About

Yeonwoo Lee is a Game Researcher, Game Curator, and UX Designer. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Duksung Women’s University, South Korea and an MA in Media Cultural Studies from Yonsei University, South Korea. Her master’s thesis explored gamer consumer activism, reflecting her deep interest in the relationships between people, games, and digital objects. Her current research focuses on how games shape human relationships and what games mean in the context of contemporary society—how we play, and why it matters.

Yeonwoo previously contributed to the Netmarble Game Museum project and participated in several player-centered research initiatives at the Game-n-Science Institution (TGSI). She is also a member of the editorial board of Game Generation (GG), a Korean webzine dedicated to digital games and gaming culture. Currently, she is working as a research assistant for the ERC ORE Project, where she continues to explore the cultural and social dimensions of games.

Biography

Projects

Middle-Aged Gamer Research

Redefining Gamers: Insights from Korea’s Middle-Aged Players

Breaking away from the stereotype of young, male gamers, this study focuses on understanding the often-overlooked community of middle-aged gamers in Korea. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 35 middle-aged gamers, shedding light on their unique experiences and perspectives.

   

11, 2022 - 04,2023

Heavy Gamer Research

Exploring the Heavy Gamer Community in Korea

This study explores the “heavy gamer” community, a group that currently leads the discourse on gaming culture in Korea. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 32 self-proclaimed “hardcore gamers,” uncovering their motivations, values, and unique perspectives.

   

10, 2023 - 04,2024

Game Museum Establishment Project

Curating the Core of the Game Museum: The History of Games

The foundational section, “The History of Games,” has been meticulously researched and planned to form the heart of the Game Museum. This project examines the global evolution of digital games, tracing how this medium has developed alongside technological, social, and cultural shifts. It also explores the unique journey of Korean gaming history, highlighting the interplay between local and global influences that have shaped the industry over the decades.

   

05, 2024 - 12,2024

International Survey on ICD-11 Gaming Disorder

   

05/2025-04/2025

Academic Work