Woohyeok Seo is a PhD candidate in International Relations (IR) at LSE, funded by the Kwanjeong Educational Foundation. His doctoral research examines the intersection of nuclear technology and collective memories of nuclear violence in Japan and South Korea. His broad academic interests span (Critical) Security Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Memory Studies, and Historical IR.
Woohyeok currently serves as an Associate Editor for Millennium: Journal of International Studies Vol. 54, after previously working as Editor for Vol. 53 and Deputy Editor for Vol. 52.
Born and raised in South Korea, Woohyeok holds a BA in Political Science and International Studies from Yonsei University in Seoul, an MA in International Security (with concentrations in East Asia and Human Rights) from Sciences Po Paris, and an MSc in IR (Research) from LSE.
Prior to starting his PhD, Woohyeok worked as a political researcher at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United States (2018-2021). He also participated in the Wilson Center’s North Korea International Documentation Project in Washington DC (2014-5).
Research topic
(De)politicising Collective Memories of Nuclear Violence through Nuclear Technology in Post-Imperial Japan and Postcolonial South Korea (1945–1975)
Woohyeok’s research explores how nuclear technology has (de)politicised collective memories of nuclear violence in Northeast Asia since 1945. By examining the role of nuclear technology in shaping and silencing these memories, he investigates various (de)politicisation processes involved in the formation of nuclear memories in post-imperial Japan and postcolonial South Korea. He has conducted fieldwork in both countries, including background interviews and archival research at administrative and legislative archives as well as with survivor groups. His project contributes to Memory Studies and Critical Security and Nuclear Studies.
Teaching Experience
IR205 International Security (LSE) 2023/24
Academic supervisor
Katharine Millar
Research Cluster affiliation
Theory/Area/History Research Cluster
Security and Statecraft Cluster