Korea's beloved poet, Yoon Dong-ju

Prologue

Until the day I die
I long to have no speck of shame
when I gaze up toward heaven,
so I have tormented myself,
even when the wind stirs the leaves.
With a heart that sings the stars,
I will love all dying things.
And I will walk the way
that has been given to me.

Tonight, again, the wind brushes the stars.

-by Yoon Dong-ju

     A Korean poet, Yoon Dong-ju is the most beloved poet by Koreans. He was also an independence activist who had suffered and died in Japanese prison. This poet, however, shows his weakness and fear towards death. At this time, most of his companions were put to jail or sentenced to death for the independence movement. Yoon Dong-ju was the only one who survived and did not made a move while they were suffering. But in the end, he did follow the path of his companions and became an everlasting hero to Koreans. His name will be honored forever. I show my respect to his bravery and love for his nation.

Reference: https://jaypsong.wordpress.com/category/yun-dong-ju/

Photo source: http://www.worldyannews.com/news/quickViewArticleView.html?idxno=2150

A true noblesse oblige of Korea

     People often (well most of the time) have prejudice to those who are rich as greedy and selfish. Through the history, there weren’t many nobles who have done good for their own nations. However, a very famous ‘noblesse oblige’-a French phrase literally meaning "nobility obliges". It is the concept that nobility extends beyond mere entitlements and requires the person with such status to fulfill social responsibilities, particularly in leadership roles-tells us that there were some nobles who set a good example. 

     Now, I want to talk about a Korean independence activist who showed a good example of ‘noblesse oblige.’ His name is Lee Hwe-young. He is not known well but his achievements to the national independence were great. He persuaded his family and spent all of the family property for the independence. He also participated as independence activist and raised an army for national independence. Even though he became bankrupt and had to suffer from starving, he never regretted. One of his famous quotes were “it is a matter of course to sacrifice for your nation,” “even after my death, my soul will stay in this earth and see my nation’s independence.” His love for nation is so touching that my eyes were burst into tears. Not only the nobles but we should all learn from him: his love for nation. 

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noblesse_oblige

Photo source: http://www.newdaily.co.kr/news/article.html?no=178588

Man-Hee Lee, an arbitrator who ended the conflict at Mindanao

     Man-Hee Lee, a peace leader of private peace organization, played a big role for ending the conflict at Mindanao. This visit was at the request of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma Cagayan de Oro.

     Mindanao is an Island of Philippine where severe religious conflicts took place for over 40 years. Mainly, the fights were between Islam and Catholic. It was so tense that it was not safe for the citizens to live. The streets were full of soldiers and gun shooting every day. However, the religious leaders from Catholic (the former archbishop Fernando R. Capalla of
Catholic representative) and Islam (Esmael G. Mangudadatu of Islam representative and Maguindanao governor of Islam) signed the peace treaty.

     The former president of Philippine expressed his gratitude towards Man-Hee Lee representative saying that he has done what the president couldn’t do.

     In addition, on January 24th -25th, Man-Hee Lee and emissaries of peace set a peace walk with about 1000 religious leaders and local youth beyond religion and faction. After he Peace Walk, all kinds of religious leaders signed the peace agreement and agreed for ending the war and pursue world peace. This peace agreement was a decisive catalyst to the Philippine government accepting Islamic autonomy of Mindanao.

     Man-Hee Lee representative spoke about his aspiration for peace that he will continue the peace activity with all nations and peaceful reunification of Korea.