The author studied German language and literature, along with anthropology, at Seoul National University, and received master’s and doctorate degrees in social anthropology at the University of Oxford, UK. He was named professor in various institutions including the Social Sciences College of SNU, Harvard University, Beijing University, and Yonsei University. He studies the societies and cultures of Korea and China. His written publications include 『Chinese Farmers in Revolution and Reform』, 『Power Structure of Local Communities, Culture and Politics』, and『A Multidisciplinary Approach to Culture』, among other books and dissertations.