At global peace forum in Seoul, youth share stories of independence
Foreign nationals gather at City Hall for the Global Voice for Peace Youth Forum, Aug. 15, on Korea's National Liberation Day. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
By Bereket Alemayehu
While Koreans marked the 80th anniversary of National Liberation Day last Friday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government organized a youth forum at City Hall the same day. Titled Global Voice for Peace Youth Forum, the event brought together 68 young participants representing dozens of countries to celebrate the historical day and connect global youth who share a passion for peace, freedom and cultural exchange. It was held in collaboration with Funday Korea Networks, a social enterprise that operates various programs to help young people from over 80 countries better understand Korean culture.
Ahead of the forum, on Aug. 9 participants visited historic sites connected to Korea’s independence movement under Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule, deepening their appreciation for the country’s history and struggle for freedom.
In his welcoming speech, Vice Mayor for Political Affairs Kim Byung-min said the day marked a historic turning point when many nations around the world moved beyond the era of imperialism and reclaimed their sovereignty.
“On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, I extend my heartfelt welcome to all the young leaders from 43 countries who have come to visit Seoul, as well as the university students here in Korea,” he said. “Just as Korea celebrates Liberation Day, I understand that each of your countries has its ways of commemorating and cherishing independence. Today is a meaningful occasion to reaffirm that the values of freedom and independence are universal to all humanity. Freedom and independence are never gained without effort, and it is the responsibility of our next generation to safeguard and advance these values. The experiences of different nations also teach us the importance of peace and cooperation.”
During a lecture on young people’s role in world peace delivered by Save the Children Korea Chair Oh Joon, a former ambassador and permanent representative of Korea to the United Nations, he stressed that maintaining the current world order needs strengthened global governance, promotion of democracy and human rights and enhancement of global citizenship.
The event involved a series of special presentations focused on introducing the history of countries that have experienced colonial hardships similar to Korea, featuring young scholars from Nigeria, Malaysia, Moldova, India and Colombia.
Akaaza Franca-Frank Msendoo, a Nigerian student currently pursuing a master’s degree in international relations at Sogang University, shared her reflections on participating in Korea’s Liberation Day celebration.
Akaaza Franca-Frank Msendoo of Nigeria gives a talk at City Hall for the Global Voice for Peace Youth Forum, Aug. 15, on Korea's National Liberation Day. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
In her presentation, she focused on Nigeria’s path to independence, highlighting two pivotal moments of struggle against British colonial rule. The first was the Aba Women’s War of 1929.
“The Aba Women’s War remains a defining moment in global feminist and anti-colonial struggles. It predated and inspired later movements, such as the Women’s Tax Revolt in Ghana and the anti-colonial protests across Africa,” she said.
She also talked about the role of the West African Pilot, a newspaper founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe, who exposed colonial injustices such as the exploitation of Nigerian laborers in mines and plantations.
“The paper was used as a platform to create awareness about colonization, politics and governance,” she said. “These efforts shaped the consciousness of Nigerians and helped pave the way to independence.”
What made the celebration particularly meaningful for her was the chance to experience another country’s liberation story while abroad. “It’s a unique experience,” she said. “I’ve never been in a foreign country during such a commemoration. Celebrating Korea’s liberation reminds me of Nigeria’s own journey, which we commemorate every October. It also made me realize that colonization was not only Africa’s struggle — Asian countries, too, suffered under it.”
Erica Scorohod, originally from Moldova before moving to Germany at the age of 12 and more recently relocating to Korea, reflected on her background and explained her country’s history of colonization.
Erica Scorohod poses at City Hall before speaking at the Global Voice for Peace Youth Forum, Aug. 15, on Korea's National Liberation Day. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
“Moldova was colonized by Russia twice,” said Scorohod, a model, actor and dancer who has more than 24,000 Instagram followers. “For Moldovans, liberation holds significant meaning. We call ourselves Moldovans, and our language is Moldovan, though it’s basically Romanian mixed with Russian. I also speak Russian, Romanian, Moldovan and English. For us, liberation means independence from Russia, not having to speak Russian and becoming more united.”
After years of fighting against Soviet rule, Moldova declared independence on Aug. 27, 1991. Yet, she pointed out that Moldova’s challenges are not only historical but still ongoing. “When I lived in Moldova, corruption was everywhere,” she said. “It was always the same person elected as president. That was the real issue for us now, corruption rather than colonization.”
Asked about her thoughts on Korea’s subjugation under Japan, she shared what she recently learned. “I didn’t know much until a few weeks ago when I joined a group visit. I think it’s good that Korea gained freedom because I learned that people here were terrorized. Having independence and freedom is important,” she said.
Muhammad Talha, a student from Pakistan pursuing a master’s degree at Kyung Hee University focusing on quantum computing and artificial intelligence, shared interesting parallels between Pakistan and Korea when it comes to celebrating independence.
“Both countries celebrate their independence with zeal and passion,” he said. “From official festivals to children, everyone takes part with excitement. In Pakistan, every year on Aug. 14, we celebrate our Independence Day from British colonial rule.”
Muhammad Talha of Pakistan poses outside City Hall during the Global Voice for Peace Youth Forum, Aug. 15, on Korea's National Liberation Day. Courtesy of Bereket Alemayehu
His time in Korea has also allowed him to witness the significance of independence from a local perspective. “I have been part of expeditions and events that highlighted Korea’s history and values,” he said. “One unique experience was visiting Dokdo, which gave me insight into the deep pride Koreans hold for their nation.”
He noted that Korea’s cultural unity has left a strong impression on him. “They are a proud nation, and you can feel it everywhere, from the DMZ to classrooms and conversations with people,” he said.
During the forum, participants engaged in group discussions and drafted messages of peace. These messages emphasized the importance of raising global awareness and promoting multiculturalism as a pathway to harmony, prosperity and peaceful coexistence for future generations.
Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He’s also the co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency.