The K-Future Team held its first public academic event, the Theory Atelier, on April 16 under the theme “Deconstructing the Idea of Korea (as Nation).” Conceived as a monthly scholarly forum, the Theory Atelier seeks to create an experimental space where new theoretical approaches can be brought into dialogue with Korean studies. By inviting distinguished theorists from Korea and abroad, the event aims to foster intellectual exchange and scholarly communication.

The inaugural session, held live via Zoom, began with a one-hour lecture by Professor Jin Taewon (Sungkonghoe University), who presented his ongoing work on rethinking the foundations of Korean studies. The presentation was followed by a lively open discussion with about twenty participants from diverse backgrounds, including members of the Future Team.

Centered on Professor Jin’s proposition of “Deconstructing the Idea of Korea (as Nation),” the discussion explored the potential for dismantling reality framed by nationalism and the nation-state, as well as the broader shifts of (post-)modernity and the post-Marxist era. Particular attention was given to Derrida’s notion of quasi-transcendentality and the repetitive structures of post-discourse, through which participants critically reflected on the uncertainties and historicity of modernity. In this context, the very idea of “Korea” was reconsidered not as a fixed essence, but as a discursive construct that shifts according to its social configurations.