UAA associate professor of American History Songho Ha, Ph.D., analyzes Koreans' perception of the United States

Songho Ha, Ph.D., associate professor of American History in the UAA Department of History, is in the process of working on a book manuscript entitled "Images of the United States in South Korea." Currently there is no comprehensive study on how South Koreans have perceived the United States since the Second World War, except for some secondary works that examine specific aspects of American images in the country. Popular images of the United States among Koreans are very complex.

For example, during the 1960s and 1970s many South Koreans saw the United States as the guarantor of their national security and provider of financial assistance. In the 1980s, however, a substantial number of South Koreans viewed the United States as a sponsor of ironfisted rule by ex-generals in South Korea. These days, conflicting images of the United States coexist in Korean society.

Ha explained that, on one hand, the United States carries positive images in South Korean society. Thus, many Korean youths avidly follow American cultural and sports scenes, including rap music and NBA and MLB games. Many college students come to the United States to pursue their graduate studies and eventually find jobs therein. On the other hand, though, a few news media agencies in South Korea consistently and passionately spread the image of the United States as the military and economic bully in global society.

Ha's ongoing research examines how the images of the United States have changed over time in South Korea and what has caused these changes. To analyze Koreans' perceptions of the United States, he will consult various forms of literature and media, including movies, books, newspapers, economic data and polls.

"I am convinced that this study is of vital significance, and will contribute to better understanding and increased sensitivity between the United States and South Korea," said Ha.

Ha will be on sabbatical during the 2011-12 academic year to complete this project.