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PANAAWTM

Student of the Month: Jaeun Koo



Jaeun Koo (she/her) is a third-year Master of Divinity student at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Before coming to the U.S., she earned a Master of Theology from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. Her academic focus centers on social memory in the Hebrew Bible, which was shaped by her experiences in South Korea, where she witnessed the significant role of social memory in shaping political and societal narratives. Jaeun has been drawn to exploring how the Hebrew Bible’s social memory can either reinforce or resist authority. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys connecting her studies with ministry. She serves the Beloved Community at Emory’s Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, engaging in meaningful conversations about the Bible and Christianity with undergraduate students.


What is your research about? What led you to your research topic?

My research focuses on social memory in the Hebrew Bible and its political, religious, and societal implications. During my Master of Theology program, I explored how social memory in the Hebrew Bible is used to justify contemporary political or religious authorities. This topic emerged from my desire to encourage my church community to engage the Bible critically, ensuring that scriptural interpretations do not perpetuate marginalization. Since joining Emory University, my focus has evolved to examine how social memory rooted in Yahwistic faith - not only justifies but also - resists authority! Through this lens, I hope to encourage the Christians of today who strive to find liberation and hope.


How are you identifying your calling?

I feel called to contribute to both academia and ministry, integrating research and teaching with occasional pastoral work. My calling is grounded in a desire to empower Christians to reflect on and reimagine how faith can resist and transform power structures. By bridging interpretations of the Hebrew Bible with a commitment to social justice, I aspire to cultivate hope and solidarity within the communities I serve.


What have you learned from your leadership experiences?

This academic year, I have been privileged to serve as the inaugural President of AAPI@Candler (Asian American Pacific Islander at Candler School of Theology). Alongside Dr. Roger Nam (our advisor) and three fellow AAPI students, I have worked to amplify our presence and foster meaningful discourse within the Candler community. Organizing events for AAPI ministers in Atlanta pushed me to reflect on how to authentically represent my identity as an Asian woman in academic and ministerial spaces. Moreover, collaborating with other ethnically marginalized student organizations revealed that while different minority groups face distinct challenges, our shared experiences of structural suffering provide a powerful foundation for solidarity and collective empowerment. Authentic leadership, I’ve learned, involves creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and encouraged to share their perspectives.


What has your experience been with PANAAWTM?

As a member of the PANAAWTM community, I have found profound solidarity and inspiration among fellow scholars. The mentoring program has offered invaluable support, practical encouragement, and detailed guidance as I prepare my PhD applications. Next semester, I look forward to collaborating with students from Candler School of Theology and Columbia Seminary to support the upcoming PANAAWTM Conference in March. I am eager to continue learning from this community’s collective wisdom, which has further strengthened my commitment to pursuing research that uplifts marginalized perspectives and challenges oppressive systems.


What brings you hope and joy?

Spending time with my roommates brings me much joy—whether it’s watching movies, sharing food, making a campfire, or simply spilling tea together. Playtime with Callie, my roommate’s dog, is another source of happiness; she is super cute! I also find hope and encouragement in sharing life updates with my colleagues, church members, and my ministry supervisor, the Rev. Maddie Herlong. Simple pleasures, like taking a nap on a cozy electronic mat or enjoying a build-your-own pizza at Blaze Pizza, remind me to cherish the small moments that bring comfort and laughter.

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