A new Korean studies scholar has joined the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures this fall, thanks in part to the support of a group of alumni.

Anna Jungeun Lee, a historian specializing in Korea’s transnational consumption, is the department’s second faculty member in Korean studies.

Her research centers around the topic of “Buying into Consumption: Transnational Consumption in Developing Modern Korea.” She has published articles in the Journal of Asian Studies, the Journal of Korean Studies, and Acta Koreana.

Jeeyoung Ha, director of the Korean Language Program, said the initiative to bring Lee to campus coincided with the 100th anniversary of Korean students at the university.

“This milestone celebration strengthened the longstanding relationship between our institution and Korea,” explained Ha.

She said the Korea Chapter of the Illini Alumni Association reached out to her, expressing their desire to commemorate the occasion through a contribution. Under the leadership of Sang Hoon Lee, they pledged $90,000 toward hiring a new faculty member, citing the importance of revitalizing the Korean studies program, and supported EALC’s successful application for the Korea Foundation Support for Establishment of Professorship program. The grant supported 70 percent of the professorship, for the first five years once the position is established. The Korea Chapter collected donations from Korean alumni to make up the remaining 30 percent.

“A century ago, Korea was not even an independent country, but a colonized one. For the last 100 years, Korea has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the early 20th century to a developed economy in the 21st century,” said Hyungseok Hahm, secretary general of the Korea Chapter. “To align with this, the Korea Chapter found the best way to celebrate the centennial anniversary was by giving back to our beloved alma mater and the Korean community in the States. We hope the new hire will sow the seeds of improving partnership between Korea and the States for another century to come.”

Hahm said there was also a personal factor to his interest in giving back.

“It has been 17 years since I left the University of Illinois in 2007,” said Hahm. “Looking back, the seven years I spent in Champaign-Urbana marks some of the happiest memories in my life. My son was born, and I made lots of life-long friends. No matter how long I’ve been gone, Champaign-Urbana will always be my second hometown. The good memories have been a main drive for me.”

Ha said the addition of Lee signifies a transformative step for EALC and the broader campus community.

“Given the robust enrollment in Korean language courses and the growing interest in Korean content, this hire will strengthen our capacity to lead in Korean studies education and research,” said Ha. “Having a vibrant Korean studies program will also strengthen our ability to win Title VI support in the years ahead, create research synergies with other departments and colleges on campus, and give our university a voice in contemporary discussions of South and North Korea’s influential roles in the East Asian region and global affairs.”

Ha said it was the joint efforts between EALC, the College of LAS, alumni, and the Korea Foundation that made this hire possible. She hopes it’s the beginning of a long partnership.

“This three-way collaboration, which harnesses alumni support and external funding from the Korea Foundation, establishes a precedent for future partnerships in advancing Korean studies at Illinois,” said Ha. “This innovative approach not only secures immediate resources but also lays the groundwork for sustained growth and engagement. Moving forward, I’m really excited about continuing and expanding these collaborative efforts to make our Korean studies program even better and to stay connected with our Korean alumni community.”

Editor's note: This story first appeared in the School of Literatures, Cultures & Linguistics fall 2024 newsletter.