Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie smiles as he takes his seat before the Institute for Korean Studies opening ceremony. The institute was created through generous support from The Korea Foundation, whose contribution also made possible the first endowed chair in Korean studies.Institute for Korean Studies Director Seung-kyung Kim speaks during the ceremony. She is also the founding Korea Foundation Chair in Korean Studies and a professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. IU School of Global and International Studies Dean Lee A. Feinstein welcomes IU President Michael A. McRobbie to the podium during the opening ceremony of the Institute for Korean Studies.IU President Michael A. McRobbie talks about the importance of the Institute for Korean Studies. IU began offering the first Korean language courses in the Midwest in 1962 through the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, now the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures.A string quartet performs "Springtime in my Hometown" (variations on a Korean folksong) during the Institute for Korean Studies opening ceremony. The student performers include Sun Huh (violin), Nathaniel Shapiro (violin), Jinrok Kim (viola) and Seung Ah Hong (cello).IU School of Global and International Studies Dean Lee A. Feinstein (right) introduces former Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Thomas C. Hubbard during the Institute for Korean Studies opening.Korean Foundation President Sihyung Lee addresses the audience during the Institute for Korean Studies opening ceremony. IU President Michael A. McRobbie and IU Vice President for International Affairs David Zaret have a conversation as they walk down the hall in the Global and International Studies building following the ceremony. The new Institute for Korean Studies is a prime example of efforts being made by IU’s School of Global and International Studies to build on the university’s longstanding commitment to the study of East Asian and Pacific nations, specifically Korea. Following the Institute for Korean Studies opening ceremony, the Samulnori Korean Percussion Ensemble performed during a reception held in the atrium of the Global and International Studies Building. The ensemble consists of IU students Josep Han, Peace Han, Joshua Lee and Chaeri Park.The Samulnori Korean Percussion Ensemble performs during a reception held in the atrium of the Global and International Studies Building.
