Mathieu Berbiguier
Visiting Assistant Professor of Korean Studies, made possible by a grant from the Korea Foundation
Education
Ph.D., Asian Languages and Cultures, University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., Korean Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
B.A., Korean Studies, Université Paris Diderot
Bio
I am a scholar with a deep-rooted passion for Korean studies, a field I was drawn to through an early interest in K-pop. After earning a Ph.D. in Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I developed a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics within K-pop fandoms. My dissertation, titled "K-pop Fandom(s): Divergent Understandings of Narrated Authenticity," explores the power dynamics within both domestic and international fan communities, shedding light on how these interactions shape perceptions of authenticity in Korean popular culture.
At CMU, I am excited to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusive academic spaces where Korean popular culture can be a bridge to language learning, critical thinking and digital literacy. My research continues to focus on the global impact of K-pop, particularly how expressions of authenticity, national identity and language are navigated within fandoms. I am also dedicated to integrating Korean popular culture within the broader field of Korean studies, contributing to its visibility and growth on campus.