Benjamin A. Engel
@benjaminaengel.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Korean Studies at Dankook University. Research interests: Korean modern history, US-Korea relations, democracy and human rights
Pinned
brill.com
My latest article is finally published: "Paving the Way for the Marlboro Man: Bilateral U.S.-South Korea Negotiations on Liberalizing the South Korean Cigarette Market, 1985–1988." 1/
brill.com/view/journal...
brill.com/view/journal...
I highly doubt this is due to a lack of interest. Rather it’s a failure of most Korean universities to have instructors capable of offering courses in English. Often “English” STEM classes are an English textbook with Korean-language lectures
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Foreign students numbers rise, but few of them studying STEM
The number of foreign students in Korea has grown over the past decade, but far fewer are studying natural sciences or engineering, according to new research.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:31 AM
I highly doubt this is due to a lack of interest. Rather it’s a failure of most Korean universities to have instructors capable of offering courses in English. Often “English” STEM classes are an English textbook with Korean-language lectures
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Funny meme in South Korea about recent China-Japan spat.
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
November 20, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Funny meme in South Korea about recent China-Japan spat.
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
“This is what China is hoping for, but…”
“We…”
Academics: review articles! It’s a thankless (and compensation-less) job but young scholars’ careers hang in the balance. The job market is cruel enough, at least we can take care of one another in this way.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
November 20, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Academics: review articles! It’s a thankless (and compensation-less) job but young scholars’ careers hang in the balance. The job market is cruel enough, at least we can take care of one another in this way.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk.
Footage from Yonhap shows people lined up at the stern seemingly ready to board a boat to get off the ferry via the ramp to load cars and cargo. Tugboats pushing the ship perhaps to ensure it doesn’t perhaps roll.
November 19, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Footage from Yonhap shows people lined up at the stern seemingly ready to board a boat to get off the ferry via the ramp to load cars and cargo. Tugboats pushing the ship perhaps to ensure it doesn’t perhaps roll.
Pictures on Yonhap news of the ferry. Reporting that the ferry cannot sink, which seems pretty evident from the fact that it ran into a fairly large island. Picture seems to show people fairly calmly waiting on deck
November 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Pictures on Yonhap news of the ferry. Reporting that the ferry cannot sink, which seems pretty evident from the fact that it ran into a fairly large island. Picture seems to show people fairly calmly waiting on deck
This report notes someone claiming to be on the ship is posting to social media. Says they are up on deck wearing life jackets waiting to be taken off. Coast guard is evacuating the elderly and children first. Must be scared to death.
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
[속보] 267명 탄 여객선, 신안 해상서 좌초…"섬과 충돌" 신고 | 중앙일보
전남 신안군 인근 해상에서 267명을 태운 여객선이 좌초해 해경이 구조 작업을 벌이고 있다. 19일 전남소방본부에 따르면 이날 오후 8시 16분쯤 신안군 장산면 족도 인근 해상에서 "배가 섬과 충돌했다"는 신고가 해경에 접수됐다. 해당 여객선 승객으로 보이는 이용자 A씨는 소셜미디어(SNS)를 통해 사고 현장 상황을 공유하기도 했다.
www.joongang.co.kr
November 19, 2025 at 12:41 PM
This report notes someone claiming to be on the ship is posting to social media. Says they are up on deck wearing life jackets waiting to be taken off. Coast guard is evacuating the elderly and children first. Must be scared to death.
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
www.joongang.co.kr/article/2538...
Hopefully this is true and the situation is resolved quickly. However, when the Sewol Ferry sank the initial reports said everyone had been saved and that turned out to be very not true…
Coast guard say they expect no casualties and ship is not taking in water. Seems to have run aground.
Of course, things can be said about the reliability of the coast guard and naval accidents...
n.news.naver.com/mnews/articl...
Of course, things can be said about the reliability of the coast guard and naval accidents...
n.news.naver.com/mnews/articl...
[속보] 해경 "신안 좌초 여객선 인명 피해 없을 듯…침수 안돼"
n.news.naver.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Hopefully this is true and the situation is resolved quickly. However, when the Sewol Ferry sank the initial reports said everyone had been saved and that turned out to be very not true…
Capsized may be the wrong translation. If the picture here is accurate the better description would be the ship has run aground. Hopefully that means more time for rescue.
www.chosun.com/national/inc...
www.chosun.com/national/inc...
November 19, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Capsized may be the wrong translation. If the picture here is accurate the better description would be the ship has run aground. Hopefully that means more time for rescue.
www.chosun.com/national/inc...
www.chosun.com/national/inc...
Capsized ship has a total of 267 crew and passengers on board. Ship said to have been traveling from Jeju to Mokpo when it hit a submerged rock. The Coast Guard is responding after first receiving a distress call at 8:17 pm
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
November 19, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Capsized ship has a total of 267 crew and passengers on board. Ship said to have been traveling from Jeju to Mokpo when it hit a submerged rock. The Coast Guard is responding after first receiving a distress call at 8:17 pm
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
A ship carrying about 260 passengers has reportedly capsized of the southwestern coast of Korea. After the Sewol Ferry accident of 2014 this just leaves a giant pit in my stomach. Hopefully everyone is ok
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
[1보] 신안 해상서 승객 260여명 태운 여객선 좌초 | 연합뉴스
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www.yna.co.kr
November 19, 2025 at 12:04 PM
A ship carrying about 260 passengers has reportedly capsized of the southwestern coast of Korea. After the Sewol Ferry accident of 2014 this just leaves a giant pit in my stomach. Hopefully everyone is ok
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR2025...
Chat GPT will revolutionize the world! Also Chat GPT:
November 11, 2025 at 5:25 AM
Chat GPT will revolutionize the world! Also Chat GPT:
2 Major League Baseball Pitchers Are Charged in Gambling Investigation
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Strong critique of Lee Jae Myung's pursuit of nuclear submarines from a progressive also interested in improving Korea's defense.
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Korean military expert calls pursuit of nuclear submarine ‘vanity of a nation drunk on delusion of becoming world power’
Military expert Kim Jong-dae strongly criticized the move, calling it a step backward into platforms of the past and only adding to Korea’s reliance on the US
english.hani.co.kr
November 5, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Strong critique of Lee Jae Myung's pursuit of nuclear submarines from a progressive also interested in improving Korea's defense.
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Its fairly shocking how the rhetoric out of Trump 2.0 towards South Korea has been so different from Trump 1.0. I keep wondering if this isn't just some bait-and-switch operation. When does Trump come back and demand $5 billion for US troops in Korea?
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Hegseth says Pentagon will support 'model ally' South Korea's drive for nuclear-powered submarines
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored Tuesday in Seoul that the Pentagon will work with relevant agencies to support U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to help South Korea build nuclear-po...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Its fairly shocking how the rhetoric out of Trump 2.0 towards South Korea has been so different from Trump 1.0. I keep wondering if this isn't just some bait-and-switch operation. When does Trump come back and demand $5 billion for US troops in Korea?
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Proof that a certain kind of talent in or knowledge about one field doesn't make you knowledgeable about politics nor renders you unsusceptible to propaganda and misinformation.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
Self-declared 'world's smartest man' applies for U.S. asylum from 'pro-North Korean' government
A Korean man who claims to have the world’s highest IQ has applied for political asylum in the United States, saying he can no longer live under what he called a “a pro North Korea leftist government ...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Proof that a certain kind of talent in or knowledge about one field doesn't make you knowledgeable about politics nor renders you unsusceptible to propaganda and misinformation.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-11...
New banner near campus. After the second Lee Jae Myung-Trump meeting I thought they might give up, but then again I suppose the Yoon Again folks have no other play.
November 3, 2025 at 12:38 AM
New banner near campus. After the second Lee Jae Myung-Trump meeting I thought they might give up, but then again I suppose the Yoon Again folks have no other play.
If you think tipping isn’t a thing in Korea you’ve been to the wrong restaurants
October 31, 2025 at 10:32 AM
If you think tipping isn’t a thing in Korea you’ve been to the wrong restaurants
American responses to the golden crown gift getting some attention in the Korean media. KBS translated the entire Daily Show segment.
youtu.be/tPIcpHn_K9A?...
youtu.be/tPIcpHn_K9A?...
[지금뉴스] “황금왕관? 대체 뭐 하는 거예요!” 미국서 풍자 소재 된 트럼프 선물 / KBS 2025.10.31.
YouTube video by KBS News
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 11:58 PM
American responses to the golden crown gift getting some attention in the Korean media. KBS translated the entire Daily Show segment.
youtu.be/tPIcpHn_K9A?...
youtu.be/tPIcpHn_K9A?...
Looking back years from now we may find that yesterday’s meeting between Trump and Lee Jae Myung was a major milestone in South Korea developing nuclear weapons. Korea seems closer than ever to closing the nuclear fuel cycle and securing enrichment capability.
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
Lee, Trump Agree to Discuss Nuclear Submarine Fuel Supply
Lee, Trump Agree to Discuss Nuclear Submarine Fuel Supply Talks Follow Trumps Recognition of South Koreas Submarine Needs Amid Norths Progress
www.chosun.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Looking back years from now we may find that yesterday’s meeting between Trump and Lee Jae Myung was a major milestone in South Korea developing nuclear weapons. Korea seems closer than ever to closing the nuclear fuel cycle and securing enrichment capability.
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
Many people understand the game South Korea is playing but giving Trump a gold crown a week or so after massive No Kings protests in US is a really bad look.
edition.cnn.com/2025/10/29/w...
edition.cnn.com/2025/10/29/w...
Trump gets gold crown from South Korea | CNN
President Donald Trump received a replica of a historic golden crown from South Korean president Lee Jae Myung. The gold-plated gift, decorated with trees and animals, is based on the ancient Silla Ki...
edition.cnn.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Many people understand the game South Korea is playing but giving Trump a gold crown a week or so after massive No Kings protests in US is a really bad look.
edition.cnn.com/2025/10/29/w...
edition.cnn.com/2025/10/29/w...
Nothing new here, but one thing that strikes me about Trump lately is that he talks as if he isn’t in charge. How can you “oppose” what your administration is doing? You’re the boss. He takes 0 responsibility.
www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/202510...
www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/202510...
Trump ‘very much opposed’ to Georgia ICE raid, working on new visa plan - The Korea Times
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “very much opposed” to the recent immigration raid at a Hyundai factory in Georgia that led to the detentio...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
October 27, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Nothing new here, but one thing that strikes me about Trump lately is that he talks as if he isn’t in charge. How can you “oppose” what your administration is doing? You’re the boss. He takes 0 responsibility.
www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/202510...
www.koreatimes.co.kr/world/202510...
Big game today~ M-I-Z!
October 25, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Big game today~ M-I-Z!
Most wouldn't guess it, but the University of Missouri has long, deep, and lasting ties to Korea. As a Mizzou grad, I'm happy to be a party of that legacy.
www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
Missouri, Korea build nuclear research project on 70-year partnership
Leaders from the University of Missouri arrived in Seoul this week to start a new chapter in a partnership that stretches back seven decades -- from the afterma
www.koreaherald.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Most wouldn't guess it, but the University of Missouri has long, deep, and lasting ties to Korea. As a Mizzou grad, I'm happy to be a party of that legacy.
www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
www.koreaherald.com/article/1059...
For the first time a poll has found that a majority of South Koreans say unification with North Korea is not necessary. This is the continuation of a trend, especially among young people, as South Koreans fear the economic costs of unification.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-10...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-10...
51% of South Koreans say unification with North not necessary
More than half of South Koreans view unification with North Korea as unnecessary, a poll showed Monday, marking the first time that those unsupportive of unification with Pyongyang have exceeded those...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:10 AM
For the first time a poll has found that a majority of South Koreans say unification with North Korea is not necessary. This is the continuation of a trend, especially among young people, as South Koreans fear the economic costs of unification.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-10...
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-10...
You don’t even have to insinuate Republicans are Nazis anymore. They proudly label themselves as such.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Trump nominee says MLK Jr. holiday belongs in ‘hell’ and that he has ‘Nazi streak,’ according to texts
Paul Ingrassia’s bid to lead a whistleblower agency is set for a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday.
www.politico.com
October 21, 2025 at 12:43 AM
You don’t even have to insinuate Republicans are Nazis anymore. They proudly label themselves as such.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...