A Friend's Letter to Grandfather : A Journey Toward World Peace with HWPL

Hello and welcome! 

Today, I’d love to share a letter from a friend of mine in Korea.

My friend was inspired to take an interest in peace activities through me, and now we’re both actively supporting HWPL’s peace work as part of the ‘ONE Supporters’ group. 

I was really touched by the letter my friend wrote to his grandfather, who always longed for peace — and I’d love to share it with you today.

Dear Grandpa, 

How have you been?

I think this might be the first time I’ve ever written you a letter.

I still vividly remember sitting on your lap as a child, listening to your stories about the Korean War. You always told me how terrible the war was, and that something like that should never happen again. I still remember you saying that you hoped your grandson would grow up to become someone who works for peace.

Like you once did, I also I fulfilled my military service to help protect our country—and it’s already been almost ten years since then.

Grandpa, I remember you once said your wish was for our country to no longer be swayed by foreign powers, but to achieve peaceful reunification—so that people from the North and South could freely come and go.

Those words have stayed with me, and now, I’m doing what I can to help realize that dream. Together with HWPL, a non-governmental peace organization, I’m working to support peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, as well as peace around the world.

On March 14th this year, I had the privilege of attending “HWPL's 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW),” and it wasn’t just a simple celebration. This event marked a significant turning point for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

On that day, the “Preparatory Committee for Peaceful Unification on the Korean Peninsula” was launched, taking a crucial step toward realizing the freedom of movement between the North and South—something Grandpa had always wished for. Discussions were held on establishing a legal framework and practical plans to create a path for the North and South to move freely across the peninsula.

I had the opportunity to witness all the steps toward peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula, as well as global peace, firsthand. The event was attended by about 1,000 social leaders from both domestic and international communities, and they presented action plans and campaigns for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Grandpa, do you remember? You once told me that war must be stopped at all costs. The same words were echoed by Man Hee Lee, the Chairman of HWPL, the organization that hosted "HWPL's 9th Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)".

"The quickest path to reunification is through the free movement between the North and South. We must achieve reunification through dialogue, not force."

As I listened to Chairman Man Hee Lee’s words, it felt as though Grandpa was speaking to me again.

I also learned that Man Hee Lee, the Chairman of HWPL, is a veteran of the Korean War, just like you, Grandpa.

As I listened to Chairman Man Hee Lee speak, recalling the days of the war, I could feel the quiver and tremble in his voice. I couldn’t help but think that if Grandpa had been standing at that podium, you would have spoken with the same emotion and tremor in your voice.

HWPL has been working to expand practical cultural exchanges between North and South Korea through a nationwide unification campaign called “Together: Connecting Korea.” Around 170 civic groups have joined the campaign, and many individuals have expressed their willingness to take part in the initiatives proposed by HWPL. Of course, I’ll be participating as well.

What’s especially inspiring is that the “Connecting the Korean Peninsula Challenge” has gone beyond Korea and is now spreading globally. In just ten days since it began, more than 1,350 pieces of content were shared across 243 cities in 72 countries.

Seeing so many people come together with one heart for the peace of the Korean Peninsula—I think it would have made you happy, Grandpa. Don’t you think so?

Grandpa, just as you always hoped, I want to do my part—no matter how small—in helping to build a world without war. I won’t stop walking the path of peace together with HWPL.

I truly hope that one day, when true peace is finally achieved, I’ll be able to share that news with you with a joyful heart.

With love and longing for you, Grandpa...

Your grandson.

What did you think of the letter my friend wrote to his grandfather?

As I read through each sentence, I could feel the deep longing he has for him—and before I knew it, I found myself getting emotional too.

Just as my friend’s grandfather wished, I truly hope that day comes soon—when the North and South can freely cross borders and peaceful reunification is finally achieved.

And with the hope that the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula will bring a positive influence to the world and lead us closer to global peace, I renew my commitment once again.