Remembering the Forgotten War
Korean War has many names. In South Korea, it is known as Six-Two-Five, the date when the war broke out in 1950. In DPRK, it is known as Fatherland Liberation War, and in the United States, it is often referred to as the Forgotten War. The Forgotten War. But forgotten by whom?
Who can we forget the 3 million people who died and a million more who were physically and mentally devastated during and after the war?
Who can we forget the destruction upon the land that leveled virtually all major cities on the Korean Peninsula?
Who can we forget the families that have been separated for 70 years?
Who can forget our elders who repeated say that their only wish is to return to their gohyang (hometown)?
This year marks the 70th commemoration of the Korean Armistice that brought ceasefire to the Korean Peninsula. A formal peace agreement was never signed to officially end the war. As followers of Jesus, we have been entrusted the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18) and that call invites us to remember. Remembering is part of our spiritual practice and a path to healing.
There are many ways to remember:
1. Pray for peace on the Korea Peninsula. Join many around the world who have been praying for reconciliation and reunification on the land.
2. Interview an elder. Talk to an elder in your family, church, or community and ask them about their childhood, what if was like to be in a war or impacted by war, acts of kindness they witnessed, and what is their greatest wish for the next generation. Listen deeply and record their stories.
3. Join a peace action. There are many local and national efforts to bring awareness of the 70th commemoration of the Korean Armistice. National Mobilization to End the Korean War gathering is being planned on July 27, 2023 in Washington D.C..
Korean American literature on the Korean War
It is exciting to see Korean American authors retracing their roots and re-membering the impact of the Korean War through literature. Here are two books we recommend to add to your summer reading.
If you Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim:
An emotionally riveting novel about war, family, and forbidden love—the unforgettable saga of two ill-fated lovers in Korea and the heartbreaking choices they’re forced to make in the years surrounding the civil war that still haunts us today.
Nuclear Family by Joseph Han: A Korean family goes through hurdles when one of them is haunted by a long lost family member, crosses a dangerous border, and questions the blurred history of their past.
"Hi, I am Hayoon Shim, a first grader living in Portland. I like playing the violin and taekwondo. I pray that the Korean Peninsula will become one. I am eagerly waiting for our hope to come true!"
Drawing Hope Update
Thank you so much for participating the letter drawing project! 93 students submitted their letters with colorful drawings and messages of hope which we will share with you in the fall. We are deeply grateful to Claire Lilienthal Elementary School, Stepstone Church/디딤돌교회 in Boston, Village Church in Beaverton, First Mennonite Church of Reedley, Pasadena Mennonite Church, and other individuals who submitted letters to the children in the Korean Peninsula. These letters will be curated and shown in various cities in Korea and the United States. More information will come soon!