THEREPS 2026
April 17-18, 2026 (Two Full Days Program)
Los Angeles, USA
Conference Photo Folder Link (Available by 5/31/2026)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zf7lmxI7AqdDvClubMBHEOU0IxNhFAop?usp=sharing
Congratulations!
Faculty / Graduate Student Awards
THEREPS Best Paper Award
When Stories Spark Taste: Activating Food Curiosity through Symbolic Meaning Activation in K-Pop Demon Hunters
Heejin Shin, Yoonhyung Huh & Eunha Jeong
Iowa State University
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KAHTEA Best Paper Award
Building Brand Love Over Time: A Dynamic Perspective on Employee and Peer Interactions in Membership-Based Services
Soyeon Kim (Western Kentucky University), Miran Kim (Michigan State University) & Laee Choi (Colorado State University Pueblo)
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TOSOK Best Paper Award
Reversing the Flow of K-pop Tourism: Korean Fans’ Transnational Mobility Following Global Tours
Hayeon Hailey Choi (Texas Tech University) & Eunkyeong Jung (Colorado Mesa University)
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Best Poster Award
Geographic Rigidity and Segment Inversion: A Difference-in Differences Analysis of K-pop Induced Demand Shocks
Esther Kim (Montclair State University) & Dong Hee Kim (Sookmyung Women’s University)
Undergraduate Student Research Awards
THEREPS Best Paper Award
A Preliminary Study of Tipping Controversy, Transparency, and Fairness: An Integrated Perspective from Paradox and Sensemaking Theories
Madilynn Moen, Ralf Mehnert-Meland & Wooyang Kim
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
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KAHTEA Best Paper Award
Learning Versus Earning: An Examination of Influences Shaping Hospitality Students’ Educational Pathway Decisions
Nicole Gomez & Jaesung An
California State University, East Bay
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TOSOK Best Paper Award
Extending the Experience: How K-pop Fan Motivation Drives Post-Concert Travel to Destinations
Ayele Kouevi, Tahiya Tahsin & HyeRyeon Lee
Wilkes University
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K-Tourism Global Strategy Competition 2026
Emilia Delatorre, Danielle Morales & Antwan Terry
California State University, East Bay
Special Awards
Excellent Service Awards
Misun “Sunny” Kim
Boston University
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Excellent Service Award
Jinwon Kim
University of Florida
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Appreciation Award
Jungkeun Kim
Texas A&M University
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Certificate of Appreciation
Korea Tourism Organization LA Office
