2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics
2018 Asian Games
South and North Korea participated in the games as a joint team with the country code, “COR”!
South Korea’s official country name:
Republic of Korea
KOR
North Korea’s official country name:
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
DPRK
However, the two Koreas agreed to use COREA, the French translation of Korea during Goryeo.
Joint Korean teams made their appearances in the international sporting events.
The unified teams of COREA attracted global attention during the 2018 Olympics.
Now, it is time to imagine a unified Korea in the 21st century, inspired by the dreams that Korean freedom fighters had for Korea 100 years ago.
The name for a unified Korea
COREA
C for Culture
O for Oriental
R for Restoration
E for Earth
A for Ambition
COREA
C = Culture
Power of rich cultural traditions
COREA
That Korean freedom fighter Kim Koo (1876 – 1949) dreamed of 100 years ago
Cultural Power that brings happiness to the people of the world
“Men in the lowest status in an independent country have more joy and hope than those in the highest under foreign rule.”
Kim Koo, also known by his pen name, Baekbeom, was deeply saddened by the division of Korea that came soon after Korea’s independence from Japan.
He devoted his entire life to his dream to unify Korea.
His autobiography “Baekbeom Diary” presents his vision for a unified Korea.
“I want our country to become the most beautiful country in the world.”
“Economic power only needs to be enough to support our lives, and military power only needs to be enough to defend our country from invasion.”
“What I desire the most is strong cultural power.”
“Cultural power makes us happy and others happy.”
He wanted cultural independence from what Imperial Japan imposed on Korea.
The Korea that he dreamed of was cultural power that brings a unique culture to the world.
Cultural Power
That Kim Koo wanted to build 100 years ago
It’s time for us to realize his dream and show Korea’s cultural power to the world.
COREA
O = Oriental
Peace in the Orient (Asia)
COREA
That Korean freedom fighter Ahn Junggeun (1879 – 1910) dreamed of 100 years ago
Leader of peace in Asia
Ahn tried to establish Asian unity, 50 years prior to the establishment of the European Union.
He created a vision for a peaceful Asia and devoted his entire life to realize it.
He organized and led a righteous army to fight for Korea’s independence from Japan.
In Harbin, China, he shot Ito Hirobumi, the main perpetrator who broke the peace in Asia.
“Ahn’s deed wasn’t just an assassination but a special kind of warfare by a revolutionary army. His action made a bigger impact than our entire army on the independence movement.”
- From Minhu Daily, Shanghai, China
Until the final moment of his life, he devoted all his time to realize his dream of peace in Asia.
He made specific action plans:
- Organize the Asia Peace Council
- Operate a joint military port
- Establish a joint bank system
- Issue a common currency
He wanted the citizens of Korea, China, and Japan to learn more than two languages for tighter relationships.
He believed that economic cooperation will stop conflict by eliminating the need to compete for dominance.
Then, other Asian countries would also want to join the initiative.
He wanted to eliminate the concept of hegemony in Northeast Asia.
He dreamed of creating Asian unity - an idea no one thought of at the time.
Peace in the Orient (Asia)
That Ahn Junggeun wanted to achieve 100 years ago
It’s time for us to realize his dream and bring a lasting peace to the world.
COREA
R = Restoration
Restoration of Lost History
COREA
That Korean freedom fighter Yun Bonggil (1908 – 1932) dreamed of 100 years ago
An inspiring country with a strong presence in the minds of people around the world
On April 29, 1932, Japan held a grand victory ceremony in Shanghai.
It was to celebrate its successful advance into Shanghai.
Yun Bonggil threw a bomb, disguised as a water bottle, onto the stage.
The bombing caused serious damage to the Imperial Japanese army, including the death of the commander-in-chief of the Shanghai Expeditionary Army.
This story made international headlines in the United States, the United Kingdom, and others.
Impressed by Yun’s heroic deed, China decided to sponsor the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai.
“A young Korean man accomplished something a million-soldier Chinese army and 400 million Chinese men couldn’t.” – Chiang Kai-shek, then the leader of the Republic of China
At the Cairo Conference (1943), Chiang convinced the leaders of the Allies to support the Korean side.
Consequently, the Cairo Declaration included a special clause that promised to free Korea.
Japan’s Home Ministry documented Yun’s statements in his trial.
“My action may not lead immediately to Joseon’s independence but I am certain that it will inspire the Korean people and let the world be aware of the presence of Joseon.”
“On present world maps, Korea and Japan are identified in the same color.”
“So, many people around the world are unaware of the presence of Joseon.”
“My action will imprint Joseon in the minds of people around the world.”
“I know our independence movement won’t be in vain.”
He dreamed of informing the world about the real Korea.
However, many international textbooks and world maps still identify the East Sea as the Sea of Japan.
Korean history is often described as part of Chinese and Japanese history.
It is also described in much smaller sections than Chinese and Japanese history.
100 years ago, Yun Bonggil restored the presence of Korea on world maps.
It’s time for us to follow in his footsteps and restore Korean history in international textbooks.
Let the world remember COREA/Korea!
COREA
E = Earth
Service to the Global Community
COREA
That Korean freedom fighter Lee Taejun (1883 – 1921) dreamed of 100 years ago
A giving country that serves the global community
Korean freedom fighter Lee Taejun graduated from the Severance Medical School in 1911.
He was chased by Japanese police for his involvement in the Korean independence movement.
He fled to Mongolia and opened a clinic in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
He devoted himself to treating contagious diseases in Mongolia.
Consequently, he gained enormous respect and was appointed a physician for the last Khan.
In 1919, the Mongolian government gave him the highest medal for a foreigner.
He spent most of his earnings to sponsor the Korean independence movement.
He also provided accommodations for Korean freedom fighters.
One freedom fighter wrote about Dr. Lee’s life like this:
“Dr. Lee Taejun’s grave in Mongolia is a monument for a great Korean man who dedicated his life to serving the people of this world.”
In 2006, the Mongolian government made a memorial park and house in Ulaanbaatar to commemorate Lee’s contribution to the community.
The Lee Taejun Memorial Park has become a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
100 years ago, as a freedom fighter and doctor, Lee helped many people in and outside his country.
It’s time for us to follow in his footsteps.
Let’s build a better future for people around the world!
COREA
A = Ambition
Ambition to Turn Everyone into a Culture Creator
COREA
That Korean freedom fighter Kim Gyosin (1901 – 1945) dreamed of 100 years ago
An ambitious country to bring change to the world
During its occupation of Korea, Japan used Korea’s geopolitical location for its political purposes.
It used Korea’s location to justify its colonial control of Korea.
“Being a peninsula, Joseon was repeatedly invaded by its neighbors.”
“Due to its geopolitical location, it is incapable of running itself.
Using this logic, Japan was tainting Koreans’ independent spirit.
Kim Gyosin was a teacher and Christian evangelist during the Japanese occupation.
As a geography teacher, he taught his students about Korea’s geopolitical advantages.
His teaching imbued his students with a new perspective and great dreams.
“Put the world map upside down! You will realize that Korea is a gateway to the world.”
“Italy and Greece marked milestones in world history by accomplishing the Greek and Roman Civilizations. They are also located on peninsulas.”
He encouraged students to take advantage of Korea’s location.
His teaching gave hope to the Korean people to bring change to the world.
“Joseon has no geographical flaw.”
“Our courage will help us realize any dream. We must dream big.”
100 years ago, Kim Gyosin dreamed of Korea bringing change to the world.
It’s time for us to follow in his footsteps.
Let’s create a culture that will change the world!
VANK is dedicated to realizing the dreams Korean freedom fighters had for Korea.
One COREA
Together, we will build a unified Korea.
Let’s build a unified Korea, COREA!
