Jae Hyeok Lee is an associate researcher at the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy (KIMS). His research examines how public emotions and perceptions shape states’ foreign policy choices and diplomatic behavior, with a particular focus on Korea-Japan relations. He is also interested in inter-Korean relations, Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy, U.S. policy toward Asia, and Northeast Asian security. He is an alumnus of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (Comprehensive Security Cooperation 24-1 and Emerging Leaders 2024 cohort), and holds degrees from The George Washington University (Bachelor of Arts), the University of Tokyo (Master of Public Policy), and Seoul National University (Master of International Studies). He is a native Korean speaker, fluent in English, with intermediate proficiency in Japanese.