Unified Korea: Finding Seeds of Hope—A Groundbreaking GWPN International Forum

It has been over 70 years since the Korean war broke out, resulting in the separation of one country and way of life into two. Even after these many years, the lands bordering the demilitarized zone remain the most heavily armed in the world. While attempts for lasting resolution and reconciliation appear entirely out of reach, Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Founders Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Mrs. Hak Ja Han Moon have held out hope. Using unique, outside the box ideas, they are determined to peacefully bring together their homeland, as a means to igniting the realistic possibility for peace throughout the world.

To contribute to these peacebuilding efforts, WFWP in Korea, Japan, and the United States facilitated an international Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) forum in collaboration with Universal Peace Federation, on the theme, “Women's Leadership in Reconciliation and Peacemaking- A Unified Korea: Finding Seeds of Hope.” Each of the four speakers of North Korean descent shared their personal accounts, and distinct impressions on ways the international community can support the peace efforts. The program took place on August 17, 2021, and drew in the participation of 700 people from 42 countries around the world.

The forum moderator, Mrs. Moriko Hori, President of WFWP Japan, convened the program by calling attention to the underlying theme, asserting the important role women and mothers play in any unification process. Mrs. Hori encouraged those living in South Korea, Japan, and America to take this valuable opportunity to learn more about the realities of North Korea. Setting the tone for the program, she shared, “The first step to reconciliation begins with mutual understanding... I hope this will be a breakthrough opportunity to break your stereotypes and promote mutual understanding.”

WFWP International President Dr. Julia H. Moon welcomed the distinguished speakers and worldwide audience to the noteworthy program. Providing a wider context for the WFWP Founder’s desire for a reunified Korea, Dr. Moon shared about their first-hand experience in a divided homeland, the belief that this ideological division reflects a divided human race, and their heart to bring about the harmony, goodness, and peace our Creator seeks for everyone. In order to overcome the deep walls of distrust on the Korean Peninsula, diplomacy beyond the efforts of official government entities are needed. Dr. Moon explained, “It will take a great deal of open communication, education and sharing to understand the people of North Korea, their attitudes, culture, and their needs… This, I believe, is where women are needed and can be most effective in the process of reconciliation and building a culture of peace.”

Giving introductory remarks, Mrs. Angelika Selle, President of WFWP USA, described the founding vision of the GWPN, which is to build a lasting world of peace under God by leveraging the maternal perspective of women. She also shed light on the topic and selection of speakers, all of whom were of North Korean descent and currently living in South Korea, Japan, or the United States. These speakers were deliberately chosen to provide personal insights and perspectives on life in North Korea, and practical suggestions as to what can be done to accelerate the process of unification. Mrs. Selle concluded her remarks by encouraging women leaders to get involved and seek solutions. “It is indeed women, and in particular mothers, who naturally carry these characteristics of compassion, love, service and sacrifice within us, which helps us open doors when there are walls in front of us.”

The first panelist, Professor Min Gyu Kim, graduate of Kim Il Sung University and Professor at Woosuk University, Department of Defense, gave an eye-opening speech based on his time in North Korea. Professor Kim revealed misinformation and numerous misconceptions, such as false claims of poor performing athletes being sent to coal mines. “The media and North Korean defectors have communicated a distorted reality sometimes, which is of no help. One needs to recognize the different values and identities of North Koreans, and not be quick to distort or criticize it.” One such religious identity for North Koreans taught at a young age, is viewing their nation's leadership as God. He confirmed that making the effort to understand the North Korean way of life, and building a relationship of trust will be a step towards unification.

An uniquely refreshing perspective on unification was presented by a third generation North Korean-Japanese woman, Ms. Hee Ryang Cheon, who described her experience as a student of the traditional Korean ‘Chosun’ schools in Japan. Ms. Cheon explained the meaning of the word Chosun as ‘Undivided Korea,’ and at these schools, students view themselves as proud descendants of the unified Korea. Describing the history of conflict between the Koreas and Japan, Ms. Cheon affirmed, “The only place in the world where all three countries meet is at a Chosun School. The students of Chosun schools do not want the three countries to fight and be divided, but desperately want peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula. It is a peace ambassador training school to lead the Korean Peninsula to peace…” The unique model of Chosun schools alluded to a huge response from the audience, who were eager to know more about the traditions of the schools. 

Yet another heart-opening story was given by Mrs. Son Ja Han, head of the North Korea Human Rights International Association. Born in North Korea but having grown up in China, Mrs. Han narrated her experience of visiting her family in North Korea for the first time after 40 years. During her visit she found rampant hunger, poverty, and illness. Her experiences motivated her to help defectors escape to safe countries, and she eventually assisted over 70 people to do so. A rush of emotions was experienced by everyone present in the program, when Mrs. Han recounted her experience of rescuing a six year old girl Hanmi Kim, before being sold for the family's survival. In her conclusion Mrs. Han tearfully pleaded, “Even now, there are many hidden North Korean defectors in China who are having a hard time. We would be grateful if you could take this opportunity today to know a little bit about this situation and show interest.”

The last presenter, Ms. Rosa Park, Director of Programs and Editor at the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK), a third generation North Korean living in the U.S., Ms. Park described the sacrifices and chain of events that led to her family immigrating to the U.S., and her gratitude for being able to live in the free world where she has access to resources like medical care. As such, she proclaimed, “It is my responsibility to be a voice for those who are voiceless in North Korea. It is not just my responsibility though. Everyone in the free world has a responsibility to stand up for those suffering in North Korea.” As a human rights advocate, Ms. Park described the numerous human rights violations defectors are subjected to, many of which disproportionately impact women. Finally, she shared that in order to prepare for unification, contributors from every industry, such as teachers, engineers, and medical professionals, will be essential for a smooth transition. She urged each person to think about the role they would like to play in the reunified Korea.

All the presentations were extremely rich and deep. The stories and depictions ignited many questions from the audience, some of which were answered during the program.

Mrs. Margie Moon, President for the Korea subregion 2 of WFWP gave the concluding statement, highlighting the story and impact of each of the presenters.

As an action step for the participating audience, Mrs. Kiyomi Schmidt, Outreach Director of WFWP USA, introduced the 1% Love Share Project. This year all donations collected for this campaign in the United States will go to support North Korean defectors and students. (CLICK HERE to learn more about the receiving schools and organizations, and to donate.)

To conclude together with an uplifting cultural performance, a mesmerizing video of a Korean dance group, the ‘Little Angels’, was played. The heartwarming performance took place during the group’s first visit to Pyongyang in May, 1998, to meet their counterparts. 

We would like to thank all who attended, supported, and contributed to the success of this meaningful event. We hope that you will continue to find and plant seeds of hope wherever you go, so that we may build a thriving and connected human family. If you have yet to watch this profound forum, we encourage you to do so! Watch the Recording below or click on the following link: https://vimeo.com/591665041

Reflections and Insights from the participants:

-The key takeaway for me was the importance of understanding the North Korean people for who they are, how they see the world, and what they want for themselves and their country. When Prof. Kim showed the video clip of the North Korean women weeping because the picture of Kim Jong Il was wet, it's easy to dismiss them as "crazy" or "misinformed." But that attitude doesn't bring reconciliation, it only creates more divides. Instead, we have to listen and seek to understand from the perspective of the heart first in order to then address the many challenges they will need to face in order to make reunification possible. We have to see the North Koreans as fellow human beings first.

-Thank you for the heartfelt presentation on Chosun schools across Japan and in South Korea. Beautiful and a very moving testimony by Mrs. Han, thank you for the continued contribution to love and unity in the region.

- For me, Prof. Kim was the one who caught my attention, because he, as a man, saw and  appreciated the work of WFWP and its pivotal role in laying a foundation for unity quietly and encouraged WFWP to play an even more prominent role in accelerating the process of a peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

-The event was very eye-opening for me. It's true that I did have some information about the realities of North Korea, however, I was not very clear about the information from a grass root level perspective. My knowledge of North Korea was only limited to what I have been taught in school, thus being a part of this event introduced me to the grass root realities of North Koreans, which was very moving. Dr. Kim and Dr. Julia Moon pointed out the importance of understanding differences, and not being critical at the same time. Ms. Rosa Park’s and Mrs. Son Ja Han's work was very impressive. While viewing the presentation by Mrs. Han, I could feel the emotions in the atmosphere even in that virtual environment, and I think these heart-felt emotions are important in facilitating hope.

-This event was very enlightening on the unification of North Korea and South Korea. It was great to know the culture of North Korea, by the people itself, to know the grass root reality of people.

-Unification is achievable with much hard work by women.

-Valuable stories were shared of real life issues facing North Koreans. The two Koreas have different cultures, yet there is longing for unity. We need this education.

-I see that people are similar no matter where they live, and they love similar things. I feel that the Kim dynasty can be overcome but I know it will not be easy or without tremendous challenges.

-It was very apparent in the amount of dedication, effort and heart it took to go into planning this event. Each speaker spoke with sincerity, compassion and truth in their hearts for the reunification of North and South Korea. My knowledge is very limited on this topic, and I was grateful to the panelists who gave me plenty of information and a realistic view of what the current situation is there. Ms. Rosa Park's emphasis on the need to plan when North and South Korea reunifies struck me, because as much work it is to unify it takes even more strength and endurance to maintain it. Thank you to the speakers and those working behind the scenes to bring this event to life and giving us the opportunity to hear important information about North Korea. I feel this event brings hope and education to the world.

-Splendid! Good panelists, speeches, and unique information that are difficult to know.

-I learned the importance of knowing the North Koreans as a people, and to respect their culture.

-The situation in North Korea is real and there are noble people who are making small efforts to help and make a change.

-We have to create more educational programs and ads to let the general public know about the project of WFWP regarding the unification of North and South Korea.

-After listening to Dr. Min Gyu Kim's presentation, I realized how little I know about their past 70 years of agony. Each presenter has given me insightful thoughts.

-Each presenter planted seeds of hope for an unified Korea. Mrs. Son Ja Han's personal story on rescuing defectors and integrating them into Korean society. Her courage and love are to be admired.

-The situation of refugees from North Korea is not easy even after they arrive in the South. Most of them are women trying to escape the terrible conditions who are mistreated on their path to escape. I am very grateful for the program. It is so important to foster understanding about the realities in North Korea and to create hope that reunification is possible.

-Yes, instead of just harshly criticizing it is important to come to know of each others’ cultures. The young boys and the woman in the video only know what they have strongly believed to be true. It is good to see them with compassion and even pray for them.

- Such profound and informative presentations. Huge thanks to all the speakers and WFWP staff who worked on this evening.

- What a groundbreaking seminar today because of the selection of the panelist with such informative and interesting presentations.  Yes, very meaningful. Thanks Ms. Margie Moon for your summary.