Thank you for visiting the Joongmin Research Institute. Social theory is an integral part of our everyday lives; it not only opens up communication and allows us insight into the past, but also enables us to have a forward-looking perspective. Though social theory does not result in immediate benefits of material wealth, it provides us with bountiful knowledge for continuous social development, and in this regard, it has a special and important function in our society. Among the Joongmin Research Institute’s many aims, one is the application of the framework of Korea’s experience of rush-to development to other spheres and work towards social development. Unlike the Western pattern of development, the Korean development trajectory has been marked by explosive growth in a very short span of time. With it has come a unique set of consequences and social phenomena, the observations of which can benefit global civil society. Issues such as self-identity, communication, social movements, social thought, and more frequently become the focus of our many research projects. Both renowned Korean and international social scientists have contributed over the years to our goals for advancing social theory and structuring channels of communication. We hope that you will find meaning in our mission and welcome your contributions to our research Director, Joongmin Research Institute HAN Sang-Jin