Dr. Zakir Hossain Raju, Professor in the Department of Media and Communication and Director of King Sejong Institute at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), presented a research paper at the 30th Anniversary Conference hosted by the largest Korean Studies Department in Europe, based at Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria. Held from October 12-14, 2025, the conference, themed “Korea: One Peninsula, Multiple Dimensions,” explored Korea’s global cultural impact, connectivity, and associated challenges and opportunities.

Dr. Raju’s paper, titled “The Role of K-Cinema as a Leader in Inter-Asia: Connections of Korean Film Festivals in Developing Bangladesh Cinema,” examined the influence of Korean cinema on Asian film industries and its role in the development of Bangladesh cinema. The presentation highlighted the significance of Korean film festivals in facilitating cultural exchange and regional collaboration.

The conference featured an opening keynote by Dr. Vladimir Tikhonov, President of the Association of Korean Studies in Europe (AKSE) and Professor at the University of Oslo. A total of 77 research papers were presented by researchers from 44 universities across 23 countries, including South Korea, the USA, the UK, Russia, Germany, India, Poland, France, Finland, Georgia, Czech Republic, Singapore, and Spain.

Dr. Raju engaged with European and Korean delegates to discuss future research agendas and potential joint applications. He also interacted with European and Korean-based Korean Studies centres to explore collaborations on behalf of the King Sejong Institute, IUB. His participation reinforced his scholarly role in cinema and Korean studies and highlighted Independent University, Bangladesh’s contribution to global academic discourse.

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