Sung-Deuk Oak

Sung-Deuk Oak is an Associate Professor of Korean Christianity in the Department of Asian Languages & Cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Holding the Dongsoon Im and Mija Im Endowed Chair, he works at the intersection of Korean religious history and global Christianity. Contact: oak@humnet.ucla.edu.

• Th.D., Boston University School of Theology (2002)
• Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary (1994)
• Th.M. & M.Div., Presbyterian Theological Seminary (1993, 1991)
• B.A. in Korean History (Seoul National University, 1988)
• B.A. in English Literature (Seoul National University, 1986)

Dr. Oak's research focuses on the history of Korean Christianity and its interactions with East Asian religious cultures. His work examines:

• Protestant encounters with Korean shamanism and Confucianism
• Global missionary networks in East Asia
• Christianity's sociopolitical impact during Korea's colonial period
• Medical missions and modernization through institutions like Chejungwon Hospital
• Postcolonial Christian publishing through the Korean Bible Society

His publications highlight Christianity's role in Korean cultural modernization, particularly through religious publishing, medical missions, and theological adaptation. Current projects include completing The History of the Korean Bible Society, Volume III and editing the Samuel Austin Moffett Papers and Sources of Modern Nursing in Korea.

• Henry Luce Postdoctoral Fellowship (2002)
• Books and Culture Book of the Year Award (2013)

Dr. Oak contributes to Korean Christian historical preservation through his English-language online archives and Korean blog 1000oaks.