Research interests

Qualifications

Harvard BA (summa cum laude), MA and PhD UC Berkeley

Profile

Over the course of his career, Stephen Epstein 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 directs the Asian Languages and Cultures Programme and served as director of the Asian Studies Institute between 2003-2008. He also served as the 2013-14 president of the New Zealand Asian Studies Society.

Current research projects

Assoc Prof Stephen Epstein has, in recent years, been examining how an explosion of contacts that cross national boundaries is reshaping South Korean national identity. In particular, he focuses on Korean media and popular culture representations of South Korea's neighbours and its relationships with them, as a vehicle for better understanding the interaction of identity and globalising forces, both in Korea and more generally. He is also currently translating Intan Paramaditha’s award-winning novel Gentayangan: Pilih Sendiri Petualangan Sepatu Merahmu (The Wandering: Choose Your Own Red Shoes Adventure).

Research supervision

Current supervision

Recently Completed PhD Students

Proposals welcome

Teaching interests

I enjoy teaching in a wide variety of topics in Asian Studies, and take particular pleasure in using the possibilities of new information technologies to open up perspectives on important issues in contemporary Asian society.

Contemporary Asian society and popular culture.

Key achievements

Selected publications

Books

Journal articles and book chapters