On March 1, marking the 107th anniversary of Korea’s historic March 1st Independence Movement, approximately 4,000 participants gathered in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, for a large-scale rally calling for renewed momentum toward peaceful Korean reunification.
The event, organized by the Citizens’ Solidarity for ONE KOREA, reflected a growing grassroots movement aligned with the broader vision of the One Korea Global Campaign—to expand Korean-led civic initiatives and international support for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
A Growing Grassroots Movement for One Korea
Bringing together religious leaders, civil society representatives, youth, North Korean escapees, separated families, and overseas Koreans, the rally highlighted the expanding role of citizen-led engagement in advancing unification.
Participants emphasized that the path toward reunification cannot rely solely on political processes. Instead, they called for stronger solidarity among citizens and faith communities, grounded in shared values such as freedom, human dignity, and mutual care.
This perspective closely reflects the core principle of the One Korea Global Campaign: that sustainable peace and reunification begin with the collective voice and participation of the people.
From Shared Vision to Collective Action
Throughout the program, speakers and participants reaffirmed a common vision—“One People, One Future, One Korea”—underscoring the importance of unity beyond division.
They described reunification as more than a political objective but as a transformative process of building a society where all Koreans can live with dignity and freedom.
Speakers also stressed that grassroots efforts, when sustained and expanded, can lay the essential foundation for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Honoring History, Inspiring the Future
Held in the spirit of the March 1st Movement—a defining moment of national unity and aspiration—the rally served as a reminder that the desire for a unified Korea has long been rooted in the collective will of the Korean people.
Participants reflected on the historical significance of unity, noting that a united Korea could play a transformative role not only in Northeast Asia but also in the broader global community.
Expanding Public Engagement for Reunification
The event featured a main rally followed by a peace march through central Seoul, symbolizing the transition from shared vision to public action.
Organizers expressed their commitment to expanding civil society–led dialogue on reunification into wider public participation—bringing the issue from policy discussions into the public square.
Participants also called for greater awareness and solidarity among the 70 million Koreans across the peninsula, encouraging broader engagement both domestically and internationally.
A Call to Join the Movement
As the citizen-led One Korea movement continues to grow, the rally highlighted the increasing importance of global awareness and participation.
Echoing the vision of the One Korea Global Campaign, participants affirmed that lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula will be achieved when citizens raise their voices, build solidarity, and work together across borders.
With expanding grassroots momentum, many expressed confidence that the goal of peaceful reunification is not only a national aspiration but an achievable future.
Read the original article in Korean: https://www.daehanilbo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=64859&fbclid=IwZnRzaARStVRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEexaqrhp6RvsX1ImQDDvTNCexJKM46ckwm_CSnzlt9mUc_ybldYLp8-
