“Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1” Held: A Time of Intergenerational Empathy

 

 

A meaningful opportunity was created for the generation that directly experienced the Korean War and the MZ generation to share the pain of modern Korean history and engage in dialogue. HWPL Global Branch 07 hosted “Generational Bridges 520 Mentor Theater Episode 1” as part of the nationwide “Connect Korea” Campaign under the initiative “Connecting Generations.” This initiative aims to overcome generational conflicts and promote cooperation. The name “Generational Bridges 520” signifies the journey from misunderstanding to understanding and, ultimately, to empathy between generations.

The first session of the Mentor Theater took place on February 14 at the HWPL branch office in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by five representatives from the Seoul City branch of the Korean War Veterans Association and around 30 students and young adults, who engaged in meaningful discussions.

 

 

The event began with participants drawing a map of Korea and watching a video related to the Korean War. Following this, Ryu Jae-sik, head of the Seoul City branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, shared his firsthand experiences of the war, vividly conveying the horrors of the battlefield.

Ryu emphasized, “War is, in itself, an incredibly tragic event and must never happen again. However, as both tangible and intangible threats of war still exist, we must always remain vigilant.”

During the subsequent open discussion between the Korean War veterans and the audience, many young participants asked various questions. One student asked, “What was the most difficult and unbearable aspect of the war?” A veteran responded, “Hunger was the hardest. In war, there is no one to bring you food…” His words deeply moved the audience, who couldn’t hide their sorrow.

 

 

This event went beyond differences in historical experiences between generations, allowing participants to connect and unite as fellow citizens of the same nation. Kim Ga-young, who attended the event in Eunpyeong-gu, shared her thoughts: “I had only vaguely learned about the Korean War through history books, but listening to the stories of actual veterans made it feel much more real. I am truly grateful to the veterans.”

Meanwhile, the Mentor Theater is a program that invites mentors from various walks of life who have passionately dedicated themselves to their fields, sharing their experiences and wisdom. It is scheduled to be held regularly in the future.