Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
1st multicultural research institute established
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff reporter
The first research institute dedicated to multiculturalism in Korea was founded Tuesday. The KMC Multicultural Research Institute is an affiliate of the Korea Multicultural Congress (KMC), an organization to promote multiculturalism here.
The institute consists of some 120 professors and 100 experts who work in the field. "This is the largest research center for multiculturalism in Korea," KMC president Kwon Young-kee said. "I hope the institute opens a new phase in multicultural research in Korea and promotes multicultural society."
The KMC appointed Moon Hyoung-koo of Korea University Business School as the chief of the institute.
"The institute will study multiculturalism systematically and in-depth to provide direction to policymakers," Moon said.
At a symposium commemorating the opening of the institute, anthropology professor Chun Kyung-soo of Seoul National University said Korea has to break the "myth" of the single-race.
"Koreans have to admit and respect the difference and identity of other cultures," Chun said. "Networking between government and non-government organizations is important and the KMC plays a role there."
Jeffrey Jones, president of the Partners for the Future, said Koreans have a strong power of unity and thus need consideration and cooperation to achieve social integration in multiculturalism.