Student Club

Ahmet Efe Bekar

My name is Ahmet Efe Bekar, I was born in 2000. I completed my bachelor's degree in History at METU and also graduated from Anadolu University's Public Relations and Advertising Department; currently, I have been accepted into the master's program at METU's Department of Physical Education and Sports.

Starting my professional life at an early age has allowed me to gain versatile experience across different sectors and build a dynamic career path in the media, communication, and entertainment industries. Between 2017 and 2020, I co-founded a local online newspaper in İzmir, where I worked as an editor and writer; since 2018, I have been actively involved in the music and entertainment industry, managing productions and tours for leading Turkish artists.

My deep passion for sports spans both the field and management; having competed regionally and nationally as a licensed athlete in Kickboxing, Wushu, and Muay-Thai, I am also a licensed amateur soccer player and a 2019 TFF İzmir region candidate soccer referee. To bring my vision for sports management to life, I founded and currently preside over the “1956 Orta Doğu Hocam Sports Club”, which brings together METU students and alumni.
 

Deniz Bırak Durdular

My name is Deniz Burak Durdular, I was born in Ankara in 2008. I'm a undergraduate in the Department of Physical Education and Sports at Middle East Technical University. I am interested in strength and conditioning periodization alongside sports history. I actively take part in sports since the primary school years, the sports I practice include:

- METU Water Polo Club (10 years)

- Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts (1 year)

- Air Pistol Shooting (3 years)

- METU Orienteering 

- METU Athletics (working on discus and shot put)

- Outdoor sports as a hobby

Havin İşcan

I am Havin İşcan, a student in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Teacher Education at METU. Throughout my university life, I have placed great importance on versatile self-development, taking on active roles in various campus societies and sports events. My interest in Korean culture, language, and the entertainment and show business industry goes back a long way. Driven by my curiosity in this field, I took my first steps into learning Korean in the past; although I took a break from practicing for a while, I can still read and write in the Korean alphabet. Through Dr. Dongkyu Na, I aim to gain experience and further develop myself by being part of the MKSWGSC (METU Korean Studies Working Group Student Club).

Kaan Emre Altan

I am Kaan Emre Altan, an undergraduate student in the Department of Physical Education and Sports at METU. While improving myself in the branch of tennis, I am also deeply interested in academic activities. I find great joy in taking active roles in our university's student clubs and projects, working within a team, and initiating as well as sustaining new projects. For this reason, working with the METU Korean Studies Working Group Student Club and the team led by Dongkyu Na to better understand and promote Korean culture is highly exciting for me.

Melek Aslanbaş

My name is Melek Aslanbaş. I am twenty years old. I am a second years student of METU Physical Education and Sports. I am doing Taekwondo and also I am in Taekwondo community in METU. Given my interest in Korean culture, I am excited to contribute to this project.

Pakize Beyza Kuru

My name is Pakize Beyza Kuru. I am twenty-three years old. I am a third-year international relations student. I am deeply interested in academic field, especially social studies. I try to explore new fields of study and develop myself in those areas. Sport is also an area where many societies intersect in social, cultural, and political terms. In addition, I believe that we can further improve ourselves and our work through teamwork. Therefore, I am very excited about what we will achieve and experience through the METU Korean Studies Study Group Student Club and under the leadership of Dr. Dongkyu Na.

Zeyneb Balcık

I'm Zeyneb Balcık. I'm 19 years old, living in Ankara, and I'm a second-year Physical Education and Sports student at METU.
I played volleyball as a licensed athlete for about 8 years. I started fencing when I began university, and I am currently a member of the METU Fencing team and club. I also work as a volleyball coach with a Level 1 coaching certificate.
Sports are right at the center of my life. I try not to limit myself to just my own sports; I do my best to gain basic knowledge in different areas and improve myself in the fields I want to specialize in. I am also being in METU Korean Studies Working Group Student Club, and I want to gain international experience through this. Overall, I really enjoy living an active life, traveling, and trying new things. 

Zeynep Bilbey

I am Zeynep Bilbey, a Physical Education and Sports student at METU. I have been practicing archery for several years and have experience as an archery instructor. I am excited to be part of this project and contribute to strengthening the cultural and sporting connection between Korea and Türkiye.