Dr Stephen Epstein

Over the course of his career, Associate Professor Stephen Epstein of Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington has had dual specializations in the ancient Mediterranean and in contemporary Korea. His primary intellectual activities, however, start from a fascination with language and a desire to explore the experience of daily life in other cultures. His research focuses on contemporary Korean society, and he is currently working on a variety of projects addressing popular culture and the media in South Korea. Stephen has also published several translations of Korean and Indonesian fiction, and co-produced two documentaries on the Korean underground music scene. At VUW, he has directed the Asian Languages and Cultures Programme and the Asian Studies Institute. He also served as the 2013-14 president of the New Zealand Asian Studies Society.