The K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at the Center for International Studies, Inha University, held a joint academic seminar titled “Korean Studies from Korea and Japan: Exploring New Approaches in Political and Diplomatic Research” on March 6, 2026, at the Grand Conference Room on the 6th floor of the Jeongseok Memorial Library at Inha University. The seminar was co-hosted with the Korean Research Center at Kyushu University, Japan.

This seminar was organized as part of the ongoing academic exchange and cooperation between the two institutions. It aimed to share diverse perspectives on Korean Studies and to explore new research directions from the perspective of political science and diplomacy.

 In his opening remarks, Director Jinyoung Lee of the Center for International Studies at Inha University emphasized the growing importance of Korean Studies amid the rapidly changing international political environment. He also expressed his hope that the joint seminar would serve as a meaningful opportunity to expand academic exchange between scholars from Korea and Japan and to further promote the development of Korean Studies through continued collaboration.

 During the seminar, scholars from Korea and Japan delivered presentations and engaged in discussions on a range of topics, including Korea–Japan relations, East Asian politics, national identity, and changes in Japanese politics. Professor Yoshihiro Ogata of Fukuoka University presented on the topic “The Possibility of Transitional Justice in Korea–Japan Relations,” examining the academic applicability of transitional justice within the context of historical issues and Korea–Japan relations. Following this, Research Professor Seungjae Lee of the Center for International Studies at Inha University delivered a presentation titled “Reconfiguring Hegemonic Competition and the Alliance Dilemma: Differences in Korea and Japan’s Strategies toward the United States.” His presentation analyzed the differing strategies and alliance policies of Korea and Japan toward the United States amid the intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China. 

 Subsequent presentations continued with Research Fellow Ryo Tahara of the Center for International Studies at Inha University, who presented “Korea’s Diplomacy toward Japan as an External Projection of National Identity: Focusing on Diplomacy Surrounding the Launch of NHK’s Korean Language Program.” His presentation explored Korea’s diplomacy toward Japan through the lens of cultural diplomacy and national identity.

Professor Kaoru Izumi of Kyushu University then presented “Structural Changes in Japanese Politics,” explaining the institutional transformations in Japanese politics and the structural characteristics of the recent political environment.

 Following each presentation, Research Fellow Sayoyo Hyung of the Center for International Studies at Inha University, Assistant Professor Yuka Yamaguchi of the Korean Research Center at Kyushu University, Professor Takashi Kimura of Fukuoka Women’s University, and Research Fellow Yunhee Choi of the Center for International Studies at Inha University participated as discussants, offering diverse academic perspectives on the presentations.

In the closing session, Professor Kaoru Izumi, Director of the Korean Research Center at Kyushu University, delivered closing remarks, evaluating the achievements of the joint seminar and expressing expectations for continued academic exchange and expanded collaborative research between the two institutions.

 This joint academic seminar served as a meaningful platform for scholars from Korea and Japan to expand academic exchange through Korean Studies and research in politics and diplomacy, while exploring new research agendas based on the perspectives of both countries. In particular, it holds significance in that it helped lay the foundation for strengthening academic networks and promoting the international diffusion of Korean Studies.

The seminar was jointly organized by the K-Academic Diffusion Research Center at the Center for International Studies, Inha University, and the Korean Research Center at Kyushu University, with support from the Academy of Korean Studies.