By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Sinem Betul from Turkey

When I was struggling to start writing this post, suddenly the name of a Korean movie flashed into my mind, “As One” (코리아) (2012). It sounds like a prayer, a wish, a hope, doesn't it? Yes, there could be no other title so beautiful that fits both this film and this story.

That movie was directed by Moon Hyun-sung and is based on a true story. In 1991, during the 41st World Table Tennis Championships in Japan, South and North Korea joined forces for the very first time in history to create a single unified team. As the movie’s tagline goes, “It was a challenge itself for us to become one.”

Maybe this is the first examples of unification, but not the last. As we remember clearly, at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, all the world witnessed the existence of the Korea Team as one again, as in the past. I should say that when the athletes entered the stadium together under the same flag, I was a bit surprised and also excited. Amazing activities weren't limited to this, of course. The most fabulous one was the presence of North Korea’s leader’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, in the South.

This rare situation gave me a new experience. The meeting that's going to be held on April 27 between the two Korean leaders in the DMZ undoubtedly will give me more.

As someone looking through the window, the only thing that I know about the circumstances is that when World War II in East Asia drew to a close, the 35-years of agonizing Japanese colonial rule came to an end on the Korean Peninsula. Then, amid the rapidly intensifying Cold War, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel. The conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union created two separate governments. I don't have any direct idea about what people felt when they were torn apart from their dads, moms and families, not just loved ones, but also their homes, land, happiness, childhood and memories. This leads me to repeat that classic phrase, "Politics are the worst thing ever in the world."



To understand the invisible parts of Korean history, I watch a lot of soap operas, film and documentaries. The TV show “The King 2 Hearts” (더킹 투하츠) (2012) was the first ever soap opera that I watched about the relationship between the two Koreas. Maybe the script was made up, but it gave me an idea about what people might face and might now be facing.

Also, once a year in Istanbul, the Korean Peninsula Peace & Unification Seminar is held by the Korean Consulate General. Starting in 2014, this year is its fifth year. At first, I attended to collect information for my next blog post, but as I began to participate, the subject got more and more interesting. The number of people who attend the seminar is also increasing.

The seminar aims to increase interest and to boost knowledge among Istanbul residents about Korea, about the threats and opportunities for Korea, about importance of Korean reunification and about the thoughts of the Korean people.

From a non-Korean point of view, of course, it's hard to clearly judge the political situation of another country. However, as a human being, I definitely wish for reunification and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Reunification might bring disturbances, chaos and confusion to the land, but it should not be forgotten that there will not be food without effort. I hope to see Korea “As One” as soon as possible.

I pray for the innocent ones who, as always, suffer the most.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.