Bridging the Nation for Peace

On June 28, the Damyang Culture and Arts Center in Jeollanam-do, South Korea, became a gathering place of hope and healing as over 500 citizens and local leaders came together for a special peace event titled “Connect Korea: Bridging the Nation.” Hosted by the HWPL Global 02 Branch, the event marked the 12th anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace.

This gathering was part of a larger global movement. The international peace organization Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) hosted commemorative events in 94 locations across 61 countries, both online and offline, under the common goal of ending war and achieving peace through citizen participation.

A Nationwide Campaign for Peace and Reunification

In South Korea, HWPL's campaign titled “The Future of Peace and Prosperity: Free Travel Across the Korean Peninsula” reached 12 cities throughout June, including Seoul. The movement brought together local governments, civic organizations, and over 13,600 citizens, amplifying a collective voice for peaceful reunification and the healing of national division.

Stories of Longing and Resolve

The event in Damyang began with a congratulatory speech by Damyang Mayor Jung Chul-won, followed by deeply moving testimonies and messages of unity.

Oh Jung-geun, Chairman of the Association of Displaced Persons from the Five Northern Provinces, shared his personal story of separation as a displaced North Korean. His message conveyed the pain of family division and his lifelong dream to return to his hometown in Hwanghae-do, from which he fled during the Korean War.

“I just want to set foot on my homeland once before I die,” he said, recalling childhood memories and the sorrow of parents who passed away without returning home. His plea underscored that reunification is not just a political issue but a human one.

Oh Geon-woong, former Chairman of the Gwangju Branch of the same association and a first-generation war refugee, emphasized that enabling free travel across the Korean Peninsula is an urgent task of our era.

A Platform for Generational Dialogue

The first part of the program concluded with a presentation by Lim Yoon-seop, a youth representative from the "Together Campaign" — a nationwide movement promoting unity and peace. He proposed a step-by-step approach toward peaceful reunification, engaging both older and younger generations in mutual understanding.

The second part featured performances and video presentations that conveyed the message of peace and reunification in creative, emotional ways. An interactive acrostic poem session invited participants to express their hopes for "Free Travel" in their own words.

Through music, stories, and visual content, attendees reflected on the realities of a divided Korea and the urgent need for peaceful reconciliation — not only for the present generation but for the future.

A Hopeful Beginning

In his welcoming address, HWPL Global 02 Branch Director Kang Gu-young stated,

“May this gathering become the starting point of citizens’ united desire for peace. Let it be a place where the wounds of our nation are healed and hope is passed down to the next generation.”

Source: https://vo.la/JhFjoAN