Rae is a sociocultural researcher with over a decade of experience helping global organizations navigate international markets with nuance and clarity. Bilingual in English and Korean, Rae brings a culturally grounded lens to UX and market research for South Korea.

She holds a Ph.D. in Education and Applied Linguistics from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she developed deep expertise in qualitative research and the cultural dimensions of language, identity, and communication. Her career spans in-house research roles at Meta and PayPal, where she led international and foundational studies. Rae is known for her ability to synthesize complex cultural patterns into actionable insights that influence product, marketing, and business decisions. 

In Korea, Rae is recognized as a leader in the UX research field. She authored a qualitative UX research book (written in Korean), taught graduate-level courses, and has mentored the next generation of UX and product professionals through training and coaching. Her work is trusted by both global tech teams and startups seeking to understand fast-changing digital behaviors and consumer mindsets.

Outside of work, Rae is an avid K-drama fan and a quiet observer of K-pop and K-drama fandom communities, often writing about how digital intimacy, identity, and fandom shape modern life. Based in the U.S. and shaped by her bicultural experience as a Korean American and member of a military family, Rae brings empathy, sharp insight, and cultural fluency to every project she touches.