Institute of International Relations can be further advanced through the application of AI technology. The colloquium provided a meaningful opportunity to exchange ideas on future directions for the K-Academic Diffusion Project and to envision the evolving role of AI in educational content innovation.        

The Inha Center for International Studies’ K-Academic Diffusion Research Center held its 5th-year 2nd Colloquium on Wednesday, September 17, at the main conference room of the Jungseok Memorial Library, under the theme “Strategic Alliances for the Global Expansion of Korean Studies: Building a New Platform for Local Government–University Cooperation.”    As a follow-up to the April visit to Kobe, Japan, the colloquium featured a keynote presentation by Professor Kan Kimura (Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University). Professor Kimura assessed the current state and challenges of Korean Studies research in Japan and explored new directions for cooperation between local governments and universities. In particular, the discussion focused on concrete strategies for advancing Korean Studies through collaboration between Incheon–Inha University and Kansai–Kobe University.   During the roundtable, Director Jean-Young Lee (Inha University Institute of International Relations), Professor Jaehwan Jeong (Inha University), and Director Sang Yul Kim (The Museum of Korean Emigration History) participated as discussants. The dialogue explored the historical connections between Incheon, as an open port city, and Kobe, as a harbor city, highlighting the potential for cooperation between the two. The participants also addressed the possibility of a future MOU between Inha University and Kobe University and considered concrete measures to promote academic exchange.   This colloquium highlighted that local government–university cooperation can positively impact academic exchanges between Korea and Japan. It also underscored the need to establish practical directions for expanding Korean Studies and for building sustainable exchange programs, presenting important follow-up tasks for the future.  

2025-26 Inha CIS K-Academic, 1st Colloquium   On Monday, July 28, the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at Inha Center for International Studies (ICIS) held a colloquium titled "Religious Identity and Culture Wars in South Korea” at the main conference room of the Jungseok Memorial Library.   This event was part of the 2025 Korea-Philippines Next-Generation Korean Studies Exchange, Cooperation, and Training Program (KONECT), and was held at the request of students and researchers from the UP Korea Research Center at the University of the Philippines. They visited Inha University to explore academic perspectives on various issues in Korean religion, politics, and socio-cultural dynamics.   At the colloquium, Dr. Lee Won-dong (Research Professor at Inha University) delivered the keynote presentation, while Professor Lee Jin-young (Director of the Institute of International Relations at Inha University) served as the moderator. Professor Bae Kyung Min (University of the Philippines) participated as a discussant, offering in-depth commentary from a political science perspective on Korea’s religious and cultural conflicts.        

On April 16th, the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at Inha University invited Park Gi Tae(the head of the cyber diplomatic mission, VANK) in order to hold the 6th Colloquium in the 4th year under the theme of “Digital Diplomacy Revolution! We are the Public Relations Ambassadors of the Republic of Korea”. At the Colloquium, Park Gi Tae pointed out the reality that Korea's history and culture have been distorted or not properly introduced in world textbooks, encyclopedias, and maps, even though Korea has gained global attention for K-POP, drama, and IT technology. He actually introduced errors found in textbooks, online materials, and maps across the region and shared the examples of VANK's various global activities to correct them. He also emphasized the importance of activities to properly promote Korea's historical assets which can become a subject of diplomacy in the digital space.such as Hanbok, Jikji, and Dokdo, and etc. This colloquium was a meaningful time in looking for practical ways of communicating with the world as well as promoting Korean history and culture beyond knowledge-sharing.      

On April 10th, the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at Inha University held the 5th Colloquium for the 4th year under the theme "Korean Studies as a Global Border Area: The Intersection of Public Diplomacy and the Migrant Community." Starting with opening comments made by Lee Seung Jae, a research professor at Inha Center for International Studies(ICIS), the colloquium was divided into two sessions. First, Park Ga Young, a professor at New York State University in Korea, delivered a presentation for about 30 minutes under the theme of "Korea African Science & Technology in Public Diplomacy," and discussed the importance of meaning making, trust formation, and co-design processes in Science & Technology in Public Diplomacy, focusing on success stories in Rwanda. In the following discussion, Professor Kim Soo Won of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Dr. Lee Won Dong of Inha University shared comments on the presentation and gave meaningful opinions on Science & Technology in Public Diplomacy, respectively. Next, Professor Nagata Atsumasa of Miyagi Academy Women's University gave a presentation on the "Spatial Community Network of Filipino Migrants in Korea" for about 30 minutes and shared detailed information about the changes in Korea's immigration policy and its actual domestic experiences along with a comprehensive approach to the number of foreigners. In the following discussion, research professor Lee Seung Jae shared comments on the presentation given the overseas Koreans policy. Under the theme of public diplomacy and migration communities in Korea, this colloquium looked at examples of global Korean studies and at the same time sought more effective strategies for spreading Korean studies through policy support.        

On December 11th, the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at Inha University held the 4th Colloquium under the theme of "Diagnosis of the Status of Using K-MOOC Courses and Seeking Measures to Expand Further." Starting with the hosting of professor Lee Jean Young, director of INHA Center for International Relations, the colloquium was divided into two sessions to provide a venue for presentations and discussions to participants. First, Kim Jae Young, a researcher at the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center, delivered a presentation for about 30 minutes under the theme of "The Current Status of Promotion of K-MOOC Courses." In the following discussion, not only did Professor Jung Hye Seung of Inha University's Department of Culture and Contents and Professor Hong Ji Mi of its Department of International Studies share comments on the presentation but also conduct in-depth discussions on how to spread K-MOOC courses. First, professor Jung suggested it is necessary to change the promotion method to the B2B strategy along with ordinary B2C. She explained that taking classes in groups at public organizations, schools, start-up support centers, after-school care centers, etc will be more effective in spreading K-MOOC in the near future. Students can receive individual evaluations and complete them altogether by taking courses in groups.   Second, they agreed on the need to clarify target customers and increase the publicity effect through selection and focus. In addition, it is necessary to appeal to key targets such as the MZ generation, who is interested in Korean studies at home and abroad, and even healthy seniors who are trying to learn more after retirement. Third, it is important to derive a hashtag (#) suitable for each K-MOOC course so that it helps enable K-MOOC courses to be easily exposed to search portals and online. We also discussed the strategy of accessing websites and communities related to overseas Koreans and K-culture in order to expose URLs as much as possible, and the budget plan also should be revised to conduct online advertisements. Fourth, professor Hong emphasized the need for detailed promotion strategies for SNS channel, such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. For example, previous studies explained the importance of differentiated strategies for each channel, such as adding fun and interesting elements to Instagram and shorts containing academic contents to YouTube. Finally, the main event was concluded with the expectation that the inflow into the K-MOOC course platform can continue to expand in the future through different promotion materials that reflect the trends of the present era and induce interest.