Los Angeles Dodger Hyun-jin Ryu isn’t expected to be back until next season as he deals with his shoulder injury. But after seeing him play for two solid years, both Dodgers fans and Ryu supporters are hoping a successful rebound.
It certainly has been a privilege to see Ryu tossing his bottomless change-up and following in the Dodger Blue footsteps of Chan Ho Park, and even Hee-seop Choi. If you’ve been a fan of the Korean southpaw, here’s your chance to share your experience.
Na Ri Shin, a doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is looking for 15 to 20 Korean Americans to give their thoughts on their fandom. The purpose of the study is to explore fans’ ethnic perceptions in relation to Ryu and identify the process of “ethnic identity transition” that has occurred among Korean Americans living in Los Angeles as a result of Ryu joining the Dodgers.
The study involves an in-person interview in either English or Korean, depending on the interviewee’s preference. Participation is voluntary, and no material reward or compensation will be provided.
The interviews will take place during the first and second week of August 2015 in Los Angeles and neighboring districts. Participants may choose locations where they feel comfortable. The interview itself will each take approximately 60 to 75 minutes.
CRITERIA:
– Potential interviewees must identify themselves as a fan of Hyun-jin Ryu.
– Potential interviewees must have resided in Los Angeles or neighboring districts for at least one year.
– Potential interviewees must identify as a Korean American and/or Korean immigrant.
If you have any questions or would like to apply to be a part of the study, you can contact Na Ri Shim at HyunJinRyu.KorAm.Study@gmail.com.
See Also
August 2013 Cover Story: Dodgers Star Pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu
Chan Ho Park Pays Visit to L.A. Exhibit That Celebrates Diversity in Baseball
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