The Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies opened at Korea University

Korea University's Asiatic Studies Institute (Director Dr. Lee Jin-han, Professor of Department of Korean History), opened its 11th center, Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies (Director Dr. Musa Kim Jong-do), on February 1 in 2023. 
In the meantime, Korea University has been aware of the importance of the Middle East and the Islamic world from an early age, but the establishment of research center has not always made progress. Professor Lee, who was inaugurated as the director of the Asian Studies Institute in 2021, said, "Professor Kim Joon-yeop, who served as the president(1982-1985) of Korea University, always talked about the importance of the Middle East & Islamic region and had a great passion for the establishment of the Arabic department. 

As we prepare for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, in order for Korea University to leap forward as a world-class university, research on the Middle East and the Islamic world cannot be postponed any longer from the perspective of the history of civilization. As a result of collecting opinions from Korea University members, today we opened 'Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies' in our institute.” 
Director Dr. Musa Kim, who took charge of the first director of the center, said, "Our center, which was opened under the leadership of Director Lee, still has a lot to prepare as a latecomer of research of the Middle East & Islam in Korea. In all respects, our center is lacking in many aspects compared to existing research institutes. However, with the capabilities of Korea University, to be admired by the People, the center will carry out various win-win activities through cooperation and good-will competition with local Middle East-related institutions. 

Although we are preparing a lot, we will actively work together to establish ourselves as a leading research institute, especially through unanswered research. The role of our center is to serve the government, businesses and the people through proper information and educational services. The center will lay the foundation for a leap forward as a global research institute as well as a domestic one.”, he said. 
In the future, Korea University's ‘Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies’ is expected to open a new horizon for upgraded Middle East & Islamic studies by adding strength to the capabilities of existing domestic research institutes.