Narcissism Reimagined: From Loss to Love

Call for proposals is open - deadline - 30 September 2025: www.ipa.world/seoul

We are living through the palpable reality of political turmoil and the climate crisis. At the same time, we find ourselves in an era of hyperconnectivity and artificial intelligence, where human subjectivity is either magnified to extremes or entirely overlooked. Among younger generations, the phrase “This life is ruined! Better luck in the next one!” has become common, while multiverse and reincarnation narratives fill our movies and literature. We find ourselves in a cultural moment that denies death, loss, and separation—embracing instead a sense of magic and omnipotence with transhumanism movements gaining more currency. This is the era of narcissism. 

These cultural phenomena may, in fact, reflect a profound inner vulnerability and anxiety. Narcissistic vulnerability refuses loss, preventing contact with a sense of self in motion, becoming and transforming instead external values dictate everything. Now, more than ever, we need psychoanalytic reflections on narcissism.

At the May 2026 Seoul Asia Pacific Conference, we will engage in discussions about dynamic analytic processes that foster genuine transformation. These processes can enable individuals, trapped in narcissistic vulnerability and regression, to risk the pain of loss, integrate the fragmented self, and ultimately discover themselves, create meaning, and attain true intimacy and love.

We invite you to the Asia-Pacific Conference in Seoul, Korea—a country with 5,000 years of living history and home to the vibrant culture of K-pop.

The IPA looks forward to welcoming you to Seoul!

SEND PROPOSAL: go to conference site to send proposals, register, and for all information: www.ipa.world/seoul