Alumni Profile - Seung-Hun Hong

Current role: Principal Researcher, Korean Embassy, London, UK

Graduation year: 2016

Before embarking on my PhD at RegNet, I worked in various research think tanks in Korea, including the East Asia Institute and the Ilmin International Relations Institute at Korea University.

I undertook my PhD in the field of political science on the topic of Dynamics of Reciprocal Regulation. I was incredibly lucky to be able to pursue my PhD at RegNet. My thesis was not just a product of the PhD research I conducted but also of what I learned from everyday intellectual life at RegNet. Some highlights were my fantastic supervisor, a great advisory board and the engaging academic community.

The PhD facilitated my progression into my chosen career in the diplomatic community. Indeed, during my study I co-authored an article on the “regulatory ambassador” with my supervisor, John Braithwaite.

Upon graduating in 2016, I commenced my role as a Political Researcher at the Korean Embassy in Canberra. My responsibilities in this role include writing in-depth reports about Australian political issues, liaising with members of the diplomatic community, local academics and other stakeholders, and writing speeches for the head of mission, based on hands-on knowledge of Korea-Australia bilateral relations and both countries’ engagement in multilateral fora including MIKTA – the informal partnership between Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia.

In early 2018 I started a new role as Principal Researcher at the Korean Embassy in London, UK.

I have found that my research at RegNet has been tremendously helpful to this job. As a member of the diplomatic community I encounter many opportunities to engage with other members of diplomatic corps, officials in the government and diverse stakeholders. Interview skills I developed during my PhD research, especially with government regulators and executives in private firms, serve as a valuable asset.