معرفی
Wonjun Choi is a Lecturer and Research Associate in the Department of Korean Studies at the Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany. He is currently pursuing his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Dr. You Jae Lee, focusing on South Korean students in West Germany during the Cold War era (1955–1990). His academic work bridges Korean modern history and German-Korean diplomatic relations.
Education:
- PhD in History (ongoing since 2022), Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany
- Master of Arts in Modern History, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (2022)
- Bachelor of Arts in History, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea (2015)
Wonjun Choi’s research centers on Cold War history, particularly the transnational experiences of South Korean students in West Germany. His interests extend to revolutionary movements, the history of violence and power, and the diplomatic and cultural entanglements between Korea and Germany. He has taught courses on Korean education, intercultural competence, and religions in South Korea, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to Korean studies.
His single published article analyzes West Germany’s diplomatic efforts toward Kim Dae-jung’s amnesty, drawing on archival materials from Koblenz and Seongnam. This work exemplifies his methodological rigor and focus on underexplored aspects of German-Korean relations during periods of political repression. The trends in his scholarship point toward a growing academic interest in migration, exile, and intellectual networks during the Cold War.
Scientific Awards:
- Exzellenz-Preis from the Academy of Kim Dae Jung Studies for outstanding Master’s thesis on West Germany’s response to the Kim Dae-jung coup allegations (1980–1981)
Wonjun Choi is actively involved in academic advising and research supervision as a doctoral candidate and teaching lecturer. He has contributed to organizing and publicizing academic events, including high-profile lectures such as that of former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon at Tübingen. While no specific grants are mentioned, his research is supported by institutional affiliation and archival access. He participates in scholarly networks across Europe focused on Korean studies and Cold War history.
He is associated with the Department of Korean Studies at Tübingen, a leading center for Korean humanities in Europe, and contributes to its mission of expanding Korean historical education internationally. He has presented at major symposia on German-Korean relations and the European teaching of Korean history, indicating active engagement in collaborative academic initiatives.
