【活動紀實】 English Corner: Korean Society and Politics
Date: November 24, 2025
Venue: R204
Record by: Hsiao-Hang Wang, PhD Student
Event Summary:
The English Corner, hosted by Associate Professor IJIN Hong, introduced students to key aspects of contemporary South Korean society and politics. Participants began by sharing their initial impressions of Korea from K-pop and K-dramas to personal interactions with Korean friends before connecting these observations to topics explored in NTU courses, such as the developmental state, educational competition, and environmental governance.
Prof. Hong then guided the group through four short readings using a keyword-based discussion format. Topics included the K-pop industry and the NewJeans controversy, Korea’s cultural soft power, and the recent martial law crisis under President Yoon Suk-yeol, which underscored the vulnerability of democratic institutions. Students also examined how Korean dramas integrate history, cuisine, and storytelling to strengthen Korea’s global cultural influence.
This interactive meetup enabled students to practice English while gaining a multidimensional understanding of South Korea’s culture, society, and political dynamics. The next session will focus on Gender Inequality.