[HWPL]

[HWPL] Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1 held in South Korea

Chairman ManHee Lee is the head representative of the global peace organization HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), which is striving for the enactment and implementation of the international peace law 'Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)'. The  DPCW is a legal instrument comprised of 10 articles and 38 clauses that can end wars and hostilities throughout the world. HWPL is also spreading a culture of peace and implementing peace education.

Chairman ManHee Lee experienced the cruelty and tragedy of war as a veteran of the Korean War. This is one of the reasons why he founded a global peace campaign as the head of HWPL. He has traveled the globe more than 35 times to meet and persuade politicians, legal experts, journalists, professors, peace activists, civil organization leaders, heads of tribes and others to unite them for the work of peace. The significant fruits borne out of his hard work are the World Alliance of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit and HWPL Peace Committee. The DPCW was drafted and finalised by the HWPL Peace Committee.

How, you may wonder, do I know this? About 10 years ago, when I had just been discharged from military service, I came to know HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee while researching the topic of civil conflicts to satisfy my curiosity in ongoing global issues. At that time, the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was suffering from a major civil conflict that lasted more than 40 years, and Chairman ManHee Lee and HWPL resolved this conflict through non-violent means.

Chairman Lee brought an end to the conflict in Mindanao by holding a peace talk between the warring Catholic and Islamic groups. Before the talk, HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee held a Peace Walk to spread the culture of peace in Mindanao with the many locals who had gathered out of a desire for peace.

Chairman ManHee Lee's pressing appeal today is that humanity unites for sustainable peace in order to pass on the legacy of peace to future generations worldwide. He doesn't just talk peace, but has worked tirelessly for it through practical peace campaigns for over a decade.

I decided to become a supporter of HWPL and Chairman ManHee Lee's peace initiatives because I also desire a world of peace for all posterity.

Today I'd like to introduce an article regarding Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1 as part of the nationwide "Connect Korea" Campaign under the initiative "Connecting Generations" in South Korea :)

“Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1” Held: A Time of Intergenerational Empathy

▲ The scene at “Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1.”

A meaningful opportunity was created for the generation that directly experienced the Korean War and the MZ generation to share the pain of modern Korean history and engage in dialogue. HWPL Global Branch 07 hosted “Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1” as part of the nationwide “Connect Korea” Campaign under the initiative “Connecting Generations.” This initiative aims to overcome generational conflicts and promote cooperation. The name “Generational Bridges 520” signifies the journey from misunderstanding to understanding and, ultimately, to empathy between generations.

The first session of the Mentor Theater took place on February 14 at the HWPL branch office in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by five representatives from the Seoul City branch of the Korean War Veterans Association and around 30 students and young adults, who engaged in meaningful discussions.

▲ A veteran shares his experiences of the Korean War and delivers a message to young people as a Korean War honoree.

The event began with participants drawing a map of Korea and watching a video related to the Korean War. Following this, Ryu Jae-sik, head of the Seoul City branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, shared his firsthand experiences of the war, vividly conveying the horrors of the battlefield.

Ryu emphasized, “War is, in itself, an incredibly tragic event and must never happen again. However, as both tangible and intangible threats of war still exist, we must always remain vigilant.”

During the subsequent open discussion between the Korean War veterans and the audience, many young participants asked various questions. One student asked, “What was the most difficult and unbearable aspect of the war?” A veteran responded, “Hunger was the hardest. In war, there is no one to bring you food…” His words deeply moved the audience, who couldn’t hide their sorrow.

▲ A veteran receives a message of gratitude from a mentee.

This event went beyond differences in historical experiences between generations, allowing participants to connect and unite as fellow citizens of the same nation. Kim Ga-young, who attended the event in Eunpyeong-gu, shared her thoughts: “I had only vaguely learned about the Korean War through history books, but listening to the stories of actual veterans made it feel much more real. I am truly grateful to the veterans.”

Meanwhile, the Mentor Theater is a program that invites mentors from various walks of life who have passionately dedicated themselves to their fields, sharing their experiences and wisdom. It is scheduled to be held regularly in the future.

Interested in HWPL's peace work for the world? Please visit following link :)

HWPL Official Homepage

https://www.hwpl.kr/language/en/home-hwpl-_en/