Ms Hee-ryeong Kim, Manager, Korean Dream Crew
The Global Peace Foundation’s (GPF) One Korea Global Campaign aims to garner international support for Korean-led efforts to achieve the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula. Fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse global entities via various activities, including forums, festivals, and other initiatives, GPF is advancing the Korean Dream of a free and unified North Korea and South Korea, where human rights and prosperity become a reality for all Koreans.
Commemorating the 80th National Liberation Day of Korea, the International Forum on One Korea 2025 and its culminating event, the 2025 Korean Dream Hangang Festa, were held in Seoul, South Korea, on August 14-15. GPF partnered with Action for Korea United (AKU), One Korea Foundation (OKF), and Blue Banner to convene the forum, where global leaders and stakeholders focused their discussions on environmental protection, international cooperation, expanding support for Korean unification, and prioritizing human rights.
The joyful and celebratory Festa was held in Ttukseom Hangang Park on August 15. With the historic Han River in the background, several thousand diverse attendees joined together in collective support of a free and unified Korea. They celebrated the unwavering Korean spirit, embracing the founding ideal of Hongik Ingan—”to benefit all humanity.”
Hee-ryeong Kim, the manager of Korean Dream Crew, exemplifies the importance of young people as a driving force behind a unified Korea and supporting events such as the Festa. A recent “Korean Dream Times” interview highlights her dual role as a “festival creator and a citizen who supports the festival.”
In the interview, Ms. Kim emphasized the “important social value” of inclusivity and the Korean Dream as “utopia.” She also helped create the Festa and contributed her own resources to support it, stating, “I’m a practitioner, but as a citizen, I also felt like I wanted to contribute to the festival I created. Even if it wasn’t a big deal, I decided to participate in hopes that my small contribution would help breathe life into this festival.”
Recognizing the Han River’s historical significance to Korea and its people, she said, “Talking about peace and unification here seems to be connected to the symbol of the Korean Dream.” She concluded her interview, underscoring the ongoing importance of the Festa as a springboard for future action, stating, “This festival isn’t just a one-day event to enjoy, but a platform for us to imagine and share the kind of society we envision. Therefore, I believe your participation goes beyond mere support; it’s a declaration of our commitment to building the future together.”
The Korean Dream is an important undertaking that, when achieved, will have a positive regional impact along with expanded global benefits. GPF will continue to partner with organizations, such as AKU, OKF, and Blue Banner, while engaging the support of energetic and enthusiastic young people like Hee-ryeong Kim to make the dream a reality.
To learn more about the International Forum on One Korea 2025, visit International Forum on One Korea 2025 Convenes in Seoul, Opens New Chapter in Civil Society–Led Unification Diplomacy – Global Peace Foundation
To learn more about the 2025 Korean Dream Hangang Festa, visit 2025 Korean Dream Hangang Festa – Global Peace Foundation
To learn more about Kim Hee-ryeong’s “Korean Dream Times” interview, visit “As festival makers and citizens who support festivals” < people who create hope < people < article text – Korean Dream Times
