Gina Hyun Ji Kim, '15, Korea Institute Undergraduate Summer Research Travel Grant-Summer 2014

Since taking a seminar on human trafficking freshman year, I have spent time in and out of the classroom learning more about international human rights and. This summer, thanks to the support of the Korea Institute and the FDR Global Fellowship, I had the opportunity to conduct thesis research in China and Korea. My primary research question was “Under what circumstances do sex trafficking policy changes occur in China and in the Republic of Korea?” My weeks in Seoul were incredible in more ways than one. First and foremost, despite initial challenges securing interviews in Korea, I was able to utilize my family network to obtain diverse and fantastic contacts. One highlight was having the chance to go to the Ministry of Justice (the equivalent of the U.S. Department of Justice) to interview the Chief Prosecutor of the Human Rights Policy Division. Her interview was incredibly helpful and she even had her staff prepare literature on human trafficking in South Korea for me to take back to campus.

Another highlight of my trip was going to the National Assembly to interview the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the National Assembly. I am appreciative of all the time that many government officials, journalists, and NGO workers gave me and all the interviews that I was able to do. Having the opportunity to actually go to Asia to research on the ground was very rewarding. I learned so much more from independent research than I did from classes and books. I have a newfound appreciation for this fight against human trafficking that so many people in many different fields are engaged in. I also gained an appreciation for the huge challenges of conducting independent research, particularly on a topic as controversial and nuanced as human trafficking policy changes.

Beyond just my research, I had an amazing time in Seoul. I got to see my extended family who I haven’t seen since my family immigrated to the U.S. in 1999. Seoul is so modern and fun on one hand, and on the other, it is not difficult to find ancient history and culture. I really enjoyed going to markets around Seoul; Kwangjang Market and Noryangjin Fish Market were my favorite. It was also really fun visiting historic sites such as Namsan Tower and Bukhansan National Park. Most of all, I loved exploring all the places to eat, shop, and hang out in Seoul.

I would like to thank the Korea Institute for their generosity and giving me the opportunity to travel to Korea to conduct thesis research. I would also like to thank my advisors, interviewees, and family, without whom this summer would not have been possible. I can honestly say that this summer was the best summer I have ever had!