Dongkeun Lee is a PhD candidate at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC) at The Australian National University (ANU) and a reservist officer in the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). Before joining SDSC as a PhD candidate in February 2022, he served for three years as an intelligence officer in the ROKN. During his active-duty service, he was primarily assigned to military diplomacy roles, including serving as a foreign liaison officer at ROKN Headquarters.

Dongkeun has a multinational academic background. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics & International Relations and Asian Studies from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a Master of Global Affairs & Policy from Yonsei University, South Korea.

His thesis analyses the development of sea power in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on geopolitics and maritime strategic culture. Furthermore, his dissertation examines how sea power influences the shaping of maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. His case studies include the United States, China, Australia, Japan, India, and South Korea.

From 2024 to 2025, Dongkeun has been a doctoral fellow of the Japan Foundation, conducting research based at Keio University.

Beyond research, Dongkeun has tutored and is currently tutoring ASIA1999, STST1001, STST1003, STST2001, and STST3002.