Hailing from South Korea, Hyemin “Hamni” Park brings a unique perspective to the UW–Madison political science PhD program. She sat down with the International Division to discuss her research on how East Asian thinkers grappled with Western political concepts, her decision to pursue graduate studies at UW–Madison, and the supportive environment she’s found within the program.
Finding the perfect fit
Even before arriving at UW–Madison in 2020, Hamni’s collegiate journey had already begun. With a background in political science from Sungkyunkwan University, she was drawn to the field of political theory.
“It made me understand people and society,” Park said. “It also helped me to better understand the everyday interactions I have with people. In terms of power and authority, but also in terms of equality and respect.”
Choosing UW–Madison for graduate studies was an easy decision for Park. During her master’s studies in South Korea, she received strong encouragement to pursue her PhD at UW–Madison. This guidance, coupled with the program’s reputation and the presence of numerous UW alumni in South Korea, ultimately led her to choose UW–Madison. The opportunity to work with a faculty member whose expertise aligned with her research interests further solidified her decision.
Bridging East and West
Hamni’s current research focuses on how 19th and 20th century East Asian thinkers from Japan, China, and Korea interpreted Western concepts like liberty and individual rights. “Those concepts did not exist before the 19th century in East Asia,” she said.
By examining the work of key thinkers like Fukuzawa Yukichi (Japan), Sun Yat-sen (China), and Kim Gu (Korea), Park aims to bridge the gap between Western and East Asian traditions. “By doing so, I hope to put the Western intellectual tradition and the East Asian intellectual tradition into a conversation,” said Park.
A supportive community
What Park finds most unique about the program at UW–Madison is its supportive community. “The general atmosphere of my program is great. Everyone in the faculty is eager to help and really invested in helping their students succeed. The faculty are always open to students’ requests for a meeting or advice, and they treat students with genuine respect and sincerity.”
As an international student, Park also finds the safe and friendly environment of Madison particularly welcoming. “Madison is a very safe city. I’m new to the U.S., so I don’t exactly know all the information to survive in a big city,” said Park. “But I don’t have to worry about that at UW–Madison, and I feel like this is something that is great for international students.”
When asked to summarize her overall experience at UW–Madison, she didn’t hesitate. “I like the friendly atmosphere and the environment here. I love the Wisconsin summer,” she replied. “There is also an inclusive and encouraging community.”
Story by: Kayla Daum