The Korean Sociological Association (KSA) has steadily grown since its establishment in 1956. Individual members’ research fields have diversified and specialized. However, it is important to remember that diversification and specialization should not lead to fragmentation of the discipline. The decline in common research interests and academic conversations among sociologists can be interpreted as a signal of a crisis in sociology. In order to secure their identity as sociologists pursuing coexistence and integration, sociologists should participate more in the activities of sociological associations.

The theme and direction of the 2023 KSA is the Sociology of Overcoming a Fragmented Society. If we define social fragmentation as the state of institutional and interpersonal breakdown, or the phenomenon where personal and impersonal social relationships among people are shattered, then a fragmented society can be understood as a society where social fragmentation is so severe that integration is almost impossible. I think that social fragmentation can be divided into two types: fragmentation in the social system and fragmentation in interpersonal relationships. Social fragmentation often involves a hierarchical relationship between differentiated elements and individuals. The solutions to social problems resulting from these two dimensions of social fragmentation are also different. Overcoming fragmentation in a social system is to recover system balance or rationality; resolving fragmentation in interpersonal relationships is to restore social solidarity and coexistence.

The COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated social fragmentation. This problem will not be resolved once the pandemic is over, because it is the result of a radical transformation in the social system. I believe that the post-COVID-19 pandemic year of 2023 will be an opportunity to demonstrate the usefulness of sociology in proposing solutions to overcome social fragmentation. Sociology can elucidate the dual or compound effects of social fragmentations in the social system and in interpersonal relationships, and draw attention to the differences between them to suggest solutions.

An ideal academic community that we sociologists have long pursued is a space where various voices and perspectives are listened to and respected. As a way to encourage sociologists’ participation, the KSA plans to hold three national conferences in Jeonju in June, in Busan in August, and in Seoul in December 2023.

In addition, I also plan to take part in two international conferences to meet foreign sociologists on behalf of the KSA: the 20^th ISA World Congress of Sociology in Melbourne, Australia in June, and the 3^rd Congress of East Asian Sociological Association in Changchun, China in August. I will try to find and discuss solutions to social fragmentation at these conferences with sociologists from around the world.

Although social fragmentation can be found among sociologists, it might in part reflect the contemporary fragmented society. I believe that the ideals that we sociologists pursue together can overcome it. The KSA will continue to host spaces for discussing the Role of Sociology in Overcoming a Fragmented Society. As we face new opportunities and challenges in 2023, I wish that societies and sociology in the world can make better together. We look forward to your continued interest in the KSA.

Thank you.

Dong-Hoon SEOL

President of the KSA in 2023