Dongkeun is a PhD candidate at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC), The Australian National University, and a reservist officer of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). Before Dongkeun joined SDSC as a PhD candidate in February 2022, he served 3 years at the ROKN as an intelligence officer. During his active-duty service, his posting was mainly military diplomacy positions including foreign liaison officer at the ROKN Headquarters.

Dongkeun has a multinational background. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations and Asian Studies) degree from the University of Auckland, New Zealand and a Master of Global Affairs & Policy degree from Yonsei University, South Korea.

Dongkeun’s main research interest is maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. His thesis covers the changing maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific since the rise of China. Dongkeun especially focuses on the strategy and role of the regional U.S. partner navies in the Indo-Pacific region including the ROKN, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Indian Navy.

By investigating the strategy and role of the middle power navies in the region, Dongkeun is hoped to increase the understanding of the future maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tutoring Australia’s Security in the Asian Century (STST3002) and The Origins of Political Order in Asia (ASIA1999)

Supervisors

Professor Leszek Buszynski, Rear Admiral (Ret) Lee Goddard

Chair

Professor John Blaxland