Since its annexation by the Japanese government in 1910, the Korean people have longed to build a free, united, and independent homeland. Today, the continued division of the peninsula has also obscured Korea’s founding vision of Hongik Ingan, which was to establish a nation that can “benefit all humanity.”

Throughout that dark period of colonization to liberation, and then, tragically, the division of the Korean peninsula in 1945, patriots from Ahn Chang Ho to Kim Gu and many others have worked to harken back to this ideal.

Today, Action for Korea United (AKU), the largest civil society-based coalition of groups across the Korean peninsula takes up the vision and the spirit of the Korean Independence movement to fulfill the Korean Dream of Hongik Ingan. The following is a timeline of critical dates related to the occupation and division of the Korean peninsula. 

The Unification flag was created to represent North and South Korean representation in international sporting events.

Timeline of the Division of North and South Korea

Annexation

1905 Japan wins the Russo-Japanese War

1910 Japan formally annexes Korea

End of World War I and Independence Movements

1919 March 1 Declaration of Korean Independence begins a peninsula-wide movement for independence, engaging 2 million Koreans (10% of the population). The movement died down without attaining Korean independence but resulted in sustained independence efforts by Koreans abroad. During this time, small ideological differences would become apparent, deepening as time passed.

1919 April 13 the Korean Provisional Government was established in China by Koreans who had moved to China, nominally supported by the Chinese National Government. It tried unsuccessfully to attend the Paris Peace Conference at the end of World War I to bring up the issue of Korean independence.

1919 April the First Korean Congress was held in Philadelphia with Koreans in the U.S. like Syngman Rhee and Philip Jaisohn. This would be the beginning of ongoing efforts of Koreans in the United States to seek support for Korean independence from the United States.

End of World War II and Independence Efforts

1943 December Cairo Conference – the U.S., China, and Great Britain recognize the “enslavement of the people of Korea,” and “determine that in due course Korea shall become free and independent.” Many nations, including the U.S., did not deem Koreans ready for self-governance. A trusteeship was proposed.

1945 August 17 Japan surrenders in WWII.

1945 September 6 After months of organizing people’s committees under the Committee for the Preparation of Korean Independence. The People’s Republic of Korea was recognized by a congress of local representatives.

Trusteeship

1945 December At the Moscow Conference, Allies agreed to a U.S. proposal for a 5-year trusteeship over Korea dividing the peninsula along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union would monitor a transition of the territory in the north, and the U.S. would monitor the south.

1946-1947 A Soviet-U.S. Joint Commission meets to work towards a unified administration, but Cold War tensions, as well as Korean sentiments against a trusteeship, which was thought to hinder progress towards self-governance.

1947 November 14 The UN passes a resolution for free elections to be held in Korea and a withdrawal of all foreign troops. The UN established the United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK). The Soviet Union boycotted the vote.

1948 April conference for North and South meet in Pyongyang to discuss how to mitigate rising tensions. Southern representatives Kim Koo and Kim Hyu-sik attend, pushing for unity. The conference does not produce results.

Establishment of the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North)

1948 May 10 South Korea holds general elections.

1948 August 15  South Korea establishes the “Republic of Korea,” formally taking over power from the U.S. military, and electing Syngman Rhee as its first president.

1948 August 20 North Korea holds elections.

1948 September 9 North Korea declares the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, with Kim Il-sung as its premier.

1948 December 12 the United Nations General Assembly recognized the Republic of Korea as the only lawful government of Korea.

Korean War

1948-1950 Armed forces, South and North engage in border conflicts.

1950 June 25 North Korean forces invade South Korea, starting the Korean War. China and the Soviet Union supported the DPRK in their efforts to unify the peninsula by force.

1950 June 27 the UN Security Council passed Resolution 83 recommending member states to provide military assistance to South Korea. UN Forces would include 28 nations, the largest forces from the United States.

Armistice

1953 July 27 After 2 years of negotiations, an armistice agreement was finally reached, dividing Korea along the 38th parallel, yet again. Although the armistice agreement included a provision for continued peace talks, there has not yet been a final peace accord that would officially end the war. 2.5 million deaths are recorded in the Korean War. North and South Korea remain divided for over 70 years.

Revised March 8, 2018

The post Timeline of the Division of North and South Korea appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, Global Peace Foundation International Chairman and UCI Group President, was interviewed last month during his visit to Seoul. He did not hesitate to answer any question and spoke eloquently. In high school he was a top football player and was a member of the Korean national equestrian team during the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.Photo Courtesy of DongA Daily: by Hyuk Joon Choi, sajinman@donga.com

In early June, DongA, a top Korean daily newspaper, published a feature story of Dr. Moon, chairman and founder of the Global Peace Foundation. The article focuses on Dr. Moon’s approach to North and South Korean relations. It also tries to explore the roots of his convictions: his thoughts on the Declaration of Independence and the ancient Korean philosophy of Hong Ik Ingan as a foundation for unity between the two Koreas, his approach to business and spirituality, and his relationship to his father.

Below is an excerpt from the article by Moon Myung Heo,  angelhuh@donga.com

Dr. Moon is a big and tall man. He said, “My Korean is not that good, and English is better for me,” so a GPF official translated for him.

He said, “I want to instill in Koreans an interest in reunification. The global circumstances regarding the Korean peninsula are changing.  Many Korea experts in the U.S. used to view North and South Korea as a two-state regime, but now they see that the reunification of North and South Korea is favorable for world peace.”

With ‘North Korea’s nuclear trouble’ neighboring countries are showing interest in the reunification of North and South Korea

 ―Do major powers like the U.S. and China genuinely want the reunification of the Korean peninsula?

“First of all, it is important to understand that the U.S. never imposed diplomatic policies on the Korean peninsula. The U.S. has always followed South Korea’s lead. The Chinese are reasonable people.  The Western World has a short history relative to China that boasts a 5,000 year history.. These are issues of trust with Japan. Thus, it seems China can have better relations with Korea than with Japan or the U.S.”

 ―What could possibly be the reason for the change in the global situation?

“It is because of the North Korean nuclear program. The global community has realized that the reunification of North and South Korea is the way to deal with the nuclear issue and bring stability to the Korean peninsula. You know that North Korea supports the nuclear program in Iran. North Korea’s nuclear program is closely related to western society’s war on terror. Northeast Asia is one of the most volatile regions in the world, and crucial for the security of the global economy. If a conflict breaks out in this region, it is highly likely that it will spread to the entire world. Global security in the 21st century begins with security in Northeast Asia. At this pivotal juncture, Koreans must seriously think about their own fate.”

 ― They are giving a serious thought to it.

“I do not think so. The conservatives and liberals within Korea warned me ‘Korean people are not interested in reunification,’ particularly youth.  Some suggested that I should instead deal with welfare issues since they are more interested in that topic than reunification.”

―At this point, he mentioned that ‘Mongolia’ is a key nation.

“The Six-Party Talks create a 3-on-3 situation, which always brings trouble. I suggest that Mongolia be included as the 7th member nation. Mongolia is on good terms with China and Russia. They used to belong to the Soviet bloc, but successfully transitioned from a communist to democratic nation without bloodshed. They have embassies in North and South Korea respectively. Historically one of Genghis Khan’s favorite wives who accompanied him during his conquests was the princess from Korea.”

Hongik-ingan and U.S. founding philosophy are interconnected

 ―To achieve reunification, North Korea has to change.

“You can think of North Korea’s situation as a cup half full or half empty. One of the problems of politics is that it pursues only short-term policies. Korea’s Sunshine Policy brought positive results but also created problems. It was unable to create a national vision that went beyond regimes. They had provide a vision that inspired the leader of North Korea. The biggest error in South Korea’s North Korea policy is that it has been Korea-centric.”

 ― At this point, I want to ask you a basic question. Why should Korea be reunified?

“Koreans have a destiny that begins at the founding of the nation. When I studied history in college, I was highly impressed by the 5,000-year history of Korea. The Korean founding mythology of Dangun and the philosophy of Hongik-ingan assert that Koreans are endowed by Heaven with responsibility to live for humanity. What is essential in leadership is moral authority. It is a great blessing that Koreans are given a national mission to live for humanity; and it is a position that holds incredible moral authority.”

I was very surprised that a Columbia graduate who spoke fluent English, dressed in a smart suit was talking to me about the ‘Dangun Mythology’ ‘Hongik-ingan.’ He continued.

“The U.S. rose to global power because the nation was founded upon fundamental principles of human rights and freedom described in the Declaration of Independence. But the Korean people were already advocating  principles and values that are essentially connected to the concepts of modern human rights and fundamental freedoms 5,000 years before. If we examine the spiritual heritage of the Hongik-ingan philosophy, we might discover a DNA that can resolve religious conflicts that have escalated into a global war on terror.”

When I asked again, “So are the benefits if Korea is reunified,” he  said what you might expect from a Harvard MBA graduate, words like ‘innovation’ and ‘creation’.

“In terms of investment and its consumer market, South Korea is already saturated. North and South Korea speak a same language, share the same culture, history and identity.  From a business perspective, it is a great asset that a developing country is located just to the north (post reunification). Korea can become a top 5 nation. Apple stocks are in decline in the U.S. The new Smart Phone is Samsung’s. Koreans strive for excellence and are very self-reliant. Japanese like to go in groups, but Koreans want to be the master, taking charge. Thus they are well suited for entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. If a strong concept like national destiny can be infused into them, they will be able to seize the opportunities which are made possible through reunification and the position of leadership which Koreans can acquire.”

 ―  Are you a man of religion?

“If I talk about spiritual principles and values, people think I am evangelizing, but that is not it (Laughs). Most people think that a man of religion or a man of faith can only be active within the boundaries of faith, but that is not true.  Major reforms in every society throughout human history were sparked by a vision and principles that impressed people. These are spiritual values. North Korea’s Juche Idea is more like a religion than a philosophy. Religious leaders nowadays want to advocate their own faith and belief exclusively.”

 ― Are you saying you want to create a new religion?

“No. I have no such intention.”

 ― You are also a business man, but is it possible to make money based on spirituality?

“Business activities generate value through profits. Spiritual activities enrich our lives and add a meaning and purpose to our lives. Sometimes these two areas overlap each other, but based on my experience, it is more beneficial that they have their own purpose.”

 ― How can you maintain these separate purposes and be successful at the same time?

“I believe the biggest value can be created through moral and innovative leadership.”

 His answer was not concrete, but rather abstract and puzzling. I felt a sense of genuineness in his expression and his voice, yet he also seemed to impress upon me that he would only show me what he wanted to show…

“The Unification Church’s internal conflict stemmed from dissenting views regarding its future direction”

I tried to change the topic to Unification Church. I wanted to talk about succession controversy, but he firmly rejected the subject. I asked in writing ‘why do you refuse to talk about Unification Church’s internal strife including lawsuit among siblings.’ The following is his reply.

“The so-called conflict within the Unification Movement is rooted in contending views on the purpose and direction of the movement.  My siblings were unfortunate pawns set up to fulfill the nefarious purposes of some bad leaders. As a man of faith, I believe these conflicts will be resolved in due time.”

 ― What was your father like?

“Just like the title of his autobiography, he was a ‘Peace-loving global citizen.’ As a deeply patriotic Korean, he recognized that Korean people have a special role to play in God’s providence for the sake of all humanity. His work went beyond denominational and religious interests, spanning politics, business, NGOs, academia, culture, arts, sports and media. He always told me that he was willing to sacrifice the Unification Church for the sake of Korean Unification and world peace.  Now that my father has passed, I hope that he can be understood correctly without the biases and misunderstanding that surrounded his incredible and momentous life.”

For the full article in Korean visit: http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130610/55743310/1

The post Korean Daily DongA Publishes Feature on Dr. Hyun Jin Moon’s Stance on Korean Reunification appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.

I believe that is why we are here in this nation of Japan. If the Japanese people once again can capture a sense of destiny, Japan is positioned to accomplish great things.

June 1 – 2, 2012

Tokyo, Japan –

The Global Peace Leadership Conference in Japan posed the question, “What type of leadership does this nation of Japan need at this critical time.”  It was an important opportunity to address the historic and recent past, and look forward to the future of Japan and the surrounding communities in Northeast Asia and the Pan-Pacific Rim.  Here is the first part of four segments of his address.

Moral and Innovative Leadership for Japan

Esteemed guests, illustrious speakers, we are truly standing in a historic moment. What we do today will determine the future of not only this nation’s destiny, but the destiny of the Asian continent, and the world.

This nation is blessed with a great gift, its people. They have been the bedrock, the foundation of this nation.

The ancestors of this nation transformed this nation from a feudal state into a modern state within one generation. In the latter part of the 19^th century, it became the only Asian nation that was recognized as a world power by European. Sadly, there were unspeakable tragedies that took place. But it does not point to the fundamental character of the Japanese people. They were misled.

The fundamental essence of the Japanese is captured by how they lifted themselves up from its war torn remains. The people pulled Japan up to be, at one time, the second largest economy and how the third largest economy in the world. This nation has always been a nation with a sense of purpose, a sense of direction, a sense of destiny.

Yet, as a fellow panelist pointed out in his remarks, recently there has been such a rapid transfer of political leadership in Japan. Even diplomats from foreign countries do not know who the next leader of Japan will be.

This nation seems to be adrift on the sea without its original sense of purpose, sense of direction, sense of destiny. It does not know how it will make its mark in the future, not only for its own people, but for Asia and the world. How can such a nation with such a proud legacy be a nation today that is adrift in the world with no sense of direction and purpose?

I believe that is why we are here in this nation of Japan. If the Japanese people once again can capture a sense of destiny, Japan is positioned to accomplish great things.

The challenge was posited by the same panelist and professor that leaders need to step up and set a new precedent for a national destiny that encompasses the greater global community. I would like to challenge esteemed Japanese leaders and scholars to think out of the box.

Rope off your platforms to a vision that recognizes our common humanity and the common destiny of Japanese, North and South Koreans, the people of Northeast Asia and the world. Let us build a better future for our entire human family. This is the sense of purpose, direction, and destiny that can inspire our children, and allow our grandchildren to see peace that we have so yearned for.

That is my challenge to you. I hope that your deliberations and your conviction and ownership can bring about tremendous hope for the future of humanity.

A Vision that Gives Life Meaning and Direction

International and Japanese leaders gathered to work across nationality, ethnicity and religion to deliberate on how to secure a peaceful and prosperous Japan and world.

The Global Peace Festival Foundation is inspired by the vision to establish one family under God. It is a vision that I have taken around every continent of the world. It has inspired millions of people regardless of their faith traditions, nationality, ethnic backgrounds, race or political orientation.

It is a message that allows humanity to cherish the most sacred relationships that we experience – those sacred relationships that can only be intimated as familial relationships. Think about it. When we talk about our most intimate relationships, we refer to them in familial terms. As human beings, we cherish those relationships more than any other. If there is a mentor, a great teacher, that person is like your father, like your mother. If you have a great friend, your best friend, you say that person is like your brother, like your sister. If you have some young person in which you see great potential and that you have tremendous love and affection for, you refer to that young person as your son or your daughter, because the most intimate of relationships that we experience as human beings is within the familial realm.

We all come from the same source. And yet, we create a lot of pretensions. We create our religious pretensions, we create our national pretensions, we create our racial and ethnic pretensions. These walls and barriers that separate humanity do not recognize our common humanity. At the end of the day, if we look back on our lives from our deathbed, and ask, “Did those pretensions make my life that much more meaningful? Did they give my life more purpose? Did they give a greater sense of how to contribute to humanity?” The answer will be, “No.”

When we truly reflect on our own existence we will realize that we are truly one family. And we will find that we are given the gift of life to make a contribution, however large or small, to the progress of humanity and to a world of peace. This is the legacy we leave to our children, our grandchildren, and our great grandchildren.

A Spiritually Rooted Approach to Peace

This vision of one family under God is rooted in a spiritual providence. It recognizes that there have been many efforts to establish peace in the past.

Panelist Dr. Kaseda from Kitakyushu University and Dr. Moon exchange thoughts on the essential components of leadership.

One of the most notable is the United Nations. It was founded after the travesty of World War II. Nations on multiple continents were devastated. The United Nations to help rebuild. It was founded on the noble notion of world peace, to save succeeding generations from having to face the “scourge of war” again.  They chose to deal with the issues of peace from a political, social, economic, and diplomatic framework.

And yet one conflict after another arose, and still the world chose to deal with those same issues from a diplomatic, economic, political, social, and yet still conflicts arose again.

My father has presented a proposal to change our paradigm of peace. It is that peace cannot be achieved without considering the most fundamental part of humanity, its spiritual dimension. It is in this dimension that humanity has found the capacity to love, to live for the sake of others, and to show compassion, forgiveness. It is the spirit that gives humanity the strength and vision to see beyond petty trivialities. It is the spirit that allows humanity to find its nobility, divinity and dignity. It is the spirit that enables us to envision and embody peace.

The vision of one family under God recognizes that other dimensions of peace are important.  Yet, it fundamentally recognizes and highlights the spiritual dimension of humanity.

Japan’s Future and the Future of Northeast Asia

As a Korean and as a U.S. citizen, I would like to suggest what that would look like.

The greatest threat to Northeast Asian peace is the situation on the Korean peninsula. My parents are from North Korea. For my family and other Koreans, the war that started 60 years ago never ended. This civil conflict was imposed on the Korean people by larger geopolitical dimensions. Communism and democracy clashed on my peninsula. And the Korean people have suffered greatly for it.

Countless Korean families were displaced and separated. To this day, the 38^th parallel that separates the two Koreas divides the Korean people. In modern history, a civil war has never lasted this long.

There is a great American statesman who lead the United States through a time of civil war back into union—Abraham Lincoln. He explained to his fellow countryman that a house divided cannot stand. He spoke of a shared destiny, a common destiny of one, not two Americas.

The story of the Korean people should also be a story not of a house divided, but a house united.

The state of North Korea poses tremendous challenges to the region of Northeast Asia. Yet, imagine if, the Korean people took the lead in the process of reunification to embrace and bring in the people of the North? What if North and South Korea become one united Korea that stands as a leader and advocate for peace and unity in this region?

What would that mean for the stability and peace for Japan? What would that mean for the stability and peace of Northeast Asia? A united Korea would set a precedent that would give hope and inspiration for many nations that face potential conflict and challenges to development.

Japan has an opportunity to heal a painful past. If Japan can step up to help bring together the Korean people, both those who live upon the shore of Japan and those who live on the divided peninsula, the gratitude the Korean people will drown out all the resentment and bitter feeling that was left from a conflict that happened decades ago. This will set the moral foundation upon which Japan can stand to contribute to the peace process in Northeast Asia.

Such conviction and ownership can bring about tremendous blessings to humanity in the future.

The post Dr. Moon’s address at the Global Peace Leadership Conference, Tokyo Japan 2012 appeared first on Hyun Jin Preston Moon.