Korea Research and Engagement Centre of Western Australia

KRC Seminar Series: "Augmented Reality: A History of Virtual Celebrity in South Korea" by Dr Rachel Berryman on Wednesday 6th May, 1pm AWST (2pm Korean time)

Abstract

This presentation seeks to understand the concept of virtuality in the South Korean context by examining the country’s history of virtual celebrity, looking from the working “cyber characters” (사이버캐릭터, saibeo kaeligteo) and popular “cyber idols” (사이버가수, saibeogasu) of the 1990s, to the aspirational “virtual influencers” (가상 인플루언서, gasang inpeullueonseo) and real-time “virtual idols” (버츄얼 아이돌 , beochyueol aidol) active as of the early 2020s. By combining archival web and press analysis, along with relevant press, industry, and social media content drawn from a digital ethnography on virtual influencers, it compiles a cross-media account of virtual celebrity in South Korea that spans three decades, revealing a longstanding interest in embedding virtuality into Korean daily life.

Dr. Rachel Berryman (she/her) recently completed her PhD in Internet Studies at Curtin University, studying in the School of Media, Creative Arts, and Social Inquiry. Her thesis analyses the fictional, social media entities popularly known as “virtual influencers”, exploring their history, impact, aesthetics, and commercialisation, particularly in East Asia. She is co-editor (with Prof Crystal Abidin) for a forthcoming edited book titled Virtual Celebrity Cultures in Asia, contracted by Routledge.

Date: 6th May, 2026

Time: 1pm – 2pm (AWST)

Location: Room 202.136, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley

Join online via MS Teams:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/44280588176226?p=6QjJwhArLfPnYDsS7n

Meeting ID: 442 805 881 762 26

Passcode: ZF3AH7eD

Reminder! Happening today!

Come and join us for a seminar presentation Curtin University Curtin School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry and KOREA RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT CENTRE on the Battle of Kapyong, online and in person. All welcome!

Abstract:
The Battle of Kapyong stands as one of the definitive moments in Australian military history. In April 1951, the 27th Commonwealth Brigade – led by the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand forces – held the line against a massive Chinese breakthrough, ultimately saving Seoul from occupation. Marking the 75th anniversary of the battle, this seminar offers a rare perspective from the front lines: the testimony of the last remaining Kapyong veteran in Western Australia. By combining first-hand accounts with historical data, the presentation explores how a force of under 1,000 men repelled an onslaught twelve times their size, as well as the evolution of the Kapyong legacy in both Australia and Korea.

Speaker:
Dr Hea-Jin Park is a historian and team member of the Korea Research and Engagement Centre (KRC) at Curtin. She was born in Korea, raised in Paraguay, and has been calling Australia home for over 20 years. She completed her medical degree at the Universidad Nacional de Asunción and received the doctoral degree from the Australian National University for her thesis on the history of South Korean agricultural migration to South America. Her current research projects focus on the story of Australians who have had a significant impact on the relationship between Australia and Korea, including the Australian missionaries and their work in Korea since 1889, the Australian veterans of Korean War and two Australian Kelpies, just to name a few. Her work has been featured in Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports and materials.

Date: 30th April 2026, 12-1p AWST
Location: Curtin University, Building 211, Room 226
Online Link: https://lnkd.in/gZENbr3P (password: Ui6uf2DZ)

Come and join us for a seminar presentation Curtin University Curtin School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry and KOREA RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT CENTRE on the Battle of Kapyong, online and in person.

Abstract:
The Battle of Kapyong stands as one of the definitive moments in Australian military history. In April 1951, the 27th Commonwealth Brigade – led by the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand forces – held the line against a massive Chinese breakthrough, ultimately saving Seoul from occupation. Marking the 75th anniversary of the battle, this seminar offers a rare perspective from the front lines: the testimony of the last remaining Kapyong veteran in Western Australia. By combining first-hand accounts with historical data, the presentation explores how a force of under 1,000 men repelled an onslaught twelve times their size, as well as the evolution of the Kapyong legacy in both Australia and Korea.

Speaker:
Dr Hea-Jin Park is a historian and team member of the Korea Research and Engagement Centre (KRC) at Curtin. She was born in Korea, raised in Paraguay, and has been calling Australia home for over 20 years. She completed her medical degree at the Universidad Nacional de Asunción and received the doctoral degree from the Australian National University for her thesis on the history of South Korean agricultural migration to South America. Her current research projects focus on the story of Australians who have had a significant impact on the relationship between Australia and Korea, including the Australian missionaries and their work in Korea since 1889, the Australian veterans of Korean War and two Australian Kelpies, just to name a few. Her work has been featured in Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reports and materials.

Date: 30th April 2026, 12-1p AWST
Location: Curtin Univeristy, Building 211, Room 226
Online Link: https://lnkd.in/gZENbr3P (password: Ui6uf2DZ)

Register for a Korean Studies lunchtime talk on Thursday now (nearly booked out so be quick: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/feed-your-mind-2026-korea-bites-with-professor-jo-elfving-hwang-tickets-1982741958572)

Feed Your Mind 2026: Korea Bites with Professor Jo Elfving-Hwang Is Korean beauty culture just skin deep?

During her recent visit to Korea with a group of Curtin University students, the KRC Director Prof Jo Elfving-Hwang had the pleasure of meeting with the Director Yoon and Ms Kim from the Korea Foundation-한국국제교류재단 Fellowship Program.

The Korea Foundation, which operates under the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a key supporter of Korean Studies programs globally, including providing support for Korean Studies, language and postgraduate research students, as well as global policy research.

Curtin University has also benefitted from the generous support of the Korea Foundation through a teaching staff support grant for our new Korean Studies program at Curtin School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry, and through postgraduate scholarships and a postdoctoral fellowship.

Korean Studies impact stories!

If you're still sitting on the fence thinking about whether taking the plunge and learning Korean is for you, Curtin Korean Studies provides a supportive environment online and in-person. Here's a student testimonial from Joshua (third year student, fully online), pictured here with our brilliant major coordinator Dr Hea-Jin Park:

"Enrolling in Curtin University's Korean Studies program was one of the best decisions I ever made. It was the only university I found offering an online pathway, available both fully online and through OUA. I chose OUA because the four study periods gave me the flexibility to balance my studies around my work and living arrangements as international cabin crew. I could complete units from anywhere in Australia, or even overseas, without compromising the quality of my learning.

Curtin’s Korean Studies program is uniquely dedicated to building strong linguistic and cultural competencies in Korean. Through flexible tutorials, I have been able to practice my conversational skills and gradually build confidence in using the language in a fun, dynamic, and supportive environment. The course goes beyond grammar and vocabulary, incorporating analysis of Korean media texts, idioms, and onomatopoeia, helping me to develop a nuanced understanding of native language use, something rarely offered in traditional LOTE instruction at other Australian institutions.

I especially appreciated how unit material was live and responsive to real-world events. This made my learning relevant and engaging, allowing me to explore the forces that have shaped the Korean peninsula and gain a deeper understanding of contemporary cultural, social, and economic trends.

Curtin also prepares students to reach a high level of proficiency, equivalent to the National Institute of Korean Language’s Standard Curriculum Upper 3/Lower 4 on the TOPIK scale. The program supported me in preparing for the TOPIK test by encouraging diverse use of the language, from critical debate and media analysis to daily-life roleplays, helping me feel fully confident to take the test after completing the program.

In addition, Curtin offers study tours and internship programs in Korea, as well as a wide range of elective units. This flexibility allowed me to tailor my learning to complement my major, deepen my interests, and broaden my skill set in ways other providers cannot match. Thanks to Curtin’s Korean Studies program, I feel prepared not only to speak Korean confidently but also to engage meaningfully with Korea’s dynamic culture and understand its influence on international relations. The program combines academic excellence, cultural depth, and practical flexibility in a way unmatched elsewhere. I cannot recommend it enough and am grateful for the wonderful support and instruction I have received."

Curtin School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry Curtin University Curtin Faculty of Humanities

Looking for a good first year elective at Curtin University? KORE1000 is a good choice 👇

Wondering what to select as your Level 1 elective unit at Curtin Uni?

If you’re stressing about picking an elective, KORE1000 (Korean Beginners 1) is a smart choice. It’s designed specifically for complete beginners, even if you’ve never studied a language before.

Big bonus: it’s CSP-subsidised, so you even save in HECS! It also runs both semesters, is well-structured, and taught by our fantastic Korean Studies Lecturer Dr Hea-Jin Park.

Great option if you want something manageable (affordable!) and useful, especially for Commerce, Media or IR students who’ll need cultural literacy skills in their future careers.

(The photo is from our study tour to Seoul this January and February 2026 - another perk for studying at Curtin! 😊)

Curtin students are currently undertaking a 4-week internship and study tour program in Korea!

Australia-Korea Foundation Korean Embassy in Australia 주호주한국대사관

Another High Schools Global Futures Challenge about to start in an hour! 😎

[EXTERNAL EVENT] Call for papers | Asian Humanities Today: Tradition, Transformation and Future

Conference date & venue: 3 – 4 July 2026, University of Sydney

Submission deadline: 15 December 2025

This conference is presented by the Australian Society for Asian Humanities, supported by the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

Interested scholars and postgraduate students across the globe are invited to an exciting two-day conference organised by the Australian Society for Asian Humanities (ASAH) on 3 and 4 July 2026 at the University of Sydney. This is the first conference under the current name.

This conference will be held at the University of Sydney, the oldest university in Australasia, located in a city deeply shaped by rich historical interaction with Asia. Applications are invited for organised panels, individual papers or alternative formats.

More info here:

Conferences – Australian Society for Asian Humanities This conference is presented by the Australian Society for Asian Humanities, supported by the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.