Hark-Joon Lee

Hark-Joon Lee is a filmmaker, journalist, and practice-based researcher at the University of Oxford, where he serves as a Research Fellow. He is a Korea Fellow with the Oxford Character Project, developing research and interdisciplinary initiatives on global K-culture and its cultural, political, and industrial impact.

He began his career in journalism, contributing to Korea’s transition from print to digital and cross-platform media through initiatives including NoCut News, Kuki News, and the Cross-Media Project. As a filmmaker, his work explores culture, ethics, and human rights, with a particular focus on North Korean defector issues and the lived experiences of displaced communities. His documentary 9 Muses of Star Empire, which addresses the darker side of K-pop and issues of women's rights within the industry, premiered in competition at IDFA, and Crossing Heaven’s Border has contributed to international discussions on North Korean human rights.

His work has been internationally recognised, including three Emmy Award nominations and winning a Golden Nymph at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. His films have been broadcast and distributed globally by major international broadcasters such as the BBC, PBS, and NHK, as well as on platforms including Netflix and Amazon Prime. His work and insights have also been featured in major international media, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.

He holds a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) from Dongguk University and an M.S. in Journalism from KAIST. In addition to his appointment as an Associate Professor at Kyungil University, he is currently developing K-pop-based educational curricula aimed at expanding access to cultural and creative education across the Global South.