About CKS

A group of people interested in Korea, including faculty and Korean students at Michigan State University, and community leaders in the Greater Lansing Area formed an ad hoc committee in 1991 for the purpose of developing a Korean Council under the Asian Studies Center at International Studies and Programs, Michigan State University. It was at this time that Korean Studies at Michigan State University was institutionalized under the leadership of the late Dr. Gill-Chin Lim, Dean of International Studies and Programs (1991-1995).  The late Dr. Vince Hoffman, a professor of Criminal Justice, was invited to hold the position of the Founding President of the council. Dr. Won K. Paik, a professor of Political Science at Central Michigan University, served as the 2nd President of the council.

Korean language and culture have been an integral part of MSU’s academic community for the past several decades, and we are pleased to share the great news that students are able to graduate with a Korean major since Fall 2025. The Korean minor equips students with linguistic proficiency in the Korean language and cultural literacy about Korea and its place in the world. Students gain global cultural understanding, develop communication skills, and think analytically. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, internships, student-centered organizations, and experiential learning opportunities through which they can practice the language and deepen their cultural understanding.

Learn more about Korean Programs at MSU

CKS Board of Directors

Sung Soo Chung  MPH, MS (Capacity Building)
MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
chungsu1@msu.edu

Ji Won Jeon M.F.A.
Assistant Professor
MSU Department of Theatre
kyookim@msu.edu

Kyoo il Kim  Ph.D. (Representative)
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
MSU Department of Economics
kyookim@msu.edu

Youngeun Kim  Ph.D. (Secretary)
Assistant Professor
MSU Department of Linguistics, Languages, & Cultures
kimyo142@msu.edu

Saetbyul Park  Ph.D. (Scholarship Chair)
Assistant Professor
MSU Department of Art, Arty History, & Design
parksaet@msu.edu

Won Song  Ph.D., MPH, RD (Treasurer)
Professor Emeritus
MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
song@msu.edu