International Association for Reconciliation Studies (IARS)
[Announcement] 6th Annual Conference of the International Association for Reconciliation Studies – Seoul 2025
The theme of this conference is “Bridging a Division: To Overcome the Barriers that Divide Us.”
On the Korean Peninsula, layers of division have been etched into society through historical violence, including colonial rule beginning in 1905, followed by war and dictatorship, legacies that continue to affect the present.
This conference seeks to re-examine the possibilities of reconciliation in its various forms, by confronting divisions between Japan and Korea, North and South Korea, the state and civil society, conservatives and progressives, and more. From South Korea to the world, we aim to engage with these painful histories through a global lens.
The detailed program for the conference is available [here]. Some panels will be organized by members of this project as well, so we warmly encourage those interested to attend. While the conference will primarily be held in person, please note that some sessions may shift to an online format depending on the global situation. In such cases, further information will be provided.
Additionally, on July 16, a special session supported by the Toshiba International Foundation will be held. In this session, Professor Asano (Waseda University) and Professor Nam (Seoul National University) will engage in a dialogue on the theme: How far can Japan–South Korea reconciliation go? This session will be conducted in person only, and we especially encourage those attending on site to join.
Tentative Program
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (July 14th) | 15:00 | Opening Ceremony |
| 18:00 | Reception Event | |
| Day 2 (July 15th) | 08:15 | Block A |
| 10:00 | Block B | |
| 12:00 | Luncheon | |
| 13:00 | Block C | |
| 14:45 | Block D | |
| 16:30 | Block E | |
| Day 3 (July 16th) | 08:15 | Block F |
| 10:00 | Block G | |
| 12:00 | Luncheon | |
| 13:00 | Block H | |
| 14:45 | Block I | |
| 16:30 | Block J: Keynote Speech – IARS President | |
| 18:30 | Conference Dinner (optional program) | |
| Day 4 (July 17th) | 08:15 | Block K |
| 10:00 | Block L | |
| 12:00 | Luncheon | |
| 13:00 | Block M | |
| 14:45 | Block N | |
| 16:30 | Block O: IARS General Assembly Meeting + Award Ceremony | |
| Day 5 (July 18th) | 08:00 – 15:00 | Excursion Program to northern part of Gyeonggi Province near the DMZ area (optional) |
About IARS
The International Association for Reconciliation Studies (IARS) was founded in 2020 as a global academic network that brings together scholars, activists, and policymakers dedicated to the promotion of peace and reconciliation. The association emphasizes not only structural perspectives but also emotional and cognitive approaches to reconciliation, seeking to explore new insights into the complex processes of healing. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and annual conferences held around the world, IARS aims to deepen our understanding of justice, memory, and social healing.