Breaking Ground in FJCU Student Organizations: The Korean Cultural Research Club
- Mandy Mok
On September 25, 2022, the FJNews announced the establishment of the Korean Cultural Research Club (KCRC), the first student-led organization that features cultural studies at Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU). Created by students from the College of Foreign Language, KCRC aims to introduce Korean culture on campus and enhance FJCU students’ awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of diverse cultures.
Over the last year, FJCU has had 90 registered student clubs and organizations. These extra-curricular associations empower students to explore diverse opportunities and a vibrant campus environment for self-development and camaraderie.
The New Abnormal met with the club president Fan Yuntang, also one of the founders, to learn more about the club.
Fan Yuntang is a sophomore majoring in Japanese Language and Culture. “Last year, I met a Korean friend studying Chinese at the Fu Jen Center of Chinese Language and Culture. We shared the ideas we brought from our culture and learned a lot from each other,” said Fan. “It inspired me to start a club at FJCU to promote interaction and dialogue between Taiwanese and Korean cultures.”
On September 29, the club held its first meeting at the Global Lounge in the CFLL Fr. Franz Giet Building. It attracted over 60 students to participate. The success of this first meeting has expanded the club’s presence in FJCU.
“The KCRC offers a shared space on campus for K-wave lovers to communicate and bond with each other,” said Fan.
K-wave (Korean Wave) refers to a cultural phenomenon of the emerging presence of South Korea in the worldwide entertainment market. Many teenagers in Taiwan are fascinated by K-pop music and idols, including Fan. She has been interested in Korean culture since junior high school. “At first, I was a K-pop fan,” Fan said. “When I was watching Korean TV shows, I started to develop basic knowledge and understanding of South Korea. Then, I decided to study Korean culture and language in depth.”
Members of KCRC, picture taken by Mandy
In recent years, K-wave has gradually risen to an unprecedented level. The explosive popularity of K-wave in Taiwan has been drawing FJCU students’ interests in Korean culture, including food, fashion, and language. “I learned that there are quite a lot of FJCU students indulging in Korean culture. The club is here for everyone to get in touch with campus-wide Korean culture lovers,” said Fan. The club has already attracted 78 members in the second month of its establishment.
“Most importantly, we provide FJCU students with entertaining events blended with education purposes to gain a better, more comprehensive understanding of Korean culture,” said Fan.
The KCRC designs activities that enable students to experience and explore different aspects of South Korea. Each Wednesday, the club members meet and host activities, including Korean cooking classes, Hanbok workshops, K-pop dance classes, and K-pop Nights.
Moreover, the club provides Korean language classes with native Korean teachers. Fan emphasized that the club takes responsibility for ensuring the quality of the lessons. Students can develop and equip themselves with Korean language skills and proficiency at Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced levels.
The club successfully held its first K-pop Night on November 9. It attracted 46 students to attend.
Tsai Chichming and Shermin Tan Yixuan are in their first year majoring in Medical Informatics and Innovative Applications, and Advertising and Public Relations, respectively. They have been fascinated with K-pop since they were young. Tsai and Tan enjoyed the K-pop Night; they appreciated the club’s efforts in bringing them together and organizing activities to engage them with in-depth knowledge of Korean culture and language.
“I enjoy the open and welcoming environment of the club. I believe this is not only a club for K-wave lovers, but also all students at FJCU,” Tsai said.