Korean American Communication Association
NEWSLETTER
한미커뮤니케이션학회
Edited
by K.Hazel Kwon, Hojeong Lee, SeonWoo Kim, Jihyun Kang, Hyunji Lim
Cover designed by Seoukhoon Ahn
Table of Content
KACA – BUSINSS
President Welcome Message: 3-4
Welcome New Leadership Team: 5
Membership Fee and Cycles: 6
Calls for Submission: 7-12
Member Recognitions: 13-14
2025 KACA-NCA REPORT: 15-20
2026 KACA CONFERENCE REPORT: 21-32
FINANCIAL REPORT (Sept-Dec 2025): 33-35
MEMBER LIST (Updated in Jan 2026): 36- 38
KACA-BUSINESS
President’s Welcome Message
Dear KACA Members,
It is such an honor for me to serve as the 19th President of the Korean American Communication Association (KACA) to continue growing the legacy of KACA and go above and beyond. The Korean American Communication Association (KACA) has been remarkably flourished since its foundation in 1978 and has made profound impacts on KACA members personally and professionally. The growth of the KACA is evident, even by looking at the number of the executive officers from two founding officers to the 15 executive officers, including myself.
Not only KACA successfully continue its collaboration with the prominent scholarly societies such as ICA, NCA, and AEJMC, but we have also established new relationships with the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and the Korean Foundation. Among all the milestones thus far, under the leadership of Drs. Do Kyun David Kim (inaugural editor in chief) and Dal Yong Jin (current editor in chief), KACA successfully launched the first publication of Korean Journal of Communication (KJC) through the University of Texas Press in 2024. To support the ongoing publications of KJC, the former President, Drs. Jin-Ae Kang and Yeonsoo Kim secured a Korean Studies grant from ASK in 2025. Moreover, KACA successfully held its second annual conference at George Washington University, with the support from multiple sponsors including the Korea Foundation and many other universities. We are also hosting the 3 rd KACA-KOFICE research session during the NCA conference in November 2025. Thanks to numerous dedicated KACA leaders and members, KACA’s accomplishments are truly outstanding, and its excellence in scholarly activities and professional collaborations with other associations will remain strong.
KACA-BUSINESS
During my tenure of 2025-2027, KACA will:
Connecting and Networking Members of KACA Across North America and Around the World
Traditionally, KACA was comprised of Korean-heritage, communication scholars based in North America. To broaden our reach and advance global recognition of KACA, we will proactively and strategically commit ourselves to connect with former and current members of KACA while further expanding our network of potential collaborators around the world. KACA Annual Conference will serve as a key platform for facilitating the exchange of professional knowledge and collaboration, as well as for fostering social connections among members worldwide. The KACA Annual Conference is not limited to Korean studies and communication in North America but has expanded to include Korea and many other countries. The research scope also extends to other disciplines whose work intersects with communication.
Collaborating with other professional associations is another strategic way to promote KACA. For example, KACA has collaborated with Korean Society for Journalism and Communication Studies (KSJCS), Korean Academic Society for Public Relations (KASPR), and the Chinese Communication Association, to name a few. We will make continued efforts to build an interdisciplinary scholarly community, strengthen international networks, and expand our outreach and visibility.
Commemorating a Milestone: KACA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
This term, KACA will also dedicate its efforts to prepare for the 50 th anniversary celebration in 2028. The Ad-Hoc Advancement Committee was formed in May 2025, specifically to shape and advance KACA’s strategic vision. Our team will continue working toward a remarkable celebration of KACA’s 50th anniversary, highlighting scholarly excellence through KJC journal and successful KACA Annual Conferences that foster international and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The future of KACA depends on the vision we shape today. I hope my message resonates with many of KACA members and encourages you to join our collective team efforts. KACA can only move forward when we stand strong together. As much as we strive for the success of every member, I also hope you will continue to support and advocate for KACA, both now and in the years to come.
Sincerely,
YoungJu Shin, Ph.D. President, 2025-2027
KACA-BUSINESS
Membership Updates and New Cycle Information
KACA has released its latest membership structure, offering several tiers designed to support scholars at different career stages. Student memberships remain at $25, while regular memberships are set at $50 with optional $5 donations that members may designate toward graduate student travel support, KACA conference support, KJC publications, or KACA operational needs. The Prime Membership, priced at $147, continues to honor KACA’s 1978 founding year, and Lifetime Memberships remain available at $1,000. Lifetime memberships are eligible to become Champion memberships through unlimited additional donation.
A revised membership cycle takes effect this year. Renewals processed between January 1 and April 30, 2025 will run through December 31, 2025, while renewals between May 1 and November 6, 2025 will extend through December 31, 2026. The update aims to streamline the renewal process and align with broader association planning. Check out our new membership categories at www.koreancommunication.org/membership-categories.
New Membership Categories
STUDENT MEMBER
$25
Including postdoctoral fellows
REGULAR MEMBER
PRIME MEMBER
$50
Additional donation for Student travel
KACA conference
KJC publication
KACA operation
New Membership Cycles
01/01/2025 04/30/2025
$147
$50 + $97(19 +78): Recognizing 1978 the year of KACA foundation
until 12/31/2025
LIFETIME MEMBER
$1k
With the option of making unlimited additional donation, to be inducted as a Champion Member.
until 12/31/2026
KACA-BUSINESS
Call For Submission: 2026 KACA-NCA Click HERE for more details!
KACA-BUSINESS
Call For Submission: 2026 AEJMC-NCA Click HERE for more details!
KACA-BUSINESS
Click HERE for more details! .
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KACA-BUSINESS
Call For Submission: David Tae Young Cho Memorial Scholarship
2026 David Tae Yong Cho Memorial Scholarship
The Korean American Communication Association (KACA) is pleased to announce the continuation of the David Tae Yong Cho Memorial Scholarship program to support our student members. The scholarship is funded by contributions made in 2022 by friends and colleagues in honor of the Rev. David Tae Yong Cho, a dedicated journalist and passionate defender of press freedom in South Korea and the U.S. See details HERE
The David Tae Yong Cho Memorial Scholarship is designed for students in communication, including but not limited to journalism, advertising, public relations, press freedom, and Korean news media studies. Up to two scholarship recipients will be selected, and each will receive a scholarship of $500.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a graduate student currently enrolled at a university as of Spring 2026 and hold an active KACA membership.
Requirements
Your application packet must include:
(1) Cover letter that explains the focus of your study or research and its relevance to the scholarship (no more than 750 words)
(2) CV or resume with your reference/contact information (name, affiliation, and email)
All application materials must be in English and submitted as a single document in Microsoft Word or PDF format via email to jkim227@ua.edu. A confirm email should be sent within 48 hours of your submission.
Timeline
Application deadline: April 1, 2026
Award announcement: May 1, 2026
Recipients will be officially recognized at the annual KACA Conference business meeting in January 2027.
For more information or questions, please contact the scholarship committee chair, Dr. Jihoon (Jay) Kim, at jkim227@ua.edu.
KACA-BUSINESS
Call For Submission: Empowering Research in Korean Communication Studies: KACA-KOFICE Grant Initiative
KACA and KOFICE are delighted to announce our continued collaborative research grant initiative, aimed at fostering innovative scholarly endeavors within the realm of Korean culture and communication. This collaborative initiative will offer funding opportunities ranging from $500 to $1,000 to support 2 to 4 scholarly teams in their research projects, fostering innovation in communication studies. See details Here
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
• Global phenomenon of K-contents (e.g., K-pop, K-drama) and its impact worldwide
• Strategic communication within the cultural context of Korea
• Dynamic relationships between K-culture, social media platforms, and interactive communication
• Effective media strategies tailored specifically for K-contents
• Addressing other pertinent issues at the intersection of Korean culture and communication
We welcome submissions that embrace diverse theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, fostering a rich and interdisciplinary discourse within the field. Grant recipients will be required to present their findings at a special session jointly organized by KACA and KOFICE during one of the annual KACA sponsored conferences (ICA, AEJMC, NCA), or KACA conference. Additionally, selected projects will have the opportunity to be featured in a special issue of the Korean Journal of Communication, published by the University of Texas Press.
Deadline: All grant proposals must be submitted to icakaca2021@gmail.com by no later than May 31st, Sunday, 2026 (Midnight, EST).
Qualifications: All KACA members, including graduate students, non-tenure-track, tenure-track, and tenured faculty, who have paid dues in 2026 are eligible to submit a grant proposal. Membership can be obtained at the time of proposal submission.
Format: Proposals should consist of a single space, two- to three-page document (excluding references and budget information/justification), encompassing the project's title, description/objectives, a concise literature review, research questions or hypotheses, and a methodology section. Submissions must adhere to APA style or any other standard academic format.
Submission Process and Requirements: Grant proposals should be emailed to icakaca2021@gmail.com Submissions must include a separate cover page with the paper title, author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), mailing address(es), email address(es), and phone number(s). To ensure blind review, the proposal should not contain any authoridentifying information other than on the cover page.
For any inquiries regarding the grant, please contact Dr. YoungJu Shin, President of KACA, at youngju.shin@gwu.edu.
KACA-BUSINESS
Call For Submission: 2026 JAE-WON LEE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
KACA Jae-won Lee Distinguished Service Award Committee is accepting nominations for up to 2 awards this year. Deadline is June 1, 2026.
See Details HERE
About the award: The Jae-won Lee Distinguished Service Award was first established in 2018 to honor Dr. Jae-won Lee (Professor Emeritus Cleveland State), the founder and a two-time president of Korean American Communication Association (KACA) through a generous donation from Dr. Lee’s family.
Dr. Lee, an inspiring role model and dedicated mentor to countless Korean and non-Korean students and scholars, is remembered for his lifelong commitment to KACA’s mission. The purpose of this award is to recognize a person who has demonstrated many years of extraordinary service and steadfast commitment to the mission of KACA, carrying forward Dr. Lee’s legacy. Unlike other KACA awards, the applications for this award will be reviewed separately by the KACA Jae-won Lee Distinguished Service Award Committee, a group of senior KACA members who are appointed by Dr. Lee’s family.
Nominations: Please email following documents as a single PDF file to the Awards Committee Chair, Dr. Taehyun Kim (taehyun.kim@csun.edu)
Self-nomination:
1) Current C.V.
2) Personal Statement addressing the following question:
“Describe how your service and contributions to KACA have helped realize Dr. Lee’s long-term vision of KACA becoming a premier organization for Korean and non-Korean students and scholars.”
“How are your records of service and contribution toward KACA closely aligned with as well as foster Dr. Lee’s long-term vision for KACA as an organization for Korean and non-Korean students and scholars” (Word count: less than 1,000)
3) Names and contact information of two references
Nominate someone:
Email a 300-word description of the nominee to the Award Committee Chair. In acceptance of the nomination, the nominee will be asked to submit documents listed in the selfnomination option.
The award winners will be recognized at the annual KACA Conference. The recognition includes a monetary award of $500.
*Jae-won Lee Distinguished Service Award recipients:
2020: Dr. Seungahn Nah (University of Florida) 2024: Dr. Jinae Kang (East Carolina University)
For further information: Taehyun Kim, Ph.D., Awards Committee Chair
Associate Professor, Dept. of Journalism, California State University, Northridge
Email: taehyun.kim@csun.edu
Tel: (818) 427-8875
RECOGNITION
KACA gives big shoutouts to our member for their achievements and milestones (Sep25 – Jan26).
• Dr. Jeonghyun Janice Lee (Louisiana State U) has been named the founding director of the AI & Misinformation Lab at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication. The lab will serve as a hub for research on its impact across public relations, digital advertising, journalism, and political communication—areas where clarity and credibility matter more than ever.
• Dr. David C. Oh (Syracuse U) has received the Distinguished Scholar Award from the NCA Asian/Pacific American Communication Studies Division, an honor that recognizes both sustained scholarly excellence and meaningful contributions to the field.
• Dr. Sangwon Lee (Korea U) was awarded the Michael Pfau Outstanding Article Award at the National Communication Association, highlighting the significance and impact of his research among peers and leaders in communication studies.
• Dr. Minji Kim (Flagler College) celebrates her podcast debut across 70 radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada through her feature on the Academic Minute series (also available on Spotify and NPR). In this episode, she discusses her forthcoming research findings on how mukbang content shapes viewers’ emotional responses and influences their behaviors related to food choices and consumption. Listen here:
• Dr. K. Hazel Kwon (Arizona State U) is celebrating the successful conclusion of her team’s three-year collaborative project with the International Center for Journalists and the University of Maryland, and City St. GeorgeUniversity of London, examining how ethnic media counter misinformation. The project culminates in a public report, now available here.
MEMBER RECOGNITION
KACA is delighted to announce the recipients of KACAsponsored awards at 2025 NCA and 2026 KACA Conference
• Dr. Jiyoun Suk (University of Connecticut) received The 2025 KACA-NCA Emerging Scholarship award.
• A paper “From Sentiment to Structure: Networked Affective Publics in 2024 South Korean Martial Law Crisis” received the The Top Paper in the Student Submission Category at the 2026 KACA conference. The paper was coauthored by Zituo Wang (University of Southern California), Siyi Zhou (University of Southern California), Jiayi Wang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Donggyu Kim (University of Southern California), Bumju Jung (University of Southern California), Ji Ye Kim (University of Southern California), Ashwin Balasubramanian (University of Southern California), Vito Zou (University of Southern California)
• Dr. Donghee Shin (Texas Tech University) and Dr. Joon Soo Lim (Syracus University) received the Top Paper in the Open Submission Category for their paper “Algorithmic Hallyu: Amplifying Reach, Eroding Roots?” at the 2026 KACA conference.
NOVEMBER 21–24, 2025
DENVER/AURORA,CO
KACA-NCA 2025
During the KACA–NCA Business Meeting, Dr. Seokhoon Ahn (Central Washington University, KACA-NCA VP, delivered the session report and introduced the new leadership team.
Emerging Scholarship Award: Dr. Jiyoung Suk
We are delighted to announce the recipient of the 2025 KACA-NCA Emerging Scholarship Award: Dr. Jiyoun Suk (University of Connecticut). Congratulations to Dr. Suk on this outstanding recognition of her significant early-career achievements.
Dr. Sangwook Lee’s Service for KACA-KOFICE Social Dinner
Additionally, KACA extends profound appreciation to Dr. Sangwook Lee (University of Colorado Boulder) for his dedicated service in assisting with the arrangements for the 2025 KACA–KOFICE social dinner.
KACA-NCA2025
Introduction and Session Overview
At the 2025 NCA Convention, our KACA–NCA Research Session titled “Elevating Korean Communication: People, Platforms, and Pilgrimages” brought together scholars committed to examining Korean and Korean diasporic communication in fresh and meaningful ways. The session took place on Friday, November 21, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. in Cottonwood 03 and was chaired by Dr. Jin A Choi of Montclair University, whose warm facilitation set the tone for an engaging and collaborative conversation.
Presentation Highlights
The session opened with Dr. Seulgi Park (Utah State University), who presented “Navigating Othering in U.S. Healthcare: Co Cultural Communication Strategies Among Korean Immigrants.” Her work shed light on the complexities of healthcare encounters and invited attendees to reconsider how co cultural communication unfolds in real world contexts.
Next, Dr. Chunyu Zhang from Shanghai International Studies University shared their study titled “From Screen Fan to Transnational Pilgrim Fan: Chinese K Pop Fans Pilgrimage to Korea and Identity Transformation.” Their presentation illustrated how mobility, fandom, and identity intersect in transformative ways for young cultural travelers.
Audience Engagement
Approximately 25 scholars joined us, creating a lively space for meaningful dialogue. Among them was Dr. Mark Orbe, founder of co cultural theory, whose presence made the morning especially memorable. He expressed appreciation for the presenters’ careful engagement with the nuances of his theory, emphasizing that its purpose is to amplify unheard minority voices rather than reduce communication to a simple majority minority binary. His recognition underscored the rigor of the work shared. We are grateful to all presenters and attendees. The photo captures only a glimpse of the insight and energy that filled the room.
KACA-NCA2025
KACA-KOFICE Keynote Speech
We were honored to feature Dr. Stephanie L. Young, Professor of Communication Studies and Director of the Basic Course at the University of Southern Indiana, as the distinguished keynote speaker for the joint KACA Business Meeting/KOFICE Special Session on Friday, November 21st. Although unexpected weather conditions affected travel schedules nationwide, Dr. Young ensured her participation by providing a high-quality pre-recorded keynote, which was shared during the session held from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM in Cottonwood 03.
Key points from the presentation:
Dr. Young delivered a compelling keynote that wove together her own narratives as a biracial Korean American scholar with broader insights into how Korean and Korean American cultural expressions are reshaping global ideas of identity and belonging. She highlighted the worldwide reach of Korean media and cultural practices, along with the growing visibility of Korean American creators, as key forces expanding how Koreanness is imagined and claimed. These cultural flows, she noted, intersect with diasporic experiences and offer new ways to navigate hybridity, heritage, and home.
Dr. Young also emphasized that Korean Americans, Korean adoptees, interracial Koreans, and transnational Koreans rely on digital and cultural platforms as meaningful spaces for storytelling and community building. She concluded by calling for a more inclusive and layered understanding of Korean identity that values difference, strengthens a connection, and recognized the vital role of technology in linking communities across generations.
The 2024-2025 KACA-KOFICE Grant Session: Empowering Research in Korean Communication Studies
Thanks to the continued partnership and generous support from KOFICE, our latest cohort of research grantees has produced impactful and timely work addressing key issues in Korean Studies. These projects offer valuable insights into:
• Andrea Lim (U of Texas Austin) "Digital Culture & Social Sanctioning: Analyzing how cultural orientations shape the mechanisms of social sanctioning and the "canceling" phenomenon within K-pop fan communities.”
• Zituo Wang (U of Southern California) “Media, Emotion, and Political Action: Exploring the critical role of social media's emotional and visual power in the successful mobilization of protest during South Korea’s 2024 martial law crisis.”
• Seokhoon Ahn (Central Washington U) “Immigration, Identity, and Culture: Investigating the shifting perspectives on gender, the concept of 'home,' and cultural retention among first-generation Korean immigrants from various migration periods.”
We are grateful to the researchers for their dedication to advancing these important conversations, and to KOFICE for making this vital work achievable.
ANDREA LIM (U. of Texas-Austin)
ZITUO WANG (U. of Southern California)
Seokhoon Ahn (Central Washington U.)
KACA-NCA2025
KACA–KOFICE Social Networking Dinner Highlights
We were delighted to host the KACA–KOFICE Social Networking Dinner on Friday, November 21, from 7 to 9 pm at Young Gung, a Korean-style Chinese restaurant in Aurora, Colorado. Although the ride from the convention hotel took much longer than anticipated at roughly 45 minutes, nearly 30 scholars from across the United States and East Asia joined us for an evening of collegial connection. Throughout the dinner, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about thriving as scholars in today’s academic landscape, identifying research areas that are especially urgent in our current moment, and reflecting on ongoing grant projects and recent keynote presentations. We were especially grateful for the presence of attendees traveling from South Korea, China, Taiwan, and across the United States, as well as past and current KACA leaders, graduate students, and both junior and senior scholars.
2026 KACA Conference Report
January 2–5, 2026
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
KACA Conference 2026
Held in Hawaiʻi for the first time, the KACA conference brought together 76 scholars from seven countries, fostering a vibrant and truly international exchange of ideas. A total of 41 studies were presented across six research sessions, two high-density sessions, and one panel session (20 full papers, 9 extended abstracts, and 12 works in progress). In partnership with Dongguk University, we co-organized a collaborative session that further strengthened global academic ties. Beyond research presentations, the conference emphasized mentoring through engaged Q&A discussions and a dedicated rotating mentoring session, offering meaningful guidance to graduate students and junior faculty in areas such as research, teaching, and career development.
Day 1
Welcoming Remarks: Youjeong Kim (Vice President, KACA Conference)
Moderator: Dr. YoungJu Shin (President, KACA/ George Washington U)
President Invited Panel: Dr. Dal Yong Jin, Dr. Nojin-Kwak, Dr. Hye-ryeon Lee, Dr. Kwan Min Lee, Dr. Moon J. Lee
KACA Conference 2026
Day 2
Research Session 1: AI, Communication, and Consumer Perception Session Chair: Kibum Youn (Kutztown University of Pennsylvania)
• Companion vs. Assistant: User Dependency, Health Information Seeking, and Health Advice Adoption from Generative AI: Joon Soo Lim, Nalae Hong, Erika Schneider (Syracuse U)
• How Users Talk to AI: Communicative Orientations and Language Use in Online Forums: Taeyoung Kim, Young June Sah (Sogang U)
• Consumer Attitudes Toward Fashion Brands Using AI Models: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Eeriness and Likability: Bingbing Zhang (U of Iowa), Yujin Heo (Penn State U)
• From Media-Based Evaluation Threats to AI Chatbot Counseling: Fear and Avoidance as Psychological Mechanisms: Sohee Yoon, Seunghee Lee (Yonsei U)
KACA Conference 2026
Session 2: Intergroup Relations and Community Studies
Session Chair: Yujin Heo (Penn State U)
• The Impact of Brand DEI Message Continuity Amid Political Controversy on Perceived Authenticity and Advertising Effectiveness: The Moderating Role of Consumers’ Preexisting DEI Attitudes and Political Ideology: Jihyun Yoo, Juyeon Lee (Yonsei U)
• The Audiences We Imagine: Political Expression, Disclosure Intensity, and Self-Effects in Networked Media: Soya Boo (Seoul National U)
• Accuracy and Defense Motives in Health Information Seeking and Avoidance: The Moderating Role of Political Ideology in South Korea: Hye Kyung Kim (Nanyang Technological U), Rui Gu (Nanyang Technological U), Yungwook Kim (Ewha Womans U)
• From Mythic Wonder to Existential Threat: Public Imaginaries of AI in TED Talks Discourses (2003-2025): Dokyum Kim (Hanyang U), Kyungsun Karen Lee (Zayed U)
KACA Conference 2026
High Density I: K-pop, K-dramas, and Digital Communities (Sponsored by Dongguk U)
Session Chair: Wonjae Choi (Dongguk U)
• K-pop Idol Reexplained: GCMs as Resisting Fandom Discourse towards the Making of Diaspora in K-pop’s Transnationalism: Chengbao Seong-Bo Jin (U of Virginia), Yuxuan Jin (Penn State U)
• Spectacle as Proof: Televisuality and the Construction of Authenticity in Reality TV: Janet Jeewon Chon (U of Massachusetts Amherst)
• The Emerging Charisma of 0s and 1s: Unraveling the Intricacies of Virtual Idol Adoption: Andrea Kecić (BI Norwegian Business School), Amanda Duarte (Leal Marketing), Sun Kyong Lee (Korea U)
• The Korean Wave in Pakistan: How K-Dramas Drive Cultural and Behavioral Shifts: Saleem Abbas (Forman Christian College)
• Social Support Provision in Korean Cancer Vlog Channels on YouTube: Exploring Homophily through the Lens of Social Capital: Hyang-Sook Kim (Towson U), Heaseung Jeong (Inha U), Mun-Young Chung (Wilkes U)
• When Culture Meets Content: The Role of Culture Familiarity, Content Tone, and Production Congruency on Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions Toward K-Culture Content: Jungyun Won (William Paterson U of New Jersey), Kibum Youn (Kutztown U of Pennsylvania)
• The Dynamics of Fan Engagement in K-pop: Contributions, Recognition, and Community Belonging: Yucong Ma, Yeonsoo Kim, Dorian Williams (U of Texas at Austin)
• Framing of End-of-Life Care: Edutainment through the Korean drama If You Wish Upon Me: Xiaolu Ma, Madeline Jane Miller (U of Minnesota)
• Audience Engagement in “Embitterment” News: Analyzing the Emotional Correlation Function in South Korean News Coverage: Youngkee Ju (Hallym U), Jeonghoon Shin (Seoul National U), Pureum Lee (Hallym U)
KACA Conference 2026
Session 3: Media, Misinformation, and Public Discourse
Session Chair: Jiyoung Kim (U of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)
• Is There a Third Way for News Businesses to be Paid by Digital Platforms? Comparing Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code with South Korea’s Societal Regulation through the Committee for Evaluation of News Partnership: Bumju Jung (U of Southern California)
• How People Explain Their Views on Polls: An Open-Ended Survey Analysis: Young Jin Lee (Korea U), Jaehyun Lee (Ewha Womans U), Sangwon Lee (Korea U), Jihyang Choi (Ewha Womans U)
• From Sentiment to Structure: Networked Affective Publics in 2024 South Korean Martial Law Crisis* (Top Paper in the Student Submission Category): Zituo Wang, Siyi Zhou, Jiayi Wang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Donggyu Kim, Bumju Jung, Ji Ye Kim, Ashwin Balasubramanian, Vito Zou (All authors from U of Southern California, except noted)
KACAConference2026
Elevate Together: Networking and Mentoring for Success Session Chair: Hyang-Sook Kim (Towson U)
We organized four tables—Teaching, Research, Career Development, and Job Search—each hosted by one or two mentors. Attendees joined a table for informal, unstructured mentoring conversations and then rotated to other tables throughout the session.
KACA Conference 2026
Day 3
Session 4: Identity, Culture, and Social Dynamics
Session Chair: Jihoon (Jay) Kim (University of Alabama)
• Traveling Stories: An Autoethnography on Hybrid Identities and MotherDaughter Relationships within the Transnational Context: Stephanie L. Young (U of Southern Indiana)
• From Conflict to Solidarity: A Critical Examination of Interethnic Relations between Korean Immigrant and Black Communities in the US: Seokhoon Ahn (Central Washington U), Sukwon Lee (Chungnam National U), Young Choi (U of North Carolina-Chapel Hill)
• Defining Cultural Identity: Meaning-making of “Korean-ness” for Transnational Korean Adoptees: Alexa Mayerhofer (U of Minnesota), Deborah Yoon (U of Minnesota), Noelle Craveiro (U of Minnesota)
• Racism and Cultural Appropriation in K-pop: Perspectives of Global Audiences: Young Jin Lee (Korea U), Seo Young Bae (Korea U), Sangwon Lee (Korea U)
KACA Conference 2026
Session 5: AI, Authenticity, and Crisis Management
Session Chair: Jungyun Won (William Paterson U of New Jersey)
KACA Conference 2026
High Density 2: Media, Identity, and Social Dynamics: Emotion, Accountability, and Communication in Digital and Health Contexts
Session Chair: Se Jung Kim (SUNY Polytechnic Institute)
• Beyond the Digital Divide: Older Adults’ Digital Practices and Challenges in South Korea: Soo Young Bae (U of Massachusetts Amherst)
• The Politics of “Fakeness”: Discourses around Deepfake Pornography and Obscuring of Accountability: Jiwon Jenn Oh (U of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign), Jane Yeahin Pyo (Tulane U)
• Who Made This Ad? Exploring Anthropocentric Bias and Producer Identity in Consumer Responses to AI Creativity in Korea: Youjeong Kim (U of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa), Yeuseung Kim (Chung-Ang U), Heaseung Jeong (Inha U)
• Beyond “Who’s to Blame?” Exploring Obesity Attribution, Stigma Management Communication, and Health Behavior Intentions in U.S. Adults: Sunouk You (Hankyong National U), Soo Jin Kim (Ewha Womans U), Sera Choi (Grand Valley State U)
• Revisiting the Study of Neutral Products and Gendered Spokespersons in Advertising: Cailin Kuchenbecker (Chapman U)
• Personalization and Human-Robot Etiquette: Implications for Collectivist Societies: Yuhosua Ryoo (U of Minnesota Duluth), Woo Jin Kim (U of Colorado Boulder), Mark Yi-Cheon Yim (U of Massachusetts Lowell)
• Who Said It and How Real Is It? The Role of Whistleblowers in Crisis Escalation and Resolution in Source Hypocrisy, Authenticity, and Organizational Responsibility: Jeonghyun Janice Lee (Louisiana State U), Jeesun Kim (Incheon National U)
• Investigating Impacts of Asian Immigrant’s Collective Fear and Identity Gaps on Mental Health: YoungJu Shin (George Washington U), Allie Schwartz (George Washington U), Meina Liu (George Washington U)
• Patient-Clinician Communication in Korean Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics: Implications for Improving the Feasibility of the Shared Decision Making (SDM) Frameworks: Woo Jin Chang, Myoungsoon You, Sujin Seo (Seoul National University), Bom Kim, Hyoseon Choi (Kyung Hee U) (All authors from Seoul National U except noted)
KACA Conference 2026
Research Session 6: Social Media, Influence, and Activism
• Session Chair: Seokhoon Ahn (Central Washington U) Influential Idols, Critical Fans: Fan Sense-Making and the Impact of Celebrity Activism: Yufan (Sunny) Qin, Victoria Bertram, Kristen Okamoto, Chang Wan Woo (James Madison U)
• Strategic Alignment of Social Media Influencer Type and Communication Style: Narrative vs. Non-Narrative Approaches in CSR Messaging on Social Media: Yeonsoo Kim, Hyunji Kim, Soyon Choi, Jingyue Tao (U of Arkansas), Yilin Huang (all authors from U of Texas at Austin, excepted noted)
• Enhancing Message Credibility Through Social Identity Congruence: Implications for Climate Change Communication: Seo Yoon Lee (Texas Christian U), Youngji Seo (Baylor U)
• Algorithmic Hallyu: Amplifying Reach, Eroding Roots? (Top Paper in the Open Submission Category): Donghee Shin (Texas Tech U), Joon Soo Lim (Syracuse U)
KACA Conference 2026
Day 4
KACA Panel Discussion: Beyond Boundaries: Reimagining the Sphere of Korean Scholarship
Moderator: Youjeong Kim (U of Hawai‘i at Mānoa)
Panelists: Jino Chung (U of Texas at Austin), Munyoung Chung (Wilkes U), Hyang-Sook Kim (Towson U), Hyunji Kim (U of Texas at Austin), Ji-Young Kim (U of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa), YoungJu Shin (George Washington U), Jungyun Won (William Paterson U of New Jersey), Kibum Youn (Kutztown U of Pennsylvania)
Networking Event/Dinner/Reception
More than 80 guests, including conference attendees, gathered for the networking dinner and reception on January 4 following the research sessions. The evening provided a warm and engaging atmosphere, with lively conversations and meaningful exchanges among participants.
General Operation Account
KACA FINANCIAL REPORT:Sep25 -Jan26
Special thanks to Dr. Eunyoung Kim for carefully putting together the financial report.
External Grant Accounts
REPORT: Sep25 -Jan26
Graduate Student Account
MEMBER SUPPORT
We extend our deep appreciation to our members whose long-standing commitment has shaped and strengthened the Korean American Communication Association. If you are currently active paid member but do not see your name in the list, please contact Munyoung Chung ( munyoung.chung@wilkes.edu)
Lifetime Members
Chang-Dae Ham (U of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
Chang Wan Woo (James Madison U)
Eun-Ho Yeo (Plymouth State U)
Eun-Ju Lee (Seoul National U)
Eun-Jung Ki (U of Alabama)
Jeong Nam Kim (U of Oklahoma)
Jihoon Kim (U of Alabama)
Jin-Ae Kang (East Carolina U)
Jiyoung Han (KAIST)
K. Hazel Kwon (Arizona State U)
Kwan Min Lee (Nanyang Tech U)
Nojin Kwak (SUNY Buffalo)
Seokhoon Ahn (Central Washington U)
Seok Kang (U of Texas San Antonio)
Sung-Un Yang (Boston U)
Yeonsoo Kim (U of Texas at Austin)
Younbo Jung (Nanyang Tech U)
YoungJu Shin (George Washington U).
Prime Members (2025-2026)
Heewon Kim, Arizona State U
Jungyun Won, William Paterson U
Won-Ki Moon, U of Florida
Yujin Heo, Pennsylvania State U
MEMBER SUPPORT
We extend our deep appreciation to our members whose long-standing commitment has shaped and strengthened the Korean American Communication Association. If you are currently active paid member but do not see your name in the list, please contact Munyoung Chung ( munyoung.chung@wilkes.edu)
Regular Members
Ben Han U of Georgia
Bumjo Oh SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center
Cailin Kuchenbecker Chapman U
David Oh Syracuse U
Deborah Yoon U of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Do Own (Donna) Kim U of Illinois Chicago
Dokyum Kim Hanyang U
Erika Schneider Syracuse U
Eugene Jang Rochester Institute of Tech
Eugene Kim The U of Mississippi
Eunyoung Kim Auburn U at Montgomery
Gi Woong Yun U of Nevada, Reno
Hailey Shim KBS
HS Kim Towson U
Hye Kyung Kim Nanyang Tech U
Hye-ryeon Lee U of Hawaii at Manoa
Hyerim Jo U at Albany, SUNY
Hyoseon Choi Kyung Hee U School of Medicine
Jaehyeon Jeong Yonsei U
Jeehyun Jenny Lee U of Illinois Chicago
Jeeyun (Sophia) Baik U of San Diego
Jeonghyun Lee Louisiana State U
Ji Young Kim U of Hawaii at Manoa
Jihyun Kang Ball State U
Jihyun Esther Paik Yonsei U
Jinhyon Kwon Flagler College
Jiyoun Suk U of Connecticut
Jiyoung Cha Penn State U
Joo-Wha Hong Sungkyunkwan U
Joon Soo Lim Syracuse U
Joseph Yoo The U of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Kibum Youn Kutztown U of Pennsylvania
Kilhoe Na Merrimack College
Klive Oh Pepperdine U
Kyongseok Kim Towson U
Minwoo Lee U of Houston
Moon Lee Syracuse U
Munyoung Chung Wilkes U
Myoungsoon You Seoul National U
Nakho Kim Drexel U
Rachel Son East Carolina U
Rebecca Leach U of Arkansas
S Mo Jones-Jang Boston College
Saleem Abbas Forman Christian College
Sanguk Lee Texas Christian U
Sangwook Lee U of Colorado Boulder
Saymin Lee U of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Se Jung Kim SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Seulgi Park Utah State U
Slgi Lee Pusan National U
Soo Jin Kim Ewha Womans U
Soo Young Bae U of Massachusetts, Amherst
Soya Nah U of South Alabama
Soya Nah U of South Alabama
Stephanie Young U of Southern Indiana
Stephanie Young U of Southern Indiana
Sumin Shin Oklahoma State U
Sun Kyong Lee Korea U
Sung Woo Yoo SUNY Cortland
Susan Grantham U of Hartford
Susanna Lee Boston U
WooJin Kim U of Colorado Boulder
Yeahin Pyo Tulane U
Youjeong Kim U of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Young Ji Kim U of California, Santa Barbara
Young-Sung Kwon Dong-A U
Youngji Seo Baylor U
Youngkee Ju Hallym U
Yufan Qin James Madison U
MEMBER SUPPORT
We extend our deep appreciation to our members whose long-standing commitment has shaped and strengthened the Korean American Communication Association. If you are currently active paid member but do not see your name in the list, please contact Munyoung Chung ( munyoung.chung@wilkes.edu)
Student Members
cbnm Asfhk Yonsei U
Bumju Jung U of Southern California
Alice Kim U of Toronto
Donggyu Kim U of Southern California
Hyunji Kim UT Austin
Jiwon Kim U of Georgia
Lyounghee Kim U of New Mexico
Sung Gi Kim Northwestern U
Joowon Lee U of Georgia
Andrea Lim
The U of Texas at Austin
Madeline Miller U of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Jason Nam U of Florida
Danna Park U of Texas at Austin
Sohyun Park U of Georgia
Juyeon Lee Yonsei U
Soyon Michelle Choi
The U of Texas at Austin
Bumju Jung U of Southern California
Allie Schwartz The George Washington U
Nicole A Mayerhofer U of Minnesota
Taeyoung Kim Sogang U
YoungJin Lee Korea U
Seunghee Lee Yonsei U
Hyungrok Jin
Yucong Ma
The U of Texas at Austin
The U of Texas at Austin
Yuxuan Jin Pennsylvania State U
Andrea Kecić BI Norwegian Business School
Hyeyeon Jang
Sogang univ. student
Jino Chung U of Texas at Austin
Woo Jin Chang Seoul National U
Soya Boo Seoul National U
Jiwon Oh U of Illinois UrbanaChampaign
Alex Paloma Penn State U
Janet Chon U of Massachusetts Amherst
Juyeon Lee Yonsei U
Jihyun Yoo Yonsei U
Zituo Wang U of Southern California
Sohee Yoon Yonsei U
Moonsun Jeon Michigan State U
Byeong-Hyeon Lee U at Buffalo, SUNY
Moonsun Jeon Michigan State U
Yoosun Ham Indiana U