[KS] In Memoriam: Frank Joseph Shulman (1940–2026) -- PLEASE USE THIS slightly revised one (with the date of his passing) and discard the earlier posting.

[Young-Key Kim-Renaud]

*In Memoriam: Frank Joseph Shulman (1940–2026)*

*A Foundational Bibliographer of East Asian Studies and a Steadfast Friend
to Korean Studies*

Frank Joseph Shulman, one of the most influential bibliographers in East
Asian studies and a central figure in documenting the development of Korean
Studies in the West, passed away on May 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of
extraordinary depth, precision, and generosity. His work shaped the
intellectual infrastructure of our field in ways that will continue to
guide scholars for generations.

Frank’s name is inseparable from the bibliographic foundations of Korean
Studies. His published volume, *A Century of Doctoral Dissertations on
Korea, 1903–2004* (Brill, 2010), remains the most comprehensive reference
of its kind—an achievement built on decades of meticulous research and an
unwavering commitment to accuracy.

Yet this volume represented only part of his vision. For many years after
its publication, Frank continued to work on a far more ambitious,
multi‑volume project titled:

*The First Century of Doctoral Dissertations on Korea, 1903–2004:* *Accompanied
by Notes about the Academic Backgrounds and Master’s Theses of Many of the
Authors*

This expanded edition, which was intended for the University of Michigan
Press, incorporated extensive new material and included three invited
Forewords, one of which I was honored to write at his request. Although
this enlarged edition was never published during his lifetime, it stands as
a testament to Frank’s lifelong dedication to building a complete and
enduring record of Korean Studies in the West. I sincerely hope that the
University of Michigan Press will one day bring this important work to
publication, both to honor Frank’s decades of labor and to serve the
scholarly community he cared for so deeply.

My professional relationship with Frank spanned decades. He often sought my
advice on matters relating to Korea, and he regularly forwarded
Korea‑related news, opportunities, and concerns that he believed would
benefit our community. His support was steady, thoughtful, and
sincere—never self‑promoting, always in service of the field.

Our paths also intersected in service to the broader scholarly community.
As a long‑standing member of the Board of Directors of the Asian Division
Friends Society (ADFS) at the Library of Congress, Frank championed my
nomination and made it possible for me to become, in 2006, the first Korean
board member in the Society’s history, as far as I know. His belief in the
importance of Korean representation was genuine and deeply felt.

Frank was a welcome presence at many Korea‑related events I organized at
The George Washington University, including the Hahn Moo-Sook Colloquium in
the Korean Humanities. While he did not attend every year, his
participation—whenever he could join us—was marked by enthusiasm,
intellectual curiosity, and a characteristic desire to support the work of
others.

His passing leaves a profound absence. Frank was a scholar of rare
dedication, a colleague of uncommon generosity, and a friend whose loyalty
and kindness enriched the lives of those around him. His bibliographic
contributions will continue to guide researchers, and his example will
remain a model of rigor, service, and devotion to the advancement of
knowledge.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Anna Leon Shulman, his devoted partner
in life and a trusted friend and professional colleague in so many of his
worthwhile projects, including his valued Daily Newsletter on Asia. Her
steadfast support was integral to Frank’s work, and the loss is deeply felt
by all who knew them both.

May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire all who care
about Korean Studies and the broader world of scholarship he served so
faithfully.

Young Key Kim‑Renaud, George Washington University
김영기 金榮起
Young-Key Kim-Renaud, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor, Institute for Korean Studies
Professor Emeritus of Korean Language and Culture and International
Affairs,
Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures
The George Washington University
http://eall.columbian.gwu.edu/young-key-kim-renaud
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