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The Contemporary History Institute hosts Dr.  discussing “South Korea's Achievements and Challenges It Faces: A Historical Perspective” on Thursday, April 3 at 4 p.m. in Baker Center 231.

Dr. Choi is associate professor of Politics and Government and affiliated professor of International Studies at �������� Wesleyan University, where he also is Director of East Asian Studies. He specializes in international relations history and theories, international political economy, foreign policy, and East Asian security and political economy.

Choi completed his Ph.D. at Purdue University, where he taught introductory courses in International Relations and Comparative Politics as an independent instructor and won a Graduate Student Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2007. A native of South Korea, Choi earned a B.A. in Philosophy at Yonsei University and his M.I.S. (Master of International Studies) with top honors at Sogang University, both in Seoul, Korea. He went on to earn his M.A. in Political Science at the University of Kansas, where his M.A. thesis passed with honor.

His book, “” (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2025) an updated thematic and comprehensive introduction to South Korea with insightful analyses of  the country from international and comparative perspectives. The book addresses the political and economic history of North Korea as well as inter-Korean relations. It also includes the timely subject of the rise of the culture industry and the 4th industrial revolution, as well as covering the new trend of the K-Pop industry.

“The Contemporary History Institute is excited to host Ji Young Choi for a talk on such topical subject matter,” said Alec Holcombe, associate professor of History and director of the Contemporary History Institute. “As one of the United States’ most important allies in the Asian region, the political situation in South Korea should be of interest to all Americans, and we are very happy to bring an expert of Dr. Choi’s caliber to campus to enlighten us on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula.”

This event is free and open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.