Korean Cultural Centre UK Hosts ‘K-History Unlock’ Lectures in Celebration of International Women’s Day
- Special lectures highlight the political roles and social transformations of women in the Joseon Dynasty
The Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK), will host a special lecture series, ‘K-History Unlock’ on 5 March (Wednesday) and 8 March (Saturday) 2025 in celebration of International Women’s Day.
The programme offers an opportunity for emerging Korea studies scholars in the UK to present their research on the Joseon Dynasty. The lectures will reinterpret how women in Joseon engaged in political and social spheres, giving UK audiences a chance to connect these historical themes to contemporary Korean films, dramas, and other K-content.
Dr. Seunghye Sun, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK remarked, “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.”
‘K-History Unlock’ was established in response to the growing interest in Korean history, driven by the rising popularity of K-content set in historical periods. Last year, the KCCUK hosted a lecture centred on the historical background of the film Sado (The Throne). This year’s programme focuses on women’s historical roles in honour of International Women’s Day 2025.
Programme Details
Lecture 1 | Governance from Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Joseon's Queen Dowager Regencies
Date: Wednesday, 5th March 2025 | Time: 6:30 PM
Speaker: Lucy Waugh (PhD Candidate, SOAS)
How did royal women wield political influence in a male-dominated society? This lecture explores seven cases of queen dowager regencies in Joseon Korea, highlighting the role of these powerful women in shaping state governance. Discover how they navigated the political landscape from behind the bamboo curtain.
Lecture 2 | Gender Propriety and Women’s Capacities as Moral Agents
Date: Saturday, 8th March 2025 | Time: 3:00 PM
Speaker: Wing Shan Chan (PhD Candidate, SOAS)
What defined a virtuous woman in Joseon Korea? This session examines Confucian ideals of virtue and gender roles, focusing on how women conformed to and redefined societal expectations. Through an analysis of the state reward system (Jeongpyo, 旌表) and moral textbooks (Samgang Haengsilto, 三綱行實圖), we’ll explore the ways in which women exercised agency within the constraints of Confucian society.
The Korean Cultural Centre UK aims to deepen public understanding of the political and social roles of women in the Joseon Dynasty and to further stimulate interest in Korean history across the UK.