In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the International Forum on One Korea 2025 was held on September 14–15 at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The forum presented new perspectives and visions for Korean unification under the theme:
“International Support for a Free and Unified Korea: Catalyst for Global Peace and Development”
More than 700 experts, policymakers, and civil society leaders from over 20 countries participated in the two-day forum. A common consensus emerged: beyond traditional political and diplomatic approaches, a civil society–led unification movement rooted in international solidarity is urgently needed.
The forum consisted of six sessions, with two recurring themes:
Solidarity with the International Community
The Role of Civil Society
One session, held on the afternoon of the 14th, focused on “The Role of the Overseas Korean Diaspora in Achieving a Free and Unified Korea.” Civil society leaders from the U.S., U.K., Japan, and other countries actively engaged in unification-related initiatives shared their insights.
Nam-sik Yoo, Director of the Youth Program at the Alliance for Korea United in the U.S.—which organizes events at major American universities featuring North Korean defectors and policy experts—emphasized:
“We must help the next generation of American leaders recognize the importance of the Korean Peninsula issue so that when they become policymakers, they can contribute meaningfully to peace in Korea.”
Yusook Kim, President of the Washington chapter of the Alliance for Korea United, added:
“We’re focusing on raising unification awareness among second-generation Korean Americans, based on the Korean Dream unification vision. Through cultural events and educational programs, we aim to help the younger generation maintain their Korean identity while also finding ways to contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula as members of American society.”
Yusook Kim also highlighted the historical importance of the Korean diaspora, noting that during times of crisis on the peninsula, the diaspora has always played a critical role. She stressed that the North Korean people must be freed from poverty and dictatorship as soon as possible so they can enjoy freedom and happiness. Unification must expand into a humanitarian movement to draw greater global attention and support.
On the evening of August 15, participants also attended the Korean Dream Hangang Festival at Ttukseom Hangang Park, joining together in the hope that the “Miracle on the Han River” would lead to the “Miracle of Unification.”
