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Ambassadors of Peace from South Korea

In recent years, South Koreans have traveled to Vietnam in an effort to heal the lingering effects of the war that took place between the two countries.

Administrator

5 April, 2023

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They have built schools, funded scholarships, and planted trees in a bid for peace and forgiveness.

“We did not come to Vietnam to dwell on the tragic events of the past,” declared South Korean legislator Kang Min Jung during a speech on February 14 in front of the Ha My memorial. The monument is dedicated to the victims of the 1968 Ha My Massacre that took place in Ha My Village, Dien Duong Ward, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province.

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We sought to gain a deeper understanding of the reality of what our forebears experienced.

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For us South Koreans, and for many others, it is of utmost importance to uncover the truth.

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After coming to terms with this reality, we can express our condolences and offer our support to the families of the deceased victims.

We would like to stand in solidarity with those who have endured years of hardship and suffering.

A Message of Peace

The world is facing difficult times, and it is more important than ever for us to come together in peace. As individuals, we can strive to foster understanding, compassion, and kindness. We can use our words and actions to show respect for others, even if we don’t agree. We can strive to create a more peaceful world by being understanding and tolerant of different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. Together, we can make a difference!

Kang, who traveled to Ha My with 36 other South Koreans, expressed that the knowledge that her countrymen were responsible for the deaths of so many, including newborns, is unbearably upsetting — even though she herself had no involvement in the massacre.

“It breaks my heart that so many Vietnamese people had to endure more than they could bear,” Kang lamented.

We come here today to humbly apologize for our country’s past wrongdoings; an act that should never have occurred. We are making these trips in the hopes of providing some measure of relief to the families of those who tragically lost their lives during wartime.

On January 25, 1968, the Green Dragon Brigade of South Korean troops committed a heinous crime against humanity when they brutally slaughtered 135 innocent villagers in Ha My—most of whom were elderly, women, and children—and then set the village ablaze.

On February 15, 2023—55 years after the massacre—Kang and her group of 37 lawyers, students, and lawmakers returned to Ha My with heartfelt gifts for the villagers and to pay reverential homage to the gravestones of the 135 victims.

While the wounds of history can never be erased, the South Korean visitors hoped that their presence in Ha My would help to ameliorate the suffering of those still affected.

Kang and her team are part of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in September 2016. Their mission is to raise awareness of Korean injustices that occurred during the Vietnam War and to seek redress for those wrongs. Through their efforts, they hope to foster peaceful relations between the two nations.

As part of their work, the group plans annual trips to Ha My and other villages that have experienced similar, horrifying devastation.

When they are unable to travel, they collaborate with local officials to ensure that commemorative offerings are still provided at nearby memorials.

During this year’s trip to Ha My, the group was joined by 80 relatives of the victims to pay their respects and honor their loved ones.

“It is a matter of deep shame to be here today,” declared Kim Chang Sup, the head of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation delegation, as he read an apology letter at the Ha My memorial. “We apologize, from the depths of our hearts, to all those who have felt the pain of separation every spring, and to those who have lit incense sticks every day for the past 55 years.”

Kim Chang Sup, a member of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, was overcome with emotion as he read an apology letter at a ceremony honoring the victims of the Ha My Massacre. In a moment of sorrowful solemnity, a photograph was taken of Kim Chang Sup, tears streaming down his face. The photograph serves as a vivid reminder of the long-lasting impact of this terrible tragedy.

Kim Chang Sup, a member of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, burst into tears as he read an apology letter at a ceremony held to commemorate the victims of the Ha My Massacre. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

Turning bomb craters into schools and parks is an inspiring and innovative way to turn destruction into something positive. Not only does it provide a safe and educational environment for children, but it also helps to bring communities together and create a sense of pride and hope in otherwise difficult times. By transforming former sites of violence into centers of learning and recreation, we can create a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Despite its past devastation, local residents in Ha My have come together to transform the area into a prosperous village, as Nguyen Van Tuan, head of the Dien Duong Ward People’s Committee, proudly reports.

Some of the success achieved in rebuilding can be attributed to organizations such as the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation. This organization has worked tirelessly to foster peace and prosperity between the two nations. They have provided financial support, technical expertise, and humanitarian aid to help both countries rebuild and move forward. Their efforts have enabled the two countries to come together and form a strong relationship that has enabled them to overcome many of the challenges they have faced. The Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation has also been instrumental in providing a platform for dialogue and exchange between the two countries, allowing them to work together for the benefit of both.

Many years ago, an “Apologies to Vietnam” movement developed in South Korea, inspiring many to visit Vietnam to make amends for the sins of their countrymen. This was spurred on by South Korean media reporting on the Ha My massacre and other horrific events. Subsequently, those involved in the movement sought to honor their mission by constructing memorials, funding scholarships, and building playgrounds for local schools.

Huyn Woo Kwon, the head of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, is the nephew of a South Korean who served in Vietnam during the war. While he was unaware of it at the time, South Korean media reports recently revealed various massacres carried out by South Korean troops. As a result, Kwon now feels a strong sense of responsibility to make amends for his country.

“My uncle was so incensed when I posed questions about the actions of South Korean troops in Vietnam,” Kwon recalled. “I had come to Vietnam with a desire to uncover the truth and rectify any wrongs that were committed during the war.”

To gain a deeper understanding of South Korea’s involvement in the Vietnam War, Huyn relocated to Ho Chi Minh City for his university studies, and even welcomed his first child into the world there.

He eventually embarked on trips to the sites of massacres in Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh Provinces in order to advance projects geared towards constructing schools and parks, as well as to pay respects to the relatives of victims.

His dedication to atoning for his country’s sins earned him much admiration from the Vietnamese locals and authorities he encountered during these trips.

Eventually, they affectionately bestowed upon him the Vietnamese name ‘Vu’.

According to Vu, the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation has launched many meaningful projects in massacre areas across the country, such as the construction of four parks at four schools in Binh Dinh and two playgrounds for students in Dien Duong Ward. In addition, the Foundation has received regular visits from dozens of intellectuals and students from South Korea.

In 2020, the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation earmarked part of the cost for local authorities to build the Ha My memorial. This memorial is a symbol of friendship and peace between the two nations, and its completion is expected to foster a greater sense of understanding and appreciation between them. The memorial is also expected to provide a valuable learning experience for both nations, acting as a reminder of the importance of peace and cooperation in the world. The foundation is committed to helping local authorities make the memorial a reality, and is proud to be part of this meaningful project.

During the foundation’s trips to the memorials, the South Korean group usually brings special gifts, such as scholarships for low-income students and handwritten letters from South Korean students expressing their apologies to Vietnam.

“The immense suffering endured by the Vietnamese people is irreparable,” Vu declared.

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We want to come here to take on our responsibility, in the hope of bringing solace to the families and the departed souls of the victims.

We strive to do our utmost to contribute to the peace and progress of today’s students by providing parks and scholarships to nurture their dreams.

Kneeling in apology is an age-old gesture of repentance, contrition, and remorse. It is a powerful symbol of humility and submission that is used in many cultures and religious traditions. It is a physical expression of regret and sorrow, and is often seen as a sign of asking for forgiveness or mercy. Kneeling in apology is a simple yet powerful way to show someone that you are truly sorry for your actions. It conveys a sincere desire to make amends and to make things right again. This gesture can be especially meaningful when coming from someone who has wronged you deeply, as it can be a tangible reminder that they are taking responsibility for their actions and demonstrating that they are truly sorry.

From February 12 to 14, 37 members of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation visited sites in Quang Nam Province that had been home to horrific massacres perpetrated by South Korean soldiers.

The group spent their time in Quảng Nam honoring the memory of local victims by burning incense at a memorial and meeting with their families.

On the morning of February 12, families and local authorities gathered to pay tribute to the 135 villagers who had been tragically killed in Tay Hamlet, Ha My Village, 55 years ago. The ceremony was an opportunity to honor the victims and remember their sacrifice. Attendees observed a moment of silence and laid wreaths at the site to honor those who lost their lives. The ceremony was a solemn reminder of the tragedy that had befallen the small village so many years ago.

At the ceremony, 37 South Koreans, including lawyers, lawmakers, and students, knelt in apology to the people who inhabit the place where the massacre occurred.

Kim Chang Sup, the head of the delegation, read an apology letter expressing regret for the actions of the South Korean army in Vietnam.

Kim promised to do everything in his power to make amends for his country’s wartime misdeeds and alleviate the plight of the villagers.

“South Korea-Vietnam relations have both a bright side and a darker side,” said Kang Min Jung, a South Korean lawmaker.

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The “light side” is the dynamic exchange that occurs in different areas, like the economy, culture, and society. It is an important part of our lives and shapes our values and beliefs. It is a source of inspiration for new ideas and new ways of looking at the world. It allows us to explore and learn from each other, resulting in a richer and more fulfilling life.

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The “dark side” of South Korean involvement in the Vietnam War resulted in far-reaching and long-lasting devastation. The actions of South Korean troops during this conflict caused immense suffering and anguish among the Vietnamese people.

We have come here today to apologize for our wrongdoings, heal the wounds of war, and strive to create a lasting peace. By doing so, we hope to help bring an end to the conflict that has caused so much pain and suffering. We acknowledge that our actions have had a negative impact and we are committed to making amends. We believe that through our efforts, we can begin to build a better future for all those affected by this conflict.

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In recent years, many South Koreans have traveled to Vietnam in an effort to ameliorate the lingering effects of war.

They have constructed schools, provided scholarships, and planted trees in a concerted effort to foster peace and reconciliation.

“We did not come to Vietnam to merely remember the heartbreaking events of the past,” declared South Korean lawmaker Kang Min Jung in a speech on February 14th at the Ha My memorial. The monument, located in Dien Ban Town’s Dien Duong Ward in Quang Nam Province, is dedicated to the victims of the 1968 Ha My Massacre.

”

We sought to gain a greater understanding of the reality of what our ancestors endured.

”

For us and for many other South Koreans, it is of the utmost importance to uncover the truth.

”

After gaining a greater understanding of this reality, we can then extend our sympathies and provide comfort to the family and friends of the deceased victims.

We would like to express our solidarity with those who have experienced suffering and hardship for many years.

A Message of Peace
The world we live in is filled with turmoil and unrest. But there is one constant that can bring us all together – peace. We need to come together to create a world where we can all live in harmony and understanding, free from conflict and violence. Let us strive to spread a message of peace and understanding, to make this world a better place for us all.

Kang, who traveled to Ha My with 36 other South Koreans, said that the knowledge that her fellow countrymen were responsible for the deaths of so many, including newborns, is unspeakably upsetting, even though she herself was not involved in the massacre.

“It pains my soul to know that so many Vietnamese people had to endure beyond their means,” Kang lamented.

We come here to apologize for our [country’s] past wrongdoings, for something that should never have happened. With these trips, we endeavor to assuage the pain of the loved ones of those who perished in the war.”

On January 25, 1968, South Korea’s Green Dragon Brigade perpetrated a ruthless massacre in the small village of Ha My. In a devastating display of brutality, the brigade ruthlessly slaughtered 135 villagers, with the majority of those killed being elderly, women, and children. To add to their horrors, the troops then set fire to the village, leaving behind only smoldering ruins.

On February 15, 2023—55 years after the tragic massacre—Kang and her group of 37 lawyers, students, and lawmakers returned to Ha My bearing gifts for the villagers and to pray over the gravestones of the 135 victims.

While the wounds of history can never be erased, the South Korean visitors hoped their presence in Ha My would aid in the healing of those who continue to experience pain.

Kang and her team of dedicated volunteers are part of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation – a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in September 2016 to draw attention to and rectify the wrongs committed by Koreans during the war in Vietnam. Through their work, the Foundation strives to promote peace and reconciliation while honoring the memories of those affected by the war.

As part of their work, the group plans annual trips to Ha My and other villages that experienced similar devastating events. This helps them better understand the lasting impacts of war and how they can continue to support affected communities in the future.

When they are unable to make a trip, they collaborate with local authorities to ensure that offerings are still made at local memorials.

During this year’s trip to Ha My, the group was joined by eighty relatives of the victims.

“It is with great shame and sorrow that I stand before you today,” uttered Kim Chang Sup, head of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation delegation, as he read an apology letter at the Ha My memorial. “We apologize to all of you who have felt the pain of war every spring, and to those who have been faithfully lighting incense sticks here for the past 55 years.”

Kim Chang Sup, a member of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, was overcome with emotion when he read an apology letter at a ceremony held to commemorate the victims of the Ha My Massacre. A photo of the touching moment was captured by B.D. from Tuoi Tre. Tears streamed down his face, and the heartfelt apology was a powerful reminder of the tragedy that had taken place.

Transforming Bomb Craters into Schools and Parks

The war-torn countries of the world have seen their fair share of destruction, leaving behind a legacy of destruction. One of the most visible and tragic reminders of conflict are the bomb craters that are scattered across the landscape. But, there is hope. A new movement is emerging that seeks to transform these areas of destruction into places of learning, recreation, and growth. By turning bomb holes into schools and parks, these communities can create a better future for their children and help bring a sense of normalcy back to their lives.

Through the building of schools and parks, communities can create places for their children to learn, play, and grow. These facilities can also provide employment opportunities and help to boost the local economy. Additionally, the presence of these facilities can serve as a reminder of the horrors of war and inspire citizens to work together for peace and reconciliation.

By transforming bomb craters into schools and parks, we can help to create a brighter future for the affected communities. It is our hope that this movement will continue to grow and that these places will become a beacon of hope for those affected by war.

Despite its tumultuous past, local residents of Ha My have managed to overcome the devastation in order to transform the area into a thriving village, according to Nguyen Van Tuan, head of the Dien Duong Ward People’s Committee. With great courage and determination, the inhabitants of Ha My have been able to turn their once-desolate village into a prosperous one.

Some of the success of Korea and Vietnam in rebuilding their relationship is due, in part, to organizations such as the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation.

Many years ago, an Apologies to Vietnam movement developed in South Korea, inspiring many to visit Vietnam to make amends for the sins of their countrymen. Media reports on the Ha My massacre and other horrific events encouraged South Koreans to construct memorials, fund scholarships, and build playgrounds for local schools.

Huyn Woo Kwon, the head of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation, is the nephew of a South Korean who was stationed in Vietnam during the war. However, it was not until South Korean media published reports on the various massacres committed by South Korean troops that he realized the need to make reparations for his country. By taking action, Kwon is working to improve the strained relations between the two nations and to make amends for the suffering caused by his nation. His dedication to peace and reconciliation is an example of his commitment to bridging the gap between the two countries.

“My uncle was so angry when I questioned him about the actions of South Korean troops during the Vietnam War,” Kwon recollected. “I had come to Vietnam to uncover the truth behind the war and to attempt to repair any wrongdoings that may have occurred.”

To gain a deeper understanding of the impact South Koreans had on Vietnam during the war, Huyn relocated to Ho Chi Minh City to attend university. Even more remarkable, he had his first child while living in the country.

He eventually began making regular trips to the sites of massacres in Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh Provinces in order to promote projects aimed at constructing schools and parks, as well as to pay his respects to the relatives of victims.

His dedication to atoning for his country’s wrongdoings earned him much admiration from the Vietnamese locals and authorities he befriended during these trips.

Eventually, they affectionately bestowed upon him the Vietnamese name “Vu”.

According to Vu, the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation has launched meaningful projects in various massacre areas, including the construction of four parks at four schools in Binh Dinh and two playgrounds for students in Dien Duong Ward. Moreover, dozens of intellectuals and students from South Korea have been making regular visits to the sites.

In 2020, the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation allocated part of their funds to local authorities in order to build the Ha My memorial. This memorial will serve as a reminder of the countries’ shared history and help to further strengthen the bond between Vietnam and Korea.

During the foundation’s trips to the memorials, the South Korean group typically brings special gifts to the people of Vietnam, including scholarships for low-income students and handwritten letters from South Korean students who wish to express their sincere apologies for the past. Through these actions, they hope to help mend the strained relationship between the two countries.

“The suffering endured by the Vietnamese people is immense and can never be fully healed,” Vu declared.

”

We want to come here to take on the responsibility, in the hopes of bringing comfort to the families and the souls of the victims.

We strive to do our utmost and are committed to supporting the aspirations of today’s students towards peace and development through investments in parks and scholarships.

Kneeling in apology is a gesture of humility and regret. It is a sign of contrition and a way of showing remorse for a wrong committed. It can be used to express sincere apologies or to make amends for a mistake or misdeed. Kneeling in apology is often seen as a sign of respect and humility, and is often used to express remorse or to seek forgiveness. It is also a way to show humility and recognition of the wrong done, and to demonstrate a commitment to making reparations. Kneeling in apology is an ancient practice that is still seen in many cultures as a symbol of respect and humility.

From February 12th to 14th, 37 members of the Korea-Vietnam Peace Foundation visited sites in Quang Nam Province that had been home to horrific massacres perpetrated by South Korean soldiers.

The group journeyed to Quang Nam to pay their respects and honor the victims by burning incense at a local memorial. They also took the time to meet with families of the deceased to offer their condolences.

On the morning of February 12, families, local authorities, and members of the community gathered to commemorate the 135 villagers who were tragically killed in Tay Hamlet, Ha My Village, 55 years ago. This solemn occasion was marked with a moment of silence and the laying of wreaths to honor the lives of those lost. The ceremony served as a reminder of the importance of peace and the fragility of life.

At the ceremony, 37 South Koreans – including lawyers, lawmakers, and students – knelt in apology to the people who currently inhabit the site of the massacre.

Kim Chang Sup, the head of the delegation, read an apology letter expressing regret for the actions of the South Korean army in Vietnam. The letter acknowledged the deep pain and suffering that the actions had caused.

Kim promised to do everything in his power to make up for his country’s wartime mistakes and alleviate the suffering of the villagers.

and chair of the Korean-Vietnam Friendship Association.

“South Korea-Vietnam relations have both a bright and dark side,” said Kang Min Jung, the chair of the South Korean-Vietnam Friendship Association and a South Korean lawmaker.

”

The “light side” is the vibrant exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences between different realms such as the economy, culture, and society.

”

The ‘dark side’ of South Korean involvement in the Vietnam War caused immense suffering and long-lasting pain.

We have come here today to apologize for our wrongdoings, heal the wounds of war, and foster peace. By doing so, we can strive to create a lasting and meaningful peace for generations to come. Our actions today can help to bring about a brighter future for all.

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