Biography
I am drawn to understanding the formation of identity vis-à-vis its relationship to the nation in the Korean context. Using South Korean literature, film, and visual media, I take a multi-pronged approach toward my examination of identity formation. First, of particular interest to me is the connection between personal identity and socio-cultural influence in the expression of gender and sexuality. In particular, I examine representations of individuals deviating from the standards of heteronormativity and the gender binary, and constructions of marginalized genders and sexualities. Second, I am fascinated by the role of the environment in the formation of identity. Here, I explore the ways in which the environment constructs, changes, and links together both individual and national identity. A final point of interest is the relationship between gender and the environment in identity formation. I probe the impact of the environment on gender construction, which consequently leads to representations of gender and the environment to becoming intertwined. As I move forward with my research, I intend to seek ways to merge these approaches to create new understandings about identity, gender, sexuality, the environment, and the nation in South Korean media. I carry with me my previous research experience, focused primarily on constructions and representations of masculinity and violence in contemporary Korean literature, which indelibly influences my approach toward theory and research., Adam's research centers on gender and sexuality in contemporary Korean literature and film. He is particularly interested in exploring constructions and representations of masculinity in the post-democratization period through the present day. His research interests also include speculative fiction, poetry, and critical theory.