I am a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at the University of Minnesota. I study cities’ engagement in global climate change politics. I seek to understand why some cities join which Environmental Transnational Municipal Networks (ETMNs) in addressing climate change. Furthermore, why do cities comply with any obligations incurred as a result of joining an ETMN? How do the national governments respond to these cities’ diplomatic activities? More broadly, I am interested in urban politics, environmental politics, transnational networks, and interactions between transnational, national, and subnational actors. Regionally, my research focuses on the Asia-Pacific region, especially South Korea. Methodologically, I mainly use semi-structured interviews, participant observation, archival research, and process tracing. I am currently working as a researcher at International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Korea Office from June to August 2023. I am conducting field research in Seoul, Goyang, Gwangju, Daegu, Jeju Island, and Busan from May 2023 to January 2024. You can reach me at kim00823@umn.edu.
I like reading, traveling, listening to hip-hop music, drinking, going to fine restaurants, meeting friends, playing cello, learning new languages, meditating, swimming, and singing. I love CATS and mother nature. I am Catholic and my baptismal name is Joan of Arc.
Educational Background
- B.A.: Political Science and International Relations, Korea University, 2017 -
- M.A.: Political Science and International Relations, Korea University, 2019 -