Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Institute of French and African Studies (Director, Professor Cho Hwa-rim) will hold its first domestic academic conference on Friday, November 14, in Room 208 of the JBNU Humanities and Social Sciences Building under the theme 'The Spectrum and Trends of African Popular Culture'.

This conference was planned to examine academically the multilayered spectrum and development patterns of African popular culture. By analyzing identity and social practices revealed across various cultural domains such as music, film, media, digital platforms, and language, it will conduct an in-depth exploration of the social discourses and cultural meanings shaped by popular culture.

It is also expected to review major domestic and international research achievements and trends in African popular culture and to seek new research horizons through interdisciplinary exchange and cooperation. 

The program is being carried out as part of the Humanities and Social Sciences 3.0 (HK3.0) project in which the JBNU Institute of French and African Studies participates. It is expected to establish a foundation for research on African popular culture within Korean academia and to contribute to the continued development of related academic fields.

Director Cho Hwa-rim said, “Through this conference, we hope to broadly discuss the diverse aspects of African popular culture and future research directions, thereby creating a new turning point for African studies in Korea,” adding, “Going forward, the Institute of French and African Studies will continue to work to deepen and disseminate African studies, based on humanistic imagination and international solidarity.”