Young people have a critical role to play in shaping the future of the Korean Peninsula, and Namsik Yoo, director of youth programs at Alliance for Korea United USA, believes they must move from being observers of reunification discussions to becoming active participants in building a peaceful future. “We need to make reunification a movement in which young people directly participate and take action instead of ending with lectures or slogans,” Yoo said recently in an interview with Asia Today.

Yoo envisions a global movement that brings together young South Koreans, overseas Koreans, North Korean escapees, ethnic Koreans from former Soviet states and international students from diverse backgrounds. For him, Korean reunification is not an issue that should be addressed only through government negotiations. It is a generational responsibility and an opportunity for young people to contribute ideas, build connections and develop practical solutions for a peaceful, prosperous and unified Korean Peninsula.

His vision also reflects the values behind the Global Peace Foundation’s (GPF) One Korea Global Campaign, which has promoted international support for Korean-led peaceful unification since 2010. GPF envisions a free and unified Korea grounded in freedom, democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights, drawing on the Korean principle of Hongik Ingan, “living for the greater benefit of humanity.”

The journey toward a peaceful and unified Korea requires the commitment of people around the world. Support the One Korea Global Campaign and help advance initiatives that empower communities and young people to contribute to a free, prosperous, and unified Korea. Support the One Korea Global Campaign.

Explore the full UPI interview with Namsik Yoo to learn more about why young people must be at the heart of this movement. Read the full article on UPI.