Lee Jae Eun

Born and raised in South Korea, Jae Eun Lee had dreamt about coming to Israel since she was a child when she read about archaeological sites discovered by Hebrew University archaeologists in her father’s archaeology magazines. Since then, she had always wanted to study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She eventually realized that dream obtaining her BA in Islam and Middle Eastern Studies, conducted in Hebrew, at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.  Jae Eun also has advanced Arabic skill.

While in Israel, Jae Eun was very active in promoting Korean culture in Israel through the Korean Cultural Center in Jerusalem, the Hutzot Hayotzer arts and crafts festival, and teaching Korean language to Israelis.  Through the Israel Asia Leaders Fellowship, Jae Eun engaged with key players in Israeli society, from government officials to entrepreneurs. It enriched her understanding of the impact of the struggles in the region to the society as whole. She recognized how struggles influence the government decisions and mentality of the population, moreover, how they can serve as milestones to expedite technological development and creativities, when right tools and environment that support such progress are given.

Upon her graduation, Jae Eun  worked as a press officer at the Embassy of Israel in Seoul, South Korea, for four years.

She is currently a second year MA candidate with a concentration in Strategic Studies at SAIS Johns Hopkins. Her research focuses on propaganda tools and tactics.

Based on her understanding of geo-political necessities in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Jaeeun seeks to contribute in strengthening the relations between Israel and South Korea as strategical partners.

In 2016, Jae Eun published a coloring book ‘Color Me Israel’ depicting her experiences in Israel, which is being sold in South Korean bookstores.