After successfully conducting the Korean Dream Campaign at Jakarta’s Car Free Day in January 2025, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Indonesia continued to advocate for the Korean Dream movement through the UGen Seminar 2025 held on March 4, 2025. The spirit of unity and peace resonated as 600 young participants gathered virtually to commemorate the Samiljeol Movement, reflecting on Korea’s struggle for independence and its enduring message of unity. Titled “Korean Samiljeol for Peace 2025: Reshaping the Value of Peace by Empowering People for One Dream, One Korea,” the seminar aimed to reignite the vision of a peaceful and reunified Korea.
The event opened with an inspiring keynote speech by Ingill Ra, Regional Representative of GPF Asia Pacific. He vividly painted the scene of the 1919 Samiljeol Movement, recalling how 250,000 people, including children, women, and the elderly, gathered in the streets, united by a common dream: to build a nation that benefits all of humanity. He drew an insightful connection between Indonesia’s Pancasila and Korean reunification, emphasizing Indonesia’s potential role in fostering peace in the region.
Heeryoung Kim presents on the One Korea Global Campaign during the UGen Seminar 2025.
The seminar then transitioned into a series of thought-provoking talks. Dr. Emanuel Pastreich, President of the Asia Institute, passionately urged global solidarity with Korea. “We must stand with the Koreans and bring Korea together as one to end wars for profit and establish lasting peace for everyone, without any bogus ceasefires,” he declared. He underscored the importance of cultural and spiritual dialogue, drawing upon the Korean philosophy of “Hongik Ingan,” which means “extending benefits to all of humanity.” His words reminded the audience that peace must reach everyone, including society’s most marginalized individuals.
Haeryoung Kim, Manager of Global Peace Youth Korea, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in the reunification process. “While political and diplomatic efforts continue, real change requires the active participation of young people,” she emphasized. She outlined three crucial aspects of the One Korea Global Movement:
- How culture shapes the cause of reunification.
- How youth engagement, particularly through the Korean Dream Crew, drives peacebuilding.
- The impact of youth involvement in making real change.
Adding a new dimension to the discussion, Dr. Ichsan Malik, lecturer in Peace and Conflict Resolution at the Indonesia Defense University, shared his personal experience in Pyongyang in 2015. He stressed that sustainability in the peace process is crucial. “We need novelty, creativity, new approaches, and new initiatives to achieve peace,” he stated. He also highlighted the significance of voluntariness, asserting that lasting change for One Korea must be driven by committed individuals.
Indonesian youth gather online for the UGen Seminar 2025.
The event culminated in an interactive Q&A session, where passionate participants engaged with the speakers, seeking ways to contribute to the movement. Many shared their newfound inspiration and commitment to advocating for Korean reunification.
Muhammad Rizky Darwan, Program Chair of UGen Seminar 2025, reinforced the importance of learning from history. “By learning from history, we believe that Korean brotherhood can be achieved without forgetting the past. As Indonesia’s founding father Soekarno once said: Jasmerah (jangan sekali-sekali melupakan sejarah) which means ‘don’t ever forget history!”
As the event concluded, it was clear that the legacy of the Samiljeol Movement continues to inspire a new generation of peacebuilders. The seminar was not just a discussion but a call to action, an affirmation that the vision of One Korea remains alive in the hearts of youth worldwide. Through continued education, cultural engagement, and active participation, this initiative will persist, ensuring that the spirit of peace and unity grows stronger with each passing year.
Watch the video: https://youtu.be/ofZrLDIhXp8?si=siMG7olqoC3BYcY1
