[This article is a translated version of an article that appeared on TV Seoul]
By Lee Chun-yong
A “New year’s prayer meeting and a ceremony for the nation and the people” was held at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom on January 20. Gathering at the event were people who pursue Korea’s conservative values, including key leaders of Korean Christianity and leadership-level officials in politics, society, and security.
The Center for Korea-America Freedom and Security Policy (KAFSP), Korean Veterans Military Christian Fellowship (KVMCF), and Communion of Churches in Korea organized the event and the Korean Conservative Political Action Conference (KCPAC), Korean Christian Business Men’s Connection (CBMC), and Korea Elders Association co-hosted it. Some 300 leaders from the Korean Christian community, leaders and opinion leaders from various sectors including politics, society and national security attended the event. While following Covid-19 safety protocols, they held a New Year’s prayer event, guest speakers’ speeches, New Year’s music performance, dinner and announced their suggestions.
During the first session, a prayer for the nation and the people was held that was moderated by Chung Sung-gil, secretary-general of the KAFSP. Elder Du Sang-dal, Chairman of the National Breakfast Prayer Association, presented the prayer and a sermon by Pastor Kim Jin-hong (Dongducheon Shingwang Dure Church Senior) and benediction from Pastor Won Sung-woong, President of the Seoul City Christian Federation, followed.
Pastor Kim Jin-hong gave a sermon focusing on the future of South Korea and the alliance with the United States, and emphasized the Korean Church’s mission to Asia and the value of Korea. “The Korean Church is the first successful church in Asia, and all four values that the Republic of Korea has to protect – liberal democracy, open market economy, respect for human rights, and rule of law – are based on the foundation of the Bible,” he said. “This year 2022 is the year that will determine the nation’s luck and we should begin the process of establishing a unified Republic of Korea.”
Pastor Song Tae-sup, President of Communion of Churches in Korea, Elder Lee Pil-seop, retired four-star general from the Army, and Rep. Song Seok-jun from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), gave special prayers for the nation and the people, the protection of the liberal democracy and national security, and having the presidential candidate that God wants to win the election.
During the second session, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn gave a congratulatory speech with the following remarks.
“I think the Republic of Korea has developed from the world’s poorest country to a country to be proud of in the world, and there was God’s grace at its foundation. I think today will serve as momentum to re-establish the alliance with the United States while it is collapsing. I think we still have a chance if we turn back and gather wisdom in everything we can do to revive the Republic of Korea.”
Annie Chan, co-chairwoman of the KCPAC and Chairman of the KAFSP, which organized the event, said in her greeting, “Given the reality of Korea now, we should fix Korea in the right way by focusing on the traditional values of liberal democracy and security.” She added that “influential people and opinion leaders in various fields have the responsibility to confidently spread the value of conservatism for the future of the Republic of Korea that we have to hand over to the following generations.” In particular, she stressed the dangers of the security aspect of the declaration to end to the Korean War, which is being pursued by the current administration. She added that she will push for a full-fledged campaign to acquire a million signatures from those who oppose the declaration.
Choi Jae-hyung, former Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, also said in a congratulatory speech that “protecting a free Republic of Korea is God’s blessing, and let’s work together on the mission of the generation to fix the Republic of Korea.”
Kim Yong-kyoon, a former lawmaker who delivered a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Free Constitutional Forum, said, “We must win the upcoming presidential election to achieve the three contemporary tasks of protecting liberal democracy, eradicating corruption, and restoring the alliance with the United States.”
Attorney Ko Young-joo, the head of the Liberal Democratic Party, also gave a speech, and said, “The goal of today’s joint event by people from religious and national security circles matches with our party’s goal in the aspect of hoping for a presidential candidate who can protect the liberal democratic system and strengthen national security win the election.” He added that he will focus on receiving signatures from people who oppose the declaration to end the war.
“If unification comes after Seoul turns into Pyongyang and has to hold a Communist Party conference at Jangchung Gymnasium [in central Seoul], it will be a disaster for the following generations,” said Kim Jae-chang, retired four-star general of the Army and vice president of the KAFSP. “The Unification that we have to achieve should be liberal democracy-based unification, and we should resent the current government’s security policies.”
In addition, Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the PPP, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also delivered congratulatory messages.
At the event, Korean-American singer Tim made a special appearance and drew attention by singing “You Raise Me Up.” Thirty-five people from the Seoul Metropolitan Orchestra and the Soledion Male Choir filled the stage, and the atmosphere of the event was boosted by KBS orchestra’s Shin Kwang-sik solo saxophone performance.
Meanwhile, at the end of the event, presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol of the PPP, who was expected to be absent, attended in person and received a great response from participants. During his video message, he said, “South Korea overcame the ruins of the war and matured into a liberal democracy with economic prosperity and has now become a country that the world envies.” He added that “this is because of your dedication to strengthening the alliance with the United States, which is the basis of liberal democracy, market economy, and our diplomatic security.”
“The PPP and I will also protect the universal values of liberal democracy and constitutionalism and establish a solid security posture. We will create a society where fairness and common sense stand correctly to open up a bright future for Korea. We hope that those who led the philosophy and vision of conservativism for a long time continue to share wisdom and experience with us.”
