Ji Yeon Hong

Ji Yeon (Jean) Hong is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies at the University of Michigan. Her work focuses on the political economy of authoritarianism, particularly in East Asia. She holds affiliations with the Nam Center for Korean Studies (NCKS Core Faculty), the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS Faculty), and the Department of Political Science within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA).

Dr. Hong earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from New York University, and her M.S. and B.A. from Seoul National University in International Relations and Political Science/Economics. Before joining the University of Michigan, she held faculty positions at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), serving as Assistant Professor (2014–2020) and Associate Professor (2020–2022).

Her research explores the legacies of authoritarianism, including the long-term impacts of political violence, elite behavior under authoritarian regimes, and the determinants of policy decisions. Recent work examines topics such as South Korea’s democratic transition, China’s governance challenges, and the socio-political consequences of historical repression in Taiwan and South Korea.

Dr. Hong’s articles analyze themes like electoral politics in democratizing societies, corruption in authoritarian contexts, and the role of historical memory in shaping contemporary politics. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges comparative politics, political economy, and Asian studies. She actively participates in academic networks and policy dialogues on East Asian governance and democratization.

While no formal awards are listed, her extensive publication record highlights her contributions to understanding authoritarian systems and their transitions. Dr. Hong’s advising and grant activities are central to her academic profile, though specific details about students or funded projects are not publicly detailed here. She is affiliated with research centers that foster collaboration across disciplines and regions.