Our people
Meet our Korea Studies Centre Researchers.
Dr Yuri Seo
Dr Yuri Seo is the Director of the Korea Studies Centre at the New Zealand Asia Institute and an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Auckland Business School. His research utilises psychological and sociological approaches to explore critical and timely issues in consumer behaviour. Within Korean Studies, Yuri investigated the global marketing and consumption of K-pop, as well as the distinctive characteristics of Korean brands and consumers.
Dr 'Ilaisaane Fifita
Dr ‘Ilaisaane Fifita is a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Auckland Business School. Her research focuses on consumer culture and social marketing. Within Korean Studies, ‘Ilaisaane investigated how the evolving ideals of K-beauty influence young Korean women, and how Pasifika consumers have embraced K-pop culture.
Dr Changzoo Song
Dr Changzoo Song is an Associate Professor of Asian/Korean Studies at the
University of Auckland. His research focuses on nationalism, national identity,
and the diasporic identities of Korean Chinese (Joseonjok), former Soviet
Koreans (Goryeo Saram), and the newer generation of Korean New Zealanders. Recently, he has also been researching post-war migrations between Korea and Japan.
Dr Lynne Park
Dr Lynne Soon-Chean Park is a Research Fellow in Korean Studies at the University of Auckland. She specialises in an interdisciplinary approach that integrates social work, migration, and Korean and Asian studies. Her research interests include the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within minoritised ethnic communities, with a particular focus on identity, trust, belonging, well-being, and the Korean/Asian diaspora.