Ulsan, South Korea – The Ulsan regional chapter of UPF held a seminar for the appointment of new peace ambassadors on November 9, 2024, in the Grand Auditorium of the Ulsan Unification Hall. The event was attended by over 150 peace ambassadors and new members.
The program began with a beautiful performance by a multicultural choir singing a popular Korean song with a message of peace, followed by the introduction of distinguished guests. Mr. Hyung-jun Park, chairman of the Sansuwon Patriots Association, presented an update on the current situation on the Korean Peninsula; Chairman Mr. Oh-young Kwon gave an encouraging speech; and the UPF regional chairman, Mr. Soon-hwan Kim, explained plans for the upcoming World Summit 2025.
Mr. Jong-chul Kim then delivered a presentation on “The Prospects for Korean Unification amid Recent Developments in North Korea.” Following the lecture, a ceremony was held to appoint more than 30 new peace ambassadors, who pledged to actively promote peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula. The event concluded with Mr. Hyo-yoon Ahn leading participants in three cheers, to reaffirm their roles and responsibilities as part of the peace movement for the Korean Peninsula.
UPF Leads Cultural Tour to China
Shandong Province, China – Mr. Hyung-jin Park, chairman of the UPF Daejeon region, led a group of 27 participants on a tour of Shandong Province in China from November 11 to 16, 2024. The group included the former governor of Goesan County, Mr. Gak-soo Lim, local UPF leaders, and six North Korean defectors.
Participants visited historical and cultural sites including Mount Tai, since ancient times considered one of the five sacred mountains in China; the city of Qufu, hometown of the ancient sage Confucius; and the port city of Qingdao.
The journey served as an opportunity to reflect on the shared cultural ties between Korea and China, as well as the importance of peaceful relations between neighboring countries. It also strengthened bonds between the community leaders and North Korean defectors, who determined to work together to advance peace in the region.
Busan Meeting Stresses the Role of Media
Busan, South Korea – Dr. Hyung-guk Cho, professor and columnist for the Segye Ilbo newspaper, spoke on “The Role of the Media for a Unified Korea” at a Peace Academy meeting in Busan on November 14, 2024. Mr. Nam-wook Park, secretary general of UPF-Busan, moderated the event, which was attended by approximately 50 participants, including Mr. Young-beom Kang, chairman of the Busan-Gyeongnam Internet Journalists’ Association, as well as journalists, local leaders, peace leaders, and Peace Academy trainees.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Cho analyzed various contemporary issues from the perspective of the pursuit of peace. He explained that Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon have worked to realize a unified Korea based on true love rather than the assertion of power. He highlighted their vision of transitioning from an Atlantic civilization to an Asia-Pacific civilization. He also stressed the moral responsibility of the current generation to ensure peace and stability for future generations.
“Peace is a way of life rooted in nonviolence,” he said, emphasizing the importance of extending love, sharing happiness, and maintaining steadfast beliefs. He further emphasized the significance of efforts to elevate human nature through values-based arts and culture, an emphasis on true families, and cultivating friendship between North and South Korean residents.
