The Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) is set to host a special two-part lecture series titled "K-History Unlock" on March 5 and March 8, 2025, in celebration of International Women's Day. This academic program provides a unique platform for emerging Korea studies scholars in the United Kingdom to present their research focusing specifically on women's roles during the Joseon Dynasty period.
The lecture series aims to offer fresh interpretations of how women in Joseon Korea engaged in both political and social spheres, while also connecting these historical themes to contemporary Korean films, television dramas, and other forms of Korean content that have gained international popularity. This approach allows UK audiences to better understand the historical foundations that continue to influence modern Korean cultural productions.
Dr. Seunghye Sun, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK, expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, "In the UK, there is a strong trend toward reinterpreting diverse female narratives. We look forward to seeing emerging scholars of Korean studies in the UK present fresh analyses of the roles of women in the Joseon Dynasty and articulate new meanings within Korean culture."
The K-History Unlock initiative was originally established in response to the rapidly growing interest in Korean history, particularly driven by the rising popularity of Korean content set in historical periods. Last year, the KCCUK successfully hosted a lecture that focused on the historical background of the acclaimed film "Sado" (also known as "The Throne"). This year's program specifically honors International Women's Day 2025 by concentrating on the historical roles and contributions of women throughout Korean history.
The first lecture, titled "Governance from Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Joseon's Queen Dowager Regencies," will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The presentation will be delivered by Lucy Waugh, a PhD candidate at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). This lecture will explore the fascinating question of how royal women managed to wield significant political influence within a predominantly male-dominated society. Waugh will examine seven specific cases of queen dowager regencies throughout Joseon Korea's history, highlighting the crucial role these powerful women played in shaping state governance and demonstrating how they skillfully navigated the complex political landscape from their position "behind the bamboo curtain."
The second lecture, "Gender Propriety and Women's Capacities as Moral Agents," is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Wing Shan Chan, also a PhD candidate at SOAS, will present this session examining the fundamental question of what defined a virtuous woman in Joseon Korea. The presentation will delve into Confucian ideals of virtue and gender roles, with particular focus on how women both conformed to and creatively redefined societal expectations placed upon them. Through detailed analysis of the state reward system known as Jeongpyo (旌表) and moral textbooks called Samgang Haengsilto (三綱行實圖), Chan will explore the various ways in which women exercised personal agency and influence while operating within the constraints of traditional Confucian society.
Through this comprehensive lecture series, the Korean Cultural Centre UK aims to significantly deepen public understanding of the political and social roles that women played throughout the Joseon Dynasty period. The program also seeks to further stimulate and expand interest in Korean history across the United Kingdom, particularly among academic communities and cultural enthusiasts who are increasingly drawn to Korean historical narratives through contemporary media and scholarly research.
