Dr. Eyun-Jung Ki, University of Alabama professor of advertising and public relations, has secured two $15,000 grants from the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. The foundation works to increase mutual understanding and relations with nations around the world.
The first grant will allow Ki to pursue her research proposal on “The Impact of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics on Americans’ Intention to Consume Korean Cultural Contents.” The study will investigate the impact of cultural items including Korean pop music, products or drama after watching the Olympics.
“As the Olympics are a mega-event, there are many opportunities to learn from the mass media coverage and stories about Korean culture, as well as be able to see the impact that watching the Olympics may have on those who tuned in,” said Ki. “Will they want to consume more Korean culture? Will they want to visit the country because of this coverage? These are questions that I hope to answer.”
The second grant will support the Korean American Communication Association’s 40th anniversary conference on Aug. 9 in Washington, DC. Ki currently serves as president of KACA, an organization that works to facilitate academic and social exchanges among Korean communication scholars and students in North America.
Ki and others in KACA are passionate about the work that is being done by the organization, all in an effort to bring Korean-American professionals greater knowledge of the communication field.
“My personal network has grown exponentially through KACA,” said Ki. “I am now able to reach people I never imagined I could be connected with. KACA is the backbone of my academic life and has become the strongest support system for me.”