Professor Dong-Eun Lee of the Korean as a Global Language major in the School of Korean Language & Literature at Kookmin University continues her active research and educational activities, focusing on teaching Korean as a Foreign/Second Language. Professor Lee is dedicated to the qualitative improvement of Korean language education and strives to train competent Korean language teachers who will be active in various countries around the world.

Motivation for Conducting Research and Teaching at Kookmin University 
While working as a research professor at another university, Professor Dong-Eun Lee received a positive impression when she attended an academic conference held at Kookmin University. Later, upon seeing a recruitment notice for a faculty position in Korean language education, she began her research at Kookmin University. Professor Lee says, "I was confident that at Kookmin University, I could research Korean language education more deeply and grow together with the students."

Practical Research Connected to the Educational Field 
Professor Lee practices field-oriented education by offering cultural education for Korean language learners and operating overseas practicum programs for pre-service Korean language teachers. She also co-manages retraining programs for local teachers active in King Sejong Institutes and other locations worldwide, which plays an important role in the sustainable development of Korean language education.

Revealing the Relationship Between Hallyu and Korean Language Learning Motivations
Recently, she has been conducting research on how Hallyu fandom affects Korean language learning motivations. Through a survey of over 800 individuals in six countries, she analyzed the correlation between Korean language learning motivations and cultural backgrounds. This research was presented at a North American academic society for Korean language education and received significant attention.

“Researchers Need to Be Able to Read the Changes in Learners” 
Professor Dong-Eun Lee considers ‘communication with people’ the most crucial competency for a researcher. She emphasizes that because Korean language education is closely linked to a grounding in the humanities beyond the language itself, the ability to delicately read and respond to learners' changes is necessary. At the same time, she speaks of perseverance as an important quality for a researcher.

To Students Dreaming of Becoming Future Global Korean Language Teachers 
Professor Dong-Eun Lee expects students passionate about Korean language education to build confidence through field experiences like practicums and to grow into teachers with an international perspective. Professor Lee says, "The learning and experience at Kookmin University will be the first step towards becoming Korean language teachers active all over the world."

Kookmin University, School of Korean Language & Literature Homepage