Mathieu Berbiguier
Visiting Assistant Professor of Korean Studies
Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics
4980 Margaret Morrison St
Posner Hall 341
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Education
Ph.D., Cultural and Comparative Studies - Korea Focus, University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., Korean Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
B.A., Korean Studies, Université Paris Diderot
Bio
I am a scholar with a deep-rooted passion for Korean studies, a field I was drawn to through an early interest in K-pop. After earning a Ph.D. in Korean Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I developed a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics within K-pop fandoms. My dissertation, titled "K-pop Fandom(s): Divergent Understandings of Narrated Authenticity," explores the power dynamics within both domestic and international fan communities, shedding light on how these interactions shape perceptions of authenticity in Korean popular culture.
At CMU, I am excited to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusive academic spaces where Korean popular culture can be a bridge to language learning, critical thinking and digital literacy. My research continues to focus on the global impact of K-pop, particularly how expressions of authenticity, national identity and language are navigated within fandoms. I am also dedicated to integrating Korean popular culture within the broader field of Korean studies, contributing to its visibility and growth on campus.
Areas of Interest
- Korean popular culture
- Korean language and identity
Courses Taught
- 82-151 Elementary Korean I
- 82-255 Topics in Korean Culture – Beyond the Korean Wave: A Critical Exploration of K-pop
Selected Publications
Berbiguier, Mathieu (2023). “When they say they are a K-drama fan, but their first drama is Squid Game: What is an authentic K-drama?” Journal of Fandom Studies, 11(2).
Berbiguier, Mathieu (2023). K-Pop Le Fan Quiz. Paris: Hors Collection.
Hamilton, Kate (2022). BTS Le Fan Quiz. Translated by Mathieu Berbiguier. Paris: Hors Collection.
Berbiguier, Mathieu and Younghan Cho (2017). “Understanding the Korean Fandom of the K-pop: Focusing on Its Perspectives on Foreign Fans.” Korean Journal of Communication & Information, 81(2), 272–98.