VANK has launched a global campaign criticizing Japan’s failure to address Korea’s concerns in its follow-up report to UNESCO on Hashima Island (Battleship Island), part of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” While recognized as a UNESCO site for Japan’s industrialization, these locations were also sites of forced labor during Japan’s colonial rule. Ignoring UNESCO’s request for dialogue, Japan submitted a distorted report instead.

A recent memorial at Sado Mine, registered as a UNESCO site in 2024, highlighted these issues. Japan pledged to acknowledge Korean forced labor but failed to invite victims’ families while allowing officials linked to Yasukuni Shrine to attend. Nearby museum exhibits omit “forced labor” and contain discriminatory descriptions of Koreans.

At the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in 2023, Korea urged Japan to properly recognize forced labor, citing Germany’s Zollverein Coal Mine as an example. However, Japan merely placed reference materials on a bookshelf instead of displaying testimonies of Korean victims, continuing to emphasize industrial value over historical truth.

This is not an isolated case. In 2017, Japan submitted a misleading report on Hashima Island, focusing on industrial achievements rather than forced labor. Despite promising an information center for victims in 2015, Japan built a facility in Tokyo that denied forced labor claims. Beyond Hashima, sites like Yahata Steel Works and Takashima Coal Mine are turned into tourist attractions or shut down to erase history.

VANK’s campaign poster visually represents Japan’s erasure of history, depicting fractured images of victims. It warns that Japan’s actions distort history and undermine trust in international cooperation. The poster is available on the VANK website and Flickr for global distribution, and VANK urges people worldwide to share it.

Park Ki-tae, director of VANK, stressed that Japan’s repeated failure to uphold promises damages its credibility. Youth Researcher Seong Hye-seung called Japan’s actions a continuation of imperialist harm, urging acknowledgment of historical truth.

To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, VANK has launched a campaign inspired by Ahn Chang-ho’s vision of democracy and national sovereignty. The initiative encourages active citizen participation in policymaking through two platforms—‘Woollim’ for policy engagement and ‘Yeollim’ for national communication.

Ahn Chang-ho, a key figure in Korea’s independence movement, emphasized in his 1920 New Year’s address that “all power belongs to the people.” Published on the front page of the Shanghai Independent newspaper, his words laid the foundation for Korea’s democratic ideals and later influenced Article 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution: “All power comes from the people.”

VANK highlights Ahn’s statement, “The people are the emperor,” as a powerful expression of his democratic ideals—an idea still relevant today. As Korea faces growing political and historical debates, his vision offers a unifying principle beyond ideological divides.

Through ‘Woollim’ and ‘Yeollim,’ VANK seeks to create a structural foundation for direct public participation in governance. These platforms allow citizens to evaluate government policies and propose new initiatives, reinforcing the principle of national sovereignty enshrined in the Constitution of Korea.

In line with this campaign, VANK has released a poster urging citizens to embrace Ahn Chang-ho’s vision: “Let’s follow the spirit of Ahn Chang-ho as our guiding compass and make people’s sovereignty a reality!” The poster, available for download on the VANK official website and Flickr, aims to inspire widespread participation.

Park Ki-tae, director of VANK, emphasized that in today’s complex social and political climate, Ahn’s philosophy remains both relevant and actionable. By fostering platforms for direct civic engagement, VANK hopes to uphold democratic values and pave the way for a more participatory society.

Youth Researcher Seong Hye-seung echoed this sentiment, stating, “True democracy is realized when citizens are not passive recipients of policy but active contributors to national governance. On this 80th anniversary of liberation, we aim to make that vision a reality.”

The Path to Liberation “Gwangbok-Gil”

To mark Korea’s 80th Liberation Anniversary in 2025, Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK is launching a campaign to honor the legacy of independence activists. The initiative aims to collaborate with local governments to create themed walking trails where citizens can retrace the steps of independence activists and experience their historical significance firsthand.

By establishing these “Independence Activist Roads,” VANK seeks to highlight Korea’s triumph over Japanese colonial rule and honor the sacrifices of those who fought for independence. These paths will connect historical sites where activists lived and worked, fostering a deeper understanding of Korea’s national identity.

One example is Seoul’s Mangwoo Park, where a trail commemorating figures like Bang Jeong-hwan, Han Yong-un, and Jang Deok-soo has already been established. VANK plans to expand this model nationwide, working with municipalities to create immersive historical experiences.

This initiative offers a participatory way for citizens to engage with history while boosting cultural tourism. It also serves as an educational platform to ensure that the sacrifices of independence activists are remembered by future generations.

Posters for the campaign can be downloaded from the VANK official website and the global photo-sharing site Flickr. VANK encourages the public to share these materials widely to spread awareness.

Park Ki-tae, head of VANK, stated, “Following the footsteps of independence activists and remembering their sacrifices is a meaningful way to celebrate Korea’s 80th Liberation Anniversary.” He emphasized that properly preserving history is essential to completing the legacy of liberation.

VANK will continue developing projects that promote Korea’s independence movement and raise global awareness of its historical significance.

The Final Puzzle—Independence in Food and Energy

As Korea marks its 80th anniversary of liberation in 2025, VANK has launched a campaign for food and energy independence. While the nation has secured political sovereignty, it remains heavily reliant on foreign imports for essential resources.

VANK emphasizes that true independence is incomplete without self-sufficiency in food and energy, as these are crucial for national stability and sustainability. Korea’s low grain self-sufficiency—relying heavily on imports of wheat, corn, and soybeans—poses a serious risk, especially amid global crises like the Ukraine war, which previously caused a surge in food prices.

Energy sovereignty is another key issue, with Korea importing most of its oil and natural gas. Political instability in oil-producing countries and OPEC+ production decisions directly impact Korea’s economy.

To address these challenges, VANK highlights government initiatives like the Saemangeum complex grain production site, which aims to reduce import dependence through precision agriculture. However, they stress that true independence requires national support, policies, and public awareness.

A campaign poster released by VANK features a puzzle with missing pieces representing food and energy, symbolizing that Korea’s independence remains incomplete without them. The poster is available for download on VANK’s website and Flickr, encouraging people to share the message widely.

Park Ki-tae, founder of VANK, states, “Political sovereignty alone is not enough. Achieving food and energy independence is the final piece of the puzzle for true liberation.” Youth Researcher Seong Hye-seung adds, “By securing stable and self-sufficient resource systems, we can build a resilient and sustainable nation.”

This campaign is part of VANK’s broader initiative for Korea’s 80th anniversary of liberation, focusing on educating the world about Korea’s history and future vision.

We are the AI Global Ambassadors of Korea

In 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK is launching a campaign using AI to enhance Korea’s global image.

As of 2024, Korean culture—spanning dramas, music, and films—has gained immense popularity worldwide, amassing 225 million global fans. However, despite this attention, inaccurate portrayals of Korea’s history and culture persist in many international textbooks, encyclopedias, and websites. These inaccuracies often stem from perspectives shaped by Japan’s imperialist propaganda during its colonial rule over Korea, which justified its invasion by depicting Korea as historically dependent on China and lacking independent creativity.

Further complicating matters, the “Sea of Japan” label continues to replace “East Sea,” and biased narratives about Dokdo often dominate. Meanwhile, China’s distortions, from the Northeast Project to claims over Korean heritage like Hanbok, Bibimbap, and Kimchi as Chinese minority culture, remain widespread. Even the Great Wall is now being symbolically expanded into Korean territory.

The rise of generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, has created new challenges. Many AI tools rely on data influenced by these distortions, leading to responses like identifying the East Sea as the Sea of Japan or providing inaccurate depictions of Korea’s heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Recognizing the critical role AI plays in shaping global perceptions, VANK aims to take proactive measures. Rather than responding reactively to distortions, VANK will harness AI to ensure the accurate dissemination of Korea’s history and culture. This campaign not only seeks to counter Chinese and Japanese misinformation but also to establish Korea’s rightful place in the global consciousness.

VANK’s initiative emphasizes that AI’s growing influence demands accurate data to preserve Korea’s historical, cultural, and territorial integrity in the digital age.

Korea’s Vision for a New Global Order

In 2025, Korea stands at a pivotal moment, commemorating 80 years of liberation while shaping its vision for the future. To mark this milestone, VANK has launched a campaign to design a new global order, calling on citizens to join in this ambitious vision.

This campaign goes beyond reflecting on liberation, emphasizing the need to overcome the structural distortions left by imperialism and great-power dominance. It aims to position Korea as a sovereign architect of a just and equitable international system. VANK defines the 80th Liberation Anniversary as ”the beginning of a journey toward leading a fair and cooperative global society,“ presenting Korea’s aspirations for the future.

The campaign recalls the early 20th century, when imperialism suppressed freedoms and cultures worldwide, leaving scars that persist in modern politics, economies, and societies. Having endured the pain of colonial rule, Korea has risen as an economic and cultural powerhouse.

VANK outlines three key initiatives for Korea’s role as a global leader:

1️⃣ Empowering youth to build global networks that bridge East and West, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
2️⃣ Encouraging creative and innovative actions by young people to address global challenges, establishing Korea’s next generation as champions of peace and justice.
3️⃣ Launching nationwide campaigns to amplify Korea’s vision and contributions worldwide, solidifying its place as a global leader.

A symbolic poster created for the campaign features an unstable “Jenga Tower”representing the flawed global system shaped by imperialism. Korea’s symbolic hand rebuilds the tower, adding blocks labeled “Justice,” “Equality,” and “Cooperation.” This imagery highlights Korea’s commitment to reconstructing an equitable international order.

Through this campaign, VANK underscores that true decolonization stems from international solidarity. It invites citizens to join Korea in designing a balanced and cooperative global future, fulfilling the ideals of liberation 80 years on.

The Power of “Togetherness”

As Korea marks its 80th anniversary of liberation in 2025, VANK launches a campaign celebrating foreign independence activists who stood with Korea during its fight for freedom. Figures like Homer Hulbert, who championed Hangeul and independence, Kaneko Fumiko, who fought alongside Korean leaders, and Ernest Bethell, who exposed Japanese atrocities, symbolize solidarity that transcends borders.

The campaign’s initiatives include:

1️⃣ Respecting 246,000 “Homer Hulberts” in Korea by advocating fair treatment of foreign residents contributing to Korean society.
2️⃣ Collaborating with 200 million “Ernest Bethells”—Hallyu fans worldwide—to address global injustices inspired by Bethell’s activism.
3️⃣ Expressing gratitude to the homelands of activists like Hulbert, Kaneko, and Bethell through cultural diplomacy.
4️⃣ Sharing their legacies globally to inspire solidarity and understanding, spotlighting figures like George L. Shaw and Frederick Arthur McKenzie.

Seong Hye-seung, a youth researcher, emphasizes, “To lead the world on the 80th anniversary of liberation, Korea must embrace inclusivity without prejudice.”

This campaign, part of VANK’s five-project initiative, aims to honor history, promote multicultural inclusivity, and present a future-oriented vision. Upcoming projects include AI-powered national branding and training ambassadors to spread Korea’s spirit of liberation worldwide.

All Aboard the Train to Liberation!

To mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation in 2025, VANK has unveiled a campaign aimed at exploring Korea’s new path forward. This initiative goes beyond celebrating the past, focusing on correcting historical distortions and solidifying Korea’s identity while addressing modern challenges.

VANK highlights Korea’s transformation from colonial rule to becoming a top-10 global economy despite the devastation of war. However, they stress that Korea’s liberation remains incomplete, pointing to unresolved historical and social issues. For example, inaccuracies like labeling the East Sea as the “Sea of Japan” and false claims over Dokdo continue to reflect imperialist narratives that undermine Korea’s sovereignty and history.

VANK also draws attention to domestic challenges, including low birth rates, aging demographics, and rising youth suicide rates. They argue these are not just Korea’s issues but global ones requiring collective solutions. By addressing these problems, Korea can lead as a model for the international community.

A campaign poster featuring the symbolic “Liberation Train” captures Korea’s journey of overcoming past struggles and moving toward a brighter future. The train, never halting, represents Korea’s relentless progress beyond the 80th anniversary toward global leadership. The poster is available for download on VANK’s website and Flickr, encouraging individuals to share its message widely.

Director Park Ki-tae emphasized, “True liberation is more than independence. It’s about correcting our history, preserving our culture, and solving modern societal challenges. This campaign is a step toward realizing that vision.” Youth researcher Koo Seung-hyeon added, “The 80th anniversary is not just a reflection of the past but a new starting point for the future, completing the dreams of independence activists by addressing unresolved issues and guiding Korea toward true liberation.”

In a powerful global campaign, VANK is challenging Japan’s failure to honor commitments made during the Sado Mines’ UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. The campaign aims to expose the systematic erasure of forced Korean labor history and call for international solidarity.

Despite promises to present the “complete history” and create memorial events honoring forced laborers, Japan has fallen short of its pledges.

A recent memorial ceremony in Niigata Prefecture revealed deep-seated historical insensitivity, with a Yasukuni Shrine representative attending and no invitations extended to victims’ families.

“Repeated promise-breaking, as seen in Sado Mines and previously in Gunkanjima, not only damages international trust but threatens the legitimacy of Japan’s heritage site inscriptions,” says Director Park Ki-tae. He emphasizes that “facing the truth and establishing justice is a promise for a better tomorrow for all of us.”

Youth Researcher Seong Hye-seung adds a powerful perspective: “Our history is built on a foundation of truth and justice. Japan’s actions fundamentally undermine the universal values of World Heritage Sites, representing clear historical distortion and another act of aggression against Korea.”

The campaign poster symbolically depicts mining pickaxes revealing hidden truths, with pickaxes exposing not minerals, but the silenced stories of Korean laborers. By creating multilingual posters, VANK aims to amplify the voices of forced labor victims and challenge Japan’s historical narrative.

VANK calls on the international community to hold Japan accountable, ensuring World Heritage Sites truly represent universal human values and respect for historical truth.

The Hand trying to erase the Truth of Sado Mine

VANK has launched a global campaign to expose Japan’s failure to honor its promises regarding the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Sado Mine. During WWII, Sado Mine was a site of forced labor involving 1,500 Koreans—a painful history that Japan is attempting to distort and ignore.

To shed light on this, VANK has created multilingual posters distributed worldwide through platforms like “Woollim” and “Bridge Asia,” urging the Japanese government to fulfill its commitments. When seeking World Heritage status, Japan promised to:

1. Exhibit the history of forced labor.
2. Hold annual memorial services for victims.

However, these promises have been blatantly ignored. The term “forced labor” was removed from exhibitions, replaced by misleading narratives. Memorial services now feature vague messages of gratitude rather than tributes to victims, undermining their purpose.

UNESCO status demands a commitment to preserving shared history. Japan’s actions not only betray these values but also damage trust with the global community. VANK’s campaign poster, featuring a hand attempting to erase “forced labor exploitation” at Sado Mine with the message “History can never be erased,” symbolizes the enduring truth.

The poster is available for download on VANK’s website and Flickr. VANK encourages people to share it, raising their voices against historical distortion.

Director Park Ki-tae stated, “History is humanity’s shared truth. Japan must honor its commitments to restore trust.” Youth researcher Koo Seung-hyeon added, “Nations that distort history cannot lead the future.”

Since 2021, VANK has worked to expose Japan’s whitewashing of Sado Mine’s history through multilingual campaigns. This is not just a Korea-Japan issue—it’s a global fight for historical truth and justice. VANK calls on the international community to stand firm in defending UNESCO values and ensuring Japan upholds its responsibilities.

Protect Gyeongnyeolbi-yeoldo, Hidden Gem of the West Sea!

VANK has initiated an international campaign to safeguard the Gyeongnyeolbi-yeoldo, a critical cluster of islands in Korea’s West Sea. Known for their military, economic, and ecological significance, the islands face threats from illegal fishing and foreign interest. VANK is calling for stronger government measures, including nationalization, to secure these strategic territories.

The Gyeongnyeolbi-yeoldo consists of three main islands—North, West, and East Gyeongnyeolbi—and nine islets. While North Gyeongnyeolbi is state-owned, the West and East islands remain privately owned, making them vulnerable to foreign acquisition. In 2014, Chinese nationals attempted to purchase them, raising alarms about Korea’s maritime sovereignty.

This region also plays a vital economic role as part of the “golden fishing grounds,” despite being a hotspot for Korea-China fishing disputes, with 60% of conflicts occurring here. Ecologically, the islands support diverse marine life, further underscoring the need for protection.

To raise awareness, VANK has designed a poster featuring the Gyeongnyeolbi-yeoldo in a triangular formation with the Korean flag and flying seagulls symbolizing the area’s environmental value. The poster is available for download on VANK’s website and Flickr, and the public is encouraged to share it globally to highlight the importance of preserving these islands.

Director Park Gi-tae emphasized, “If foreigners acquire these islands, Korea’s maritime sovereignty will be at risk.” Youth researcher Koo Seung-hyeon added, “Like Dokdo, these islands are key to protecting our national boundaries.”

Join VANK in safeguarding Korea’s heritage and sovereignty!

Appoint Dosan Ahn Chang-ho as Honorary Ambassador of Korea!

As Hallyu (the Korean Wave) captivates the world, with over 200 million fans, Korea’s global image is soaring through its music, dramas, and films. However, a gap between this pop culture-driven image and Korea’s reality could foster misunderstandings or even anti-Korean sentiment.

To bridge this gap, VANK is launching a campaign to align Korea’s elevated image with its authentic identity by appointing independence activist Ahn Chang-ho as an honorary global ambassador. Ahn, who tirelessly worked to improve Korea’s reputation abroad 100 years ago, exemplified the values of diligence, integrity, and national pride.

While in the U.S., Ahn not only helped Korean immigrants find jobs in orange farms but also led by example, believing even small acts, like picking oranges diligently, could reshape Korea’s image. His efforts inspired others, transforming perceptions of Koreans in America.

Through this campaign, VANK aims to introduce Ahn’s legacy to both Koreans and global Hallyu fans, highlighting his role in shaping Korea’s national image. By revisiting his story, Koreans today can embody his spirit to build a more unified, attractive, and approachable Korea.

Join us in honoring Ahn Chang-ho and sharing his legacy with the world!

Korea leading the change in Repatriation of Stolen Cultural Heritage?

VANK has launched a campaign to establish an international organization dedicated to repatriating stolen cultural artifacts, with Korea at the helm. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the need for the return of cultural treasures looted during the imperialist era and to strengthen solidarity among nations affected by such historical injustices.

Over 246,000 pieces of Korean cultural heritage are currently held overseas, with Japan owning nearly 45% of these artifacts. Other countries like the United States, Germany, and the UK also house significant collections of stolen Korean items. VANK argues that the legality of these transfers remains unclear, especially given the widespread illegal appropriation of artifacts during the imperialist period.

VANK emphasizes that while countries affected by imperialism have long sought international help in recovering their heritage, Korea, despite its economic power, lacks the global leadership to drive change. With over 200 million fans of Korean culture worldwide, VANK believes Korea is uniquely positioned to lead a global movement for justice, citing the historical significance of the March 1st Movement and Korea’s ability to shape global opinion.

VANK calls for the creation of a strong international body with real authority to oversee the return of cultural heritage, mediate disputes, and facilitate agreements. VANK points to Korea’s success in other international initiatives, such as the UNESCO International Archive Heritage Center and the Green Climate Fund.

Koo Seung Hyeon, a youth researcher, expressed hope that “Through international solidarity led by Korea, the just return of cultural heritage will become a reality. Looted artifacts in famous museums should no longer be a source of pride but symbols of shame and exploitation.”

VANK’s initiative marks a crucial step in Korea’s growing role in global cultural affairs, aiming to foster lasting international solidarity and return cultural treasures to their rightful homes.

Dokdo is NO exception to Global Sea Level Rise!

On October 25, 2024, VANK has initiated a global campaign to promote energy conservation in celebration of Dokdo Day. The striking poster reads, “Global sea level rise, Dokdo is no exception,” highlighting a 10 cm increase in sea levels from 1993 to 2022.

While this may seem minor, NASA warns that the current rate of sea level rise is unprecedented in 2,500 years. Since satellite observations began in 1979, Antarctic ice cover has reached a record low of 1.79 million square kilometers, with similar conditions noted in the Arctic region.

The rate of sea level rise has more than doubled in the last decade compared to the first decade of satellite records. The World Meteorological Organization reported a 4.77 mm increase in global average sea level from 2015 to 2023.

VANK points out that the waters surrounding Ulleungdo and Pohang have experienced rises of 5.13 mm and 4.55 mm annually, respectively, surpassing the national average of 2.87 mm and the East Coast’s 3.50 mm. This increase has led to the distribution of tropical and subtropical fish in the waters near Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

VANK attributes the significant rise in sea levels primarily to energy consumption, stating that fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions are key contributors. Data shows that emissions in the energy sector rose by 145% from 1990 to 2021. To combat this, VANK advocates for the adoption of energy-efficient appliances at the national level, while also encouraging individuals to adjust their thermostat settings and unplug devices when not in use.

Hye-seung Seong, a youth researcher, underscored the importance of collective action in light of Dokdo’s significance. Director Park Ki-tae emphasized that addressing the climate crisis is no longer optional and criticized the Korean government’s limited response.

VANK has also partnered with Gyeonggi Province to develop a project aimed at training 100,000 global climate ambassadors, promoting a collaborative effort to address climate change.

Countering Severe Historical Distortions in Generative AI

In a concerning development, the rapid global expansion of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, Copilot, Bing, and Shakker AI has resulted in significant distortions of Korean history and cultural heritage. VANK has identified numerous instances where these AI platforms provide incorrect or misleading information about Korea’s iconic landmarks and heritage.

For example, when requesting images of Dokdo, rather than accurately depicting the two main islets, the AI-generated images often show clusters of islands resembling a mainland coastal formation. Similarly, inquiries about Gyeongbokgung Palace frequently return images of a palace surrounded by rivers, which is more characteristic of Japan’s Osaka Castle. This misinformation could mislead international audiences to conflate Korean landmarks with those of other countries, particularly Japan.

Additionally, when users ask AI systems for images of Seokguram Grotto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the results incorrectly place the Buddha statue outside the grotto, contrary to its actual location inside the cave. These distortions extend to traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok), with generative AI platforms often producing inaccurate visuals that do not represent authentic Hanbok designs.

VANK warns that such inaccuracies are not mere technical glitches but could represent a larger threat to Korea’s digital sovereignty. If unchecked, the spread of these errors through AI platforms could have long-term impacts, especially as China and Japan use similar platforms to propagate their own distorted historical narratives.

VANK has called for proactive efforts from Korea’s government agencies, such as the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to correct these inaccuracies. They advocate for the introduction of precise historical data into AI systems to prevent further misrepresentation. As the world increasingly relies on AI-generated information, VANK stresses the importance of ensuring that platforms provide accurate depictions of Korea’s history and cultural heritage.

To Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan, Dokdo is Korean territory, NOT Japanese territory!

Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK has sent a letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing deep concern over the actions of Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan, Sergiy Korsunsky. The letter urges the ambassador to issue an apology.

On September 26, 2024, Korsunsky posted a map on his social media labeling Dokdo as a “disputed area,” which sparked outrage in South Korea. Earlier, on September 3, 2024, he also caused controversy by visiting Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japanese imperialism.

VANK criticized these actions, highlighting the contradiction of Ukraine, a country suffering from Russia’s invasion, ignoring the historical wounds inflicted on Korea by Japanese imperialism. The organization sees the ambassador’s behavior as a betrayal, especially considering Korea’s past struggles with Japanese aggression.

As a response, VANK has launched a global campaign, calling for an official apology. In the letter, VANK raised concerns about the ambassador’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine, which they view as inappropriate for a representative of a nation fighting against invasion. The shrine, associated with Japan’s militaristic past, contradicts Ukraine’s current stance against Russian aggression.

VANK also condemned the labeling of Dokdo as a disputed territory, calling it a baseless claim and criticizing Korsunsky for his inappropriate conduct as a diplomat. They emphasized that the ambassador must better understand historical facts and fulfill his diplomatic responsibilities.

Leading the campaign, VANK researcher Koo Seung-hyeon stated that such actions could harm Ukraine’s international image, especially when global support is critical. VANK also reminded President Zelensky of their past efforts to raise international awareness of Ukraine’s plight through various anti-war campaigns.

Dolsot Bibimbap is Korean food, NOT Chinese food!

Recently, controversy erupted as China included Dolsot Bibimbap in its regional intangible cultural heritage list, claiming it originates from the cooking techniques of Korean-Chinese people. A Chinese company has been using this classification to promote Dolsot Bibimbap, raising concerns over cultural appropriation.

In response, VANK initiated a campaign urging the Korean government, particularly the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, to actively address this issue. They emphasize the importance of national heritage and encourage public involvement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it will firmly respond to any attempts by China to distort history, recognizing the importance of these issues to national identity. The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to assess and enhance the competitiveness of intangible heritage that requires urgent attention, potentially seeking preemptive UNESCO recognition.

VANK aims to raise global awareness about China’s misrepresentation of Korean culture through a digital campaign. Their efforts include launching petitions on the platforms Woollim and Bridge Asia, along with spreading information via social media.

The campaign highlights the absurdity of cultural distortion, questioning how China would react if Korea were to list Sichuan’s signature dish, mala tang, as its own heritage. VANK warns that misrepresenting Korean culture threatens East Asian peace and calls for worldwide support to prevent such cultural appropriation.

VANK hopes to ignite interest in traditional Korean culture domestically while alerting the global community to the risks of China’s cultural misappropriation, which could jeopardize Korea’s heritage on international platforms like UNESCO.

Promoting Korean Traditional Holidays All Around the World

The Korea Heritage Service, led by Choi Eung-chon, is partnering with Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK, headed by Park Ki-tae, to launch a global campaign promoting Korea’s five traditional holidays, which are now recognized as intangible cultural heritage (as of December 18, 2023).

The campaign aims to celebrate these holidays—Seollal, Daeboreum, Hansik, Dano, Chuseok, and Dongji—by creating and distributing bilingual (Korean and English) posters through social media platforms. The posters highlight the cultural significance and traditional practices associated with each holiday, such as the food of Seollal, the rituals of Hansik, the games of Dano, the activities of Chuseok, and the features of Dongji.

The posters, available for download on VANK’s website and Instagram, provide visual and textual information about the unique characteristics of each holiday. Anyone interested in sharing the value of Korea’s intangible heritage can freely use and post these materials on their social media.

The Korea Heritage Service plans to continue collaborating with VANK to expand global awareness of Korea’s intangible heritage through various promotional activities.

It is Baekdu Mountain, NOT Changbai Mountain!

Baekdu Mountain, a symbol of Korean identity, is at risk of being globally recognized solely by its Chinese name, “Changbai Mountain.”

The Chinese government has been promoting the “Changbai Mountain Cultural Theory,” claiming that the Baekdu Mountain region has been historically and culturally part of China since ancient times. This effort is a continuation of China’s Northeast Project, which seeks to incorporate Korean history into Chinese history.

China designated Baekdu Mountain as a national nature reserve in 1986 and included it in its list of “China’s Top 10 Famous Mountains” in 2003. Since then, it has actively promoted Baekdu Mountain as “Changbai Mountain” worldwide.

In 2020, China applied for Baekdu Mountain to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This application will be reviewed at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting from March 13 to 27, 2024, where new Global Geopark designations will be discussed.

UNESCO established the Global Geopark program in 2004 to protect geologically significant sites. Currently, 195 geoparks in 48 countries hold this designation.

The 18 sites under review for designation this year were recommended for inclusion by the UNESCO Global Geopark Council in September 2023. Typically, sites recommended by the council receive final approval unless there are exceptional circumstances.

If Baekdu Mountain is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark under the name “Changbai Mountain,” China will likely use this recognition to further assert its claim that Baekdu Mountain is exclusively Chinese territory.

More concerningly, China could use this designation to justify historical distortions, arguing that the ancient Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo and Balhae, which ruled the Baekdu Mountain region, were part of Chinese history. This would follow China’s precedent of inscribing Goguryeo historical sites as UNESCO World Heritage while simultaneously promoting the kingdom as a local Chinese regime.

Baekdu Mountain is divided between North Korea and China, with approximately three-quarters of the territory under Chinese control and one-quarter belonging to North Korea. The crater lake, Cheonji, is split according to the 1962 Sino-North Korean Border Treaty, with North Korea holding 54.5% and China controlling 45.5%. This means Baekdu Mountain is a shared natural heritage, not a site that China can unilaterally claim.

In response to China’s attempts to rebrand Baekdu Mountain as Changbai Mountain on the global stage, VANK (Voluntary Agency Network of Korea) is launching a worldwide campaign. The organization aims to prevent Baekdu Mountain from being internationally recognized under its Chinese name alone.

Baekdu Mountain, often referred to as the “sacred mountain of the Korean people,” holds immense historical and cultural significance for Korea, particularly due to its association with the ancient kingdoms of Goguryeo and Balhae. Ensuring that its Korean identity is not erased is a critical priority.

VANK is also raising concerns that UNESCO, an international organization, could inadvertently become a tool for China’s historical revisionism. To counter this, the group is actively working to communicate Korea’s concerns to UNESCO.

As part of its campaign, VANK is producing posters and launching global petitions. One of the posters includes the message:
“Is UNESCO a front for history distortion by China? Before ‘East Sea Waters’ and ‘Baekdu Mountain’ become ‘Sea of Japan’ and ‘Changbai Mountain,’ we need to let the world know the proper name of Baekdu Mountain!”

Additionally, VANK plans to submit a global petition urging UNESCO to ensure that any recognition of Baekdu Mountain includes historical explanations from the Korean perspective. The petition will call for UNESCO to remain vigilant against the potential misuse of its designation process for political purposes.

Through policy advocacy, VANK will also urge the Korean government to actively promote the correct name of Baekdu Mountain to the international community, preventing its identity from being overshadowed by China’s unilateral claims.

U.S. College Students Advocate for Higher Recognition of Homer Hulbert

U.S. College Students Advocate for Higher Recognition of Homer Hulbert’s Contributions to Korean Independence

A group of American college students is spearheading a global campaign to raise the official recognition of Dr. Homer Hulbert, a U.S. citizen who dedicated himself to Korea’s independence a century ago. As part of their efforts, they have sent a letter to the Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, urging for an upgrade in his national honor.

Michelle Bradley (23) and Bryan McAniff (22), students at the University of Hawaii, learned about Dr. Hulbert while participating in VANK’s volunteer program, which promotes Korea worldwide. Inspired by his legacy, they now aspire to become the “second Hulbert” in strengthening U.S.-Korea relations.

Dr. Hulbert first arrived in Korea in 1886 as an instructor at Yukyeong-gongwon, Korea’s first modern educational institution. Throughout his 38 years of commitment, he published 20 books and over 300 papers advocating for Korea’s independence and correcting historical distortions in the international community.

Michelle and Bryan are participants in the Korean Language Flagship (KLF) program, a U.S. government-supported initiative that trains Korea specialists. As part of this program, they have traveled to Korea for a one-year immersion program at Korea University. Since 2012, VANK has collaborated with Korea University to offer internship opportunities for KLF students.

During their internship, the students focused on producing content to highlight Dr. Hulbert’s achievements globally. Through this work, they became convinced of the need to formally petition for a higher level of national honor for him.

In her letter to Minister Kang Jung-ae, Michelle Bradley expressed her newfound admiration for Dr. Hulbert:

> “I learned about Dr. Hulbert through VANK. Like me, he was an American deeply interested in Korea, yet before my internship, I had never heard of him.”

She emphasized that his legacy should be recognized on a wider scale, as his efforts in disseminating accurate information about Korea to the world still hold significance today.

> “Dr. Hulbert was an influential writer who corrected misconceptions about Korea and fought against historical distortions. His dedication to promoting Korean culture and history deserves greater recognition.”

Michelle concluded her letter with a request to the Korean government:

> “Dr. Hulbert, who made immense contributions to Korea 100 years ago, deserves proper recognition. I urge you to elevate his national honor and support the establishment of a Homer Hulbert statue in his hometown in Vermont.”

Bryan McAniff, in his letter to Minister Kang, conveyed his astonishment at how little-known Dr. Hulbert remains outside of Korea:

> “Have you ever heard of someone who loved Korea more than Koreans themselves? Before coming to Korea, I knew nothing about this incredible individual. Neither did most of my friends. I was shocked. How could such an inspiring figure be so overlooked? From that moment, I decided to share the story of Homer B. Hulbert with the world. I hope you can feel the same passion I have for him as you read this letter.”

Bryan also underscored the necessity of upgrading Dr. Hulbert’s recognition:

> “In 1950, the Korean government posthumously awarded Dr. Hulbert the Order of Merit for National Foundation, making him the first foreign recipient. However, given his lifelong devotion to Korean independence, he deserves the highest honor. His current third-class medal should be upgraded to the first-class Grand Order of Mugunghwa.”

Through their advocacy, Michelle and Bryan hope to ensure that Dr. Hulbert’s legacy is acknowledged not only in Korea but also on a global scale. Their campaign reflects a growing international interest in preserving and honoring those who contributed to Korea’s independence.

Remember Homer Hulbert and Ernest Bethell who protected Korean Heritage

The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) has launched a campaign to honor foreign independence activists Homer Hulbert and Ernest Bethell, who played a crucial role in the return of Korea’s National Treasure, the Ten-Story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the issue of looted cultural heritage that has yet to be returned.

As visitors enter the lobby of the National Museum of Korea, they are immediately greeted by the towering presence of the Ten-Story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa.

Designated as National Treasure No. 86, the pagoda was built in 1348 during the Goryeo Dynasty and reflects the worldview of its era. A fusion of Goryeo’s traditional Buddhist pagoda style and foreign influences from the Yuan Dynasty, its unique marble structure sets it apart from other existing stone pagodas in Korea, making it a highly significant cultural relic.

However, this invaluable artifact suffered a tumultuous history due to looting by Japan and its subsequent restitution.

In 1907, Tanaka Mitsuyaki, Japan’s Minister of the Imperial Household, visited Korea as a special envoy to congratulate Crown Prince Sunjong on his wedding. Aware of the pagoda’s historical value, Tanaka requested it as a gift during an audience with Emperor Gojong. However, the emperor firmly declined, stating that cultural artifacts belonged to the people and could not be taken elsewhere.

Undeterred, Tanaka dispatched armed Japanese forces to Gyeongcheonsa, where they threatened local residents and officials before dismantling and illegally transporting the pagoda to Japan. When rumors of the plunder spread, Tanaka denied any involvement or falsely claimed that Emperor Gojong had gifted it to him.

The return of the looted Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda would not have been possible without the efforts of two foreign independence activists: British journalist Ernest Bethell and American educator Homer Hulbert.

In March 1907, Bethell, founder of The Korea Daily News (Daehan Maeil Shinbo), was the first to expose the looting in both the Korean and English editions of his newspaper. Over the next several months, he published more than ten articles and editorials condemning Japan’s actions and raising awareness among readers.

In response, Japan’s pro-government newspaper The Japan Mail dismissed Bethell’s reports as baseless accusations. At this point, Hulbert, another foreign advocate for Korea’s independence, personally investigated the site of the looting, collected testimonies from local residents, and obtained photographic evidence. He then submitted an article titled “Atrocities in Korea” to The Japan Chronicle, a Kobe-based English-language newspaper, presenting his findings in detail.

Hulbert compared Tanaka’s actions to stealing Admiral Nelson’s statue from Trafalgar Square in London and issued a strong demand for Japan to promptly return Korea’s cultural treasure. Even The Japan Chronicle criticized the looting and urged the Japanese government to take responsibility, marking the first instance of a Japanese media outlet publicly acknowledging the plunder.

Despite mounting pressure, Tanaka refused to return the pagoda, prompting Hulbert to escalate the issue on the global stage. As a delegate to the 1907 Hague Peace Conference, he exposed Japan’s unjust actions, including the looting of the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda. His speech was widely reported in international media, including The Hague Peace Conference Journal, newspapers in New Zealand, The New York Post, and The New York Times. The global backlash was so intense that even Japanese diplomats advised their government to return the pagoda.

Ultimately, in 1918—eleven years after it was plundered—Japan repatriated the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda to Korea.

Had it not been for Bethell’s relentless reporting and Hulbert’s investigative efforts and international advocacy, Korea’s treasured artifact might have remained forgotten in a foreign land.

Yet, despite the significance of this history, public awareness remains limited. While the National Museum of Korea provides some information on the pagoda’s history and restoration, the descriptions are brief, and references to Hulbert and Bethell are minimal. Although additional details can be found on the museum’s website, they are not easily accessible to visitors.

The struggles surrounding the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda not only reflect Korea’s historical plight but also highlight the dedication of foreign independence activists who sought to protect both the nation’s cultural heritage and sovereignty. This history underscores the ongoing necessity of repatriating looted cultural artifacts that remain abroad.

To honor the contributions of foreign independence activists and advocate for the return of stolen cultural assets, VANK has launched a campaign to promote the efforts of Hulbert and Bethell.

Through this initiative, VANK hopes to bring greater recognition to the role these figures played in the return of the Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda and to encourage public engagement in the issue of looted cultural heritage.

In addition to this campaign, VANK is actively working on global initiatives to commemorate foreign independence activists who supported Korea’s cause. The organization is also pursuing projects such as erecting a statue of Homer Hulbert in the United States to ensure that their legacy is preserved and honored worldwide.

Let’s Finish Homer Hulbert’s Mission!

VANK has launched a global campaign to raise awareness of the private funds (Naetanggeum) of Emperor Gojong, which Dr. Homer Hulbert, a foreign independence activist, sought to recover. The initiative aims to initiate an official investigation into the missing funds.

Dr. Homer Hulbert was a key foreign independence activist who served as Emperor Gojong’s diplomatic advisor and secret envoy. He played a significant role in exposing Japan’s atrocities on the world stage by participating in the 1907 Hague Peace Conference and contributed to promoting Korea by writing about the excellence of Hangul and the Korean language in The New York Tribune.

Following his participation in the Hague mission, Hulbert faced persecution from Japan and was forced to relocate to the United States. However, when he briefly returned to Korea in 1909, he was entrusted with a final secret mission from Emperor Gojong: to retrieve the funds the emperor had deposited in the German-run Deokhwa Bank in Shanghai and use them for the benefit of the nation.

Naetanggeum refers to the personal financial assets of the royal family, kept in a treasury similar to a modern-day safe deposit system. In 1903 and 1904, Emperor Gojong deposited gold bullion and yen in the Shanghai-based Deokhwa Bank through the mediation of the German legation in Seoul. At the time, the bank manager issued a receipt stating that the funds could only be withdrawn under the emperor’s direct orders.

However, under constant surveillance by Japan, Emperor Gojong was unable to retrieve the funds himself. He therefore entrusted Hulbert with power of attorney and relevant documents, instructing him to reclaim the deposits and use them for the nation’s cause. Hulbert, acting in secrecy, took these documents to Shanghai, intending to use the funds to support independence fighters and aid struggling Koreans in Mexico.

Upon his arrival, however, he discovered that the funds had already been handed over to Japan a year prior. In 1907, suspecting that Emperor Gojong had used his secret funds to finance the Hague mission, Japan conducted an investigation and learned of the deposits. The Japanese authorities then forged official correspondence claiming to withdraw the funds on behalf of the emperor.

In April 1908, the Japanese Resident-General’s Office sent a letter to the German consul, stating that they had obtained a withdrawal request bearing Emperor Gojong’s official seal and demanding the transfer of the funds to Japan. Without verifying the request with Emperor Gojong, Deokhwa Bank complied, transferring the funds to Japan in two separate transactions based solely on the falsified documents.

The private funds that Hulbert sought to recover were crucial resources intended to support Korea’s independence movement and its people. However, after being unlawfully seized by Japanese imperial authorities, the funds’ exact whereabouts remain unknown to this day.

The misappropriation of Emperor Gojong’s private funds remains one of the unresolved historical injustices of Japanese imperialism. Recovering these funds is not only about rectifying past wrongs but also about honoring the wishes of Emperor Gojong, Hulbert, and the countless Koreans who suffered under colonial rule.

To complete the unfinished mission of Dr. Hulbert, VANK has initiated a global campaign to raise awareness of Emperor Gojong’s lost funds and advocate for an official investigation into their recovery.

As part of the campaign, VANK has created and disseminated posters via social media to inform the public and the international community about the issue. Additionally, petitions regarding the recovery of the funds have been posted on Korea’s national policy platform Ullim and the global petition site Bridge Asia.

The poster designed by VANK carries the slogan:

“Accomplish the 1909 mission of independence activist Dr. Homer Hulbert!”

It further states:

“100 years ago, Emperor Gojong’s immense funds that Dr. Homer Hulbert sought to use for Korea has gone missing by Japanese imperialism. Now, it is our turn to finish the mission!”

The poster also features Emperor Gojong’s handwritten power of attorney, dated October 20, 1909, which explicitly orders Hulbert to reclaim the funds from Deokhwa Bank and use them for the nation’s benefit.

VANK’s campaign seeks to shed light on this historical injustice and mobilize global efforts toward reclaiming the funds that rightfully belonged to Korea.

Remember the people of Joseon who were massacred on September 1, 1923 during the Kanto Earthquake

September 1st is not a day for disaster prevention, but a day to remember the “Massacre of Koreans” during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, according to the Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK, which is launching a global campaign to raise awareness about the tragic event on its 100th anniversary.

A century ago, on September 1, 1923, during the Great Kanto Earthquake, false rumors spread by the Japanese government falsely accused Koreans of poisoning wells and committing arson, leading to the indiscriminate killing of around 6,000 Koreans by vigilantes and others.

However, even after 100 years, the Japanese government continues to deny the historical truth of the massacre. On August 30, 2023, in a press briefing, Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, reiterated the government’s stance, stating, “There is no record to substantiate claims of mass killings,” without acknowledging any reflection or lessons learned from the tragic event.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Japan’s Ministry of the Interior had sent out misinformation to local authorities, perpetuating the false narrative of a “Korean uprising.” This revealed that the Japanese government was directly or indirectly involved in the massacre of Koreans.

To build lasting peace in Asia, Japan must confront the historical truth of the massacre and educate the Japanese people about the innocent lives lost during the Great Kanto Earthquake. Yet, the Japanese government continues to commemorate September 1st as “Disaster Prevention Day,” deliberately erasing the memory of the Koreans’ suffering from the collective consciousness of the Japanese public.

In response, VANK is spearheading a campaign to raise awareness that September 1st should not be remembered as “Disaster Prevention Day,” but as the “Massacre of Koreans Day.” The organization will distribute posters in Korean, English, and Japanese through social media to inform the public worldwide.

The posters will include the following message:

“September 1st is not ‘Disaster Prevention Day,’ but the ‘Day of Massacre of Joseon’s people.’ The Japanese government denies that approximately 6,000 Joseon people were massacred by Japanese vigilantes during the Kanto earthquake on September 1st, 1923.”

The distortion of the Great Kanto Earthquake history can lead to racial discrimination and hatred.

On the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, September 1st must be remembered as the ‘Massacre of Koreans Day.'”

Along with the posters, VANK is circulating a global petition to prevent the minimization and concealment of the massacre’s truth. The petition highlights that the Japanese army and police spread false rumors of “Korean uprisings,” which led to the deaths of approximately 6,000 Koreans. This event has been described as an “Asian Holocaust,” drawing a parallel to the Holocaust carried out by Nazi Germany.

The petition has already garnered support from 3,300 people worldwide.

Global Petition:

http://www.maywespeak.com/massacre

https://www.bridgeasia.net/bridging-issues/view.jsp?sno=391

Who does the U.S. Department of Defense represent: the American people or the Japanese government?

VANK is launching a campaign to demand the reopening of historical sites related to Korean independence activists in China. The campaign aims to raise awareness among the Korean government, citizens, and the global community about the significance of these sites and to urge their immediate reopening.

In August 2023, it was reported through Korean media that two prominent sites in China— the Ahn Jung-geun Exhibition Hall at the Dalian Lushun Prison Museum and the Yoon Dong-ju Birthplace in Yanbian—had been temporarily closed for renovation. Both sites are of great historical importance and are visited frequently by Koreans.

The Ahn Jung-geun Exhibition Hall, located at the Dalian Lushun Prison Museum, is dedicated to the legacy of Ahn Jung-geun, a heroic figure in the Korean independence movement. The exhibition features artifacts including a bust of Ahn Jung-geun, his solitary confinement cell, and writings from the prison. It also showcases the stories of other Korean independence activists, such as Shin Chae-ho and Lee Hoi-young, who were incarcerated at the same prison and later passed away.

The Yoon Dong-ju Birthplace in Yanbian is the home where the renowned poet Yoon Dong-ju lived until the age of 15. The site houses the preserved room where Yoon lived, along with original manuscripts, copies of his poetry books, and an exhibition dedicated to his work. This site, too, is an important cultural landmark for Koreans.

Despite the reported closures for renovations, neither site provided prior notice to visitors about the closure or the expected reopening timeline until it was covered in the Korean press. Further investigation revealed no signs of actual repairs being carried out at the sites, leading to suspicions about the validity of the renovation claims.

Following increasing criticism from the Korean public, Chinese authorities responded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that the closures were temporary due to internal repairs. However, their responses did not provide clear details on the progress of the renovations or the reopening schedule.

Given the lack of transparency surrounding the closures and renovations, as well as concerns over China’s broader efforts to claim Korean independence figures as part of “ethnic Korean” culture through its so-called “Northeast Project” and “Cultural Project,” there remain many unanswered questions for the Korean public regarding China’s actions.

In response, VANK is producing posters in both Korean and English to rally global attention to the cause. The posters feature the message, “If China closes these sites, the friendship between Korea and China will also close,” alongside a call for people to join a petition urging the Chinese government to reopen the Ahn Jung-geun Exhibition Hall and Yoon Dong-ju Birthplace.

Additionally, VANK has launched policy petitions and global petitions calling for proactive engagement from the Korean government and relevant departments regarding the reopening of these sites and the protection of other historical sites in China related to Korean independence activists. VANK also emphasizes the need for effective action to address the issues related to the Northeast Project and Cultural Project by China.

VANK hopes that through this campaign, the Ahn Jung-geun Exhibition Hall and Yoon Dong-ju Birthplace will be safely reopened, and that historical sites related to Korean independence activists in China will be properly managed and protected. VANK urges the Korean government, citizens, and the global community to join in the efforts to preserve the legacy of these national heroes by supporting the petition and sharing the campaign.

Petitions:
https://www.woollimkorea.net/beginning-of-woollim/view.jsp?sno=396
https://www.bridgeasia.net/bridging-issues/view.jsp?sno=557 

Let’s Establish Kimchi Day Around the World!

Let’s Erect a Statue of Homer Hulbert in the United States!

Promoting Korean Marine Territory Around the World

VANK Calls for Correction of Historical Distortions about Korea in Harvard Business School Textbook

A recent controversy has emerged regarding a mandatory textbook at Harvard Business School, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, which includes claims that Japan’s annexation of Korea contributed to Korea’s development. The textbook echoes the unilateral arguments of Japanese right-wing factions and neglects the suffering endured by Koreans due to Japan’s colonial rule, including the exploitation of comfort women, forced labor, and economic oppression.

The textbook also distorts Korea’s history by beginning its account from 668 AD, when Silla unified the Three Kingdoms, thereby omitting Korea’s extensive 5,000-year history. Furthermore, it falsely describes Goryeo as a “vassal state” that paid tribute to China.

In response, VANK has launched a multifaceted campaign urging Harvard Business School to correct these inaccuracies. The campaign includes sending formal protest letters, distributing digital posters, and initiating a global petition to raise awareness of the issue.

VANK argues that erasing Korea’s rich and vibrant history while depicting Goryeo as a vassal state of China and Joseon as a mere Japanese colony aligns with the imperialist historical narrative Japan promoted in 1910 to justify its colonization of Korea. This colonial historiography was constructed to rationalize Japan’s rule over Korea by falsely claiming that the Korean people had historically been subjugated by China and lacked the capacity for self-governance, thus necessitating Japanese control for Korea’s development.

The adoption of this historical perspective by a globally renowned institution like Harvard Business School raises serious concerns. VANK warns that this reflects Japan’s broader effort to leverage Harvard’s academic prestige to institutionalize right-wing historical narratives as global standards.

This issue is particularly alarming given the rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), with over 150 million global fans of K-pop, dramas, and films. As global interest in Korean culture continues to grow, misrepresentations of Korea’s history in authoritative sources like Harvard’s curriculum could shape distorted perceptions among future world leaders.

VANK emphasizes that it is highly problematic for Harvard Business School, which produces leaders who shape global policy and diplomacy, to use a textbook that aligns with Japan’s imperialist historical viewpoint. Allowing such distortions to persist risks Harvard mirroring the path of Japan’s Imperial Universities, which once served as institutions for training personnel to execute Japan’s expansionist policies a century ago.

To address this issue, VANK has sent an official letter to Harvard Business School, urging the institution to revise the textbook and present an accurate account of Korean history. Additionally, to mobilize public awareness and pressure for change, VANK has created digital posters in both Korean and English for distribution on social media and launched an international petition to bring the matter to global attention.

One of VANK’s posters visually juxtaposes two images: on the left, a 21st-century photograph of Harvard Business School, and on the right, an image of the lecture hall at Tokyo Imperial University, Japan’s first imperial university. The poster carries the bold message:

“Is Harvard Business School in the 21st century following in the footsteps of Japan’s Imperial Universities from 100 years ago? Harvard, the institution that produces the world’s top leaders, is using a mandatory textbook that distorts Korean history and rationalizes Japan’s imperialist aggression. Do not allow Harvard to become a tool for Japan’s right-wing propaganda—correct the textbook now!”

Through this campaign, VANK urges Harvard Business School to uphold its responsibility as a global leader in education by rejecting historical distortions and contributing to peace and problem-solving in the 21st century.

VANK remains steadfast in its demand that Harvard Business School correct its textbook to prevent it from becoming a platform for Japanese right-wing propaganda or an instrument of historical whitewashing.

VANK encourages Koreans and overseas communities to actively participate in this campaign by downloading and sharing the digital posters, signing the global petition, and sending protest letters to Harvard Business School.

Distorted Information about Korea in English Dictionaries need to be corrected!

With the global popularity of Korean culture, evidenced by the 150 million fans of Hallyu (Korean Wave), international interest in Korean pop culture has surged. VANK believes that this increased attention will naturally lead to greater global curiosity about Korea itself.

In response to this, VANK conducted an investigation into how the word “Korea” is defined across 15 major English dictionaries. The results revealed concerning distortions in the information provided about Korea, particularly regarding the East Sea, which is often referred to as the Sea of Japan in many of these dictionaries, and significant inaccuracies in the portrayal of Korean history.

The study found that in 11 out of the 15 dictionaries, including American Heritage Dictionary, Dictionary.com, and YourDictionary.com, the East Sea was incorrectly labeled as the Sea of Japan, a distortion that persists despite increasing international efforts to promote the dual-name usage of the sea. In fact, data from global map publishers, history textbooks, and online map services show that while the dual-name usage has grown from 3% two decades ago to 40% in 2022, many renowned dictionaries still exclusively use the Sea of Japan.

Moreover, the investigation revealed a troubling trend of minimizing the origins and scope of Korean history. Several leading dictionaries, such as American Heritage and YourDictionary.com, trace the origins of Korean history to the 12th century BCE, an oversimplification that distorts the rich history of the Korean people. In particular, Collins English Dictionary inaccurately describes Korea as a tributary of China until the opening of trade with Japan in 1876, a claim that reflects a reductive and misleading view of Korean sovereignty.

Furthermore, most English dictionaries and encyclopedias, including Collins, focus the narrative of Korean history predominantly on the colonial period under Japanese rule, emphasizing war and division while neglecting Korea’s vibrant history and cultural achievements. This narrative could potentially lead to a skewed perception that Korea’s history is primarily defined by invasions, war, and colonization.

In addition to these issues, certain dictionaries, such as Lookwayup.com and Limezone.com, even incorrectly describe “Korea” as “Choson” (Joseon) in Korean, further propagating misinformation. The correct terms should be Daehanminguk (Republic of Korea) or Hanguk (Korea).

Through this investigation, VANK has found that the distortion of Korean history in English-language dictionaries and encyclopedias is significant, with more negative portrayals than positive ones. The repeated errors across multiple dictionaries highlight the lack of a rigorous verification process in publishing these definitions, allowing for the perpetuation of inaccurate information.

The rise of K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and the international success of athletes such as Son Heung-min have fueled the global Hallyu phenomenon. With the increase in foreign interest in Korea, online searches related to the country have also surged. However, the availability of distorted information in widely used English dictionaries and encyclopedias presents a risk that foreigners may develop a skewed understanding of Korea.

VANK believes that correcting these inaccuracies on the most widely used platforms is a crucial task. To address this, the organization is committed to providing accurate information to foreign websites and dictionary publishers, working to ensure that content related to Korea is corrected and properly represented.

Arirang is Korean traditional music, NOT Chinese!

Arirang, one of Korea’s most iconic folk songs, is not only a cherished part of Korean heritage but also a living testament to the nation’s intangible cultural legacy. As a representative example of Korea’s rich cultural history, Arirang has evolved with different regional variations, but it is consistently characterized by the refrain “Arirang, Arirang, Arario.” This song, particularly during the Japanese colonial period, expressed the personal and national suffering Korea endured and its collective longing for independence, embedding hope and aspirations within its lyrics.

However, a concerning issue has emerged regarding how Arirang is portrayed in China. When searching for Arirang or “Joseon ethnic folk songs” on Baidu, China’s leading search portal, the following description is provided:

“The Joseon ethnic group is distributed across three provinces in northeast China—Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning—with the majority residing in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province. After migrating to northeast China in the mid-18th century, they became part of the large Chinese family. … Their folk songs are rhythmic and dance-oriented. The content of these songs is rich, with various forms, including labor songs, love songs, and popular ballads. Joseon ethnic songs such as Doraji Taryeong, Arirang, and Nodel Gangbyeon have lively melodies that anyone can sing.”

These descriptions suggest that China regards the Joseon ethnic group as an integral part of Chinese society, implying that the cultural heritage of this group, including traditional Korean songs like Arirang, should be considered part of China’s cultural domain. This reflects China’s broader stance on Korean culture, where not only Arirang but also items like hanbok (traditional clothing) and kimchi are being claimed as part of China’s cultural legacy.

It is important to note that the term “Joseon ethnic group” was coined by the Chinese government in 1956 as a means of managing minority groups within the country. This term does not refer to an indigenous ethnic group but rather to a group formed administratively for ethnic management purposes. Consequently, the claim that the cultural expressions of the Joseon ethnic group belong to Chinese culture can be seen as part of China’s “Northeast Project,” a broader campaign to assimilate the history and culture of neighboring regions into China’s own historical narrative, driven by a form of cultural imperialism.

In response to this, VANK has launched a petition and a poster campaign entitled “Arirang this time? China, why again?” in both Korean and English. The petition highlights the composition and value of Arirang, emphasizing that it is a Korean intangible cultural heritage, while the poster portrays how Arirang is being introduced as part of Chinese culture in a Chinese TV program.

Arirang is not only a song that captures the emotional essence of the Korean people but also embodies creativity, freedom of expression, and respect for empathy. The song’s adaptation of regional variations demonstrates Korea’s cultural diversity and respect for local traditions. As such, it stands as a living cultural treasure that should be preserved and protected from misappropriation.

VANK strongly condemns China’s attempts to appropriate Korean cultural heritage and asserts that Arirang and other elements of Korean culture rightfully belong to Korea.

Pansori is Korean cultural heritage, NOT Chinese!

Pansori, a traditional Korean art form, is being falsely claimed as part of Chinese heritage by some groups. This unique form of storytelling involves a solo singer, known as the “sori-gun,” who blends singing, speaking, and physical gestures while accompanying their performance with a drumbeat. Pansori is deeply rooted in Korean culture and is recognized as a distinctive and invaluable cultural asset.

While the exact origins of pansori are not definitively known, it is believed to date back to at least the Silla Dynasty, making its history several centuries old. In 1964, it was designated as Korea’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and in 2008, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

However, despite these recognitions, a troubling issue has emerged. Searches on Baidu, China’s leading search engine, and the China Intangible Cultural Heritage website suggest that pansori is being claimed as part of the culture of the Joseon ethnic group in China, thus asserting that it is a Chinese cultural heritage. This claim is not limited to pansori; China has also asserted ownership over other elements of Korean culture, such as hanbok (traditional clothing) and kimchi, pushing forward a cultural imperialist agenda.

In response to these false claims, the Cyber Diplomacy Mission VANK has launched a global campaign to highlight that pansori is unequivocally a Korean cultural heritage, not part of the cultural traditions of the Joseon ethnic group in China. The organization has created and distributed a poster entitled “Pansori is Chinese? Be Sorry, Chinese!” in both Korean and English. The poster emphasizes that pansori is a significant Korean tradition and invites people to join a global petition to support the preservation of Korean cultural heritage.

Pansori, as part of Korea’s traditional music, showcases the country’s creativity and excellence. It is not only a historical art form but has also evolved, merging with contemporary genres such as rap and hip-hop, demonstrating its continued relevance and adaptability in modern society.

With the global spotlight on Korean culture, evidenced by the worldwide success of BTS, Squid Game, and Pachinko, there is increasing interest in traditional Korean music. Pansori stands as one of the crucial cultural assets that must be preserved and protected from misappropriation.

Through this global campaign, VANK aims to raise awareness about the importance of pansori, calling on people worldwide to stand against China’s cultural imperialism and to help protect Korea’s heritage for future generations.

STOP the Rising Sun Flag ad on YouTube!

The recent emergence of YouTube advertisements promoting Japan’s Rising Sun Flag as part of traditional Japanese culture has raised concerns among the global Korean community. The ads, produced by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been spotted on YouTube channels worldwide, including those targeting children in Canada.

One report from a Korean-Canadian community member noted that the advertisement claimed the Rising Sun Flag to be a beautiful representation of Japan’s cultural heritage. Similarly, an Indian community member reported seeing similar messages, further fueling concerns about the promotion of the flag in a misleading context.

VANK has confirmed that there has been a surge in reports from overseas Koreans in countries such as Canada and India, expressing alarm over the ongoing advertisements for the Rising Sun Flag, as well as others promoting Japanese issues such as the “Sea of Japan” and the safety of Fukushima agricultural products. Many of the reports emphasize that these ads continue to appear on platforms like YouTube.

The reports further highlight the distress of parents who are concerned that children watching these ads may be led to believe that the Rising Sun Flag is simply a symbol of Japan’s beauty, rather than a flag deeply associated with Japan’s militaristic past. These sentiments were expressed in a report from one community member, who stated, “Children watching these ads think it looks cool, which is infuriating.”

VANK also highlighted that a similar ad promoting the Rising Sun Flag was aired in Korean, sparking widespread outrage among Korean viewers. The organization believes that Japan’s efforts to advertise the flag as a symbol of cultural pride in various languages, including English, are an attempt to whitewash and romanticize the symbol, which is widely recognized as a war flag and a reminder of Japan’s imperialist past.

Park Ki-tae, the head of VANK, pointed out that Japan’s Rising Sun Flag campaign coincides with the growing global attention on Pachinko, the popular Apple TV+ drama series. Pachinko delves into the harsh experiences of Koreans during the Japanese occupation, including the 3.1 Movement, forced labor in Chikuho coal mines, and the exploitation of comfort women, shedding light on Japan’s wartime atrocities.

Park criticized Japan’s promotional efforts as a tactic to obscure historical truths and prevent the worldwide acknowledgment of its wartime responsibility. “The ads on YouTube, a platform with global influence, have become a megaphone for Japan’s efforts to avoid taking responsibility for its colonial past,” he said.

In response, VANK has urged Korean expatriates around the world to report sightings of these advertisements in their respective countries. The organization has also launched a campaign to call for the removal of the Rising Sun Flag ads on YouTube, encouraging individuals to join the movement and spread awareness.

To further mobilize global support, VANK has created posters calling for the prohibition of Rising Sun Flag advertisements. These posters are being distributed via social media, urging friends, family, and global citizens to join the effort and sign petitions to prevent the spread of historical distortion through such advertisements.

“If Korea’s samgyetang and its recipe were introduced to China, many people would enjoy it.”
— Chinese Premier Li Keqiang

If China’s own premier has acknowledged samgyetang as a Korean dish, yet the country’s leading online encyclopedia contradicts this statement, how can anyone trust China’s claims?

On March 29, 2021, Baidu Baike, China’s prominent online encyclopedia, categorized Korea’s samgyetang as a type of Guangdong and home-style cuisine.

The description on Baidu Baike further states:
“This long-standing Guangdong-style soup dish, made with ginseng, young chicken, and glutinous rice, was introduced to Korea and became one of its representative royal dishes. Koreans enjoy it as a health food during the summer.”

Despite asserting that samgyetang originated in Guangdong, Baidu Baike provides no historical records or evidence to support this claim.

The assertion that samgyetang originates from China’s Guangdong Province is factually incorrect. Samgyetang is a modern Korean dish, in which a whole chicken is stuffed with ginseng, glutinous rice, and jujube, then slow-cooked in an earthenware pot.

According to Korea’s Rural Development Administration, traditional Korean chicken dishes during the Joseon Dynasty were primarily dak baeksuk (boiled chicken soup). It wasn’t until the Japanese colonial period that powdered ginseng was added to boiled chicken as a luxury dish among the wealthy. The present-day form of samgyetang became established in the 1960s and gained widespread popularity in the 1970s.

The likely reason behind China’s claim is that Guangdong cuisine features many types of soup-based dishes, particularly “lao huo liang tang” (老火靓汤), a well-known soup in the region. However, most Guangdong-style soups involve cutting the chicken into pieces before boiling it with medicinal herbs—fundamentally different from samgyetang, where the whole chicken is stuffed and cooked in a pot.

Additionally, while Korea has classified samgyetang under the international HS code system (a global trade classification framework), China has no official classification for the dish. According to a report by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, samgyetang is internationally recognized under HS code 1602.32.1010 as a distinct Korean food product.

In 2015, during his visit to Korea, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang explicitly recognized samgyetang as a Korean dish, stating:
“If Korea’s samgyetang and its recipe were introduced to China, many people would enjoy it.”

If China’s top leader has acknowledged samgyetang as Korean cuisine, yet Baidu Baike continues to misrepresent its origins, how can the credibility of Baidu—or China’s historical claims—be trusted?

This is not the first instance of Baidu Baike misrepresenting Korean culture. In 2020, Baidu falsely claimed that “kimchi originated in China.” Following international backlash from Korea, Baidu eventually removed the claim.

Since late 2020, China has intensified efforts to claim Korean cultural heritage as its own, falsely asserting that kimchi, ssam (lettuce wraps), gat (traditional hats), hanbok, and pansori all originated in China. This campaign is not limited to Korea—China has attempted similar cultural appropriation with other Asian nations.

At the core of these efforts lies China’s broader strategy to incorporate the history of Korea—from ancient Gojoseon to the Joseon Dynasty—into its own historical narrative.

From 2002 to 2007, China’s Northeast Project (“Dongbei Gongcheng”) sought to reframe the histories of Goguryeo and Balhae as part of Chinese history. Today, China continues to propagate this false narrative in museums, textbooks, encyclopedias, and international institutions around the world.

This pattern of historical revisionism has now expanded to cultural dominance, as seen in China’s baseless claims over Korean cuisine and traditions.

China’s cultural distortion is not just a Korean issue—it is a growing threat to historical truth and regional stability. The international community must stand against China’s attempts to rewrite history and appropriate the cultural heritage of neighboring nations.

We demand the following actions:

1. Baidu must immediately correct its misrepresentation of samgyetang as a Chinese dish.
2. The Chinese government must hold Baidu accountable for contradicting its own premier’s statement that samgyetang is Korean.

China’s distortion of history and culture is a direct challenge to global historical integrity. If left unchallenged, this cultural hegemony will pose a serious threat to international peace and cooperation.

STOP the sale of the book So Far from the Bamboo Grove!

What if a novel claimed that the daughter of a Nazi officer had been raped by a Jewish person—and this book became an Amazon bestseller?

A story where the perpetrator becomes the victim, and the rapist is portrayed as the one assaulted—Amazon must stop selling So Far from the Bamboo Grove.

Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK has launched a global petition on the world’s largest petition platform, calling for Amazon to cease sales of So Far from the Bamboo Grove. VANK is also distributing digital posters to raise awareness.

🔗 Global Petition
maywespeak.com/fiction

On July 25, 2020, Amazon announced a ban on the sale of racist products. Under this revised policy, the company prohibits sales of Nazi flags, white supremacist symbols, neo-Nazi literature, and Ku Klux Klan-related items. It has also updated its sales algorithm to block racist products from appearing on the platform.

VANK is calling on Amazon to enforce this policy by halting sales of So Far from the Bamboo Grove.

This novel has long been regarded as a powerful anti-war story and has been widely used in American schools as recommended reading for students in grades 6–8. It is also featured in teaching guides for educators.

In 2007, following protests led by the Korean American community, the California state government removed the book from school curricula. However, it continues to be used in schools across other U.S. states.

Teachers in American elementary, middle, and high schools still actively incorporate the book into their lessons. The educational materials marketplace Teachers Pay Teachers sells various lesson plans related to So Far from the Bamboo Grove, with numerous positive reviews from educators.

🔗 Teachers Pay Teachers – So Far from the Bamboo Grove
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:so%20far%20from%20the%20bamboo%20grove

Additionally, the major American textbook publisher Glencoe provides an online study guide to help students engage with the novel in class.

🔗 Glencoe Study Guide
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/so_far_from_bamboo_grove.pdf

Currently, So Far from the Bamboo Grove ranks among the top-selling children’s books on Amazon:

📌 #124 in Children’s Books on Violence
📌 #447 in Children’s Books on Asia
📌 #372 in Children’s Military Fiction

🔗 Amazon Sales Page – So Far from the Bamboo Grove
https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Grove-Yoko-Kawashima-Watkins/dp/0688131158

Amazon’s book description is directly taken from the novel’s back cover, promoting So Far from the Bamboo Grove as a “true story.”

Could a story about a young German girl suffering at the hands of Jewish people after World War II be widely accepted as fact?

So Far from the Bamboo Grove is an autobiographical novel by Japanese-American author Yoko Kawashima Watkins. The book claims that during Japan’s retreat from Korea at the end of World War II, Japanese civilians were subjected to rape and violence by Koreans.

The novel portrays Koreans as the aggressors—violent and cruel—while depicting the Japanese as innocent war refugees and victims. American students, unfamiliar with East Asian history and Japan’s colonial rule over Korea, may read this book and develop a false perception that Koreans were the perpetrators and Japanese were the victims.

Amazon promotes the book as “the Japanese Anne Frank’s Diary,” reinforcing the idea that it is a true account. However, in reality, the novel whitewashes Japan’s war crimes and reverses the roles of victim and perpetrator, falsely positioning Koreans as the villains.

Amazon must stop selling So Far from the Bamboo Grove, a book that distorts history and misleads global readers. Support the movement by signing the petition and sharing digital awareness posters.

🔗 Global Petition
maywespeak.com/fiction

Countering Harvard Law School Professor’s Distorted Historical Claims about Korea

Professor John Mark Ramseyer of Harvard Law School has ignited significant controversy by publishing a paper asserting that victims of the Japanese military’s wartime sexual slavery, often referred to as “comfort women,” were voluntary prostitutes. The issue is further compounded by the fact that Ramseyer secured his professorship with funding from Japanese war crime corporations and was even awarded a medal by the Japanese government for his contributions to its public relations efforts.

The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) views this as part of a broader and systematic attempt by the Japanese government to leverage the credibility of professors at globally prestigious institutions like Harvard to establish an internationally accepted narrative aligned with Japan’s right-wing historical revisionism.

In response, VANK is launching a global campaign to raise awareness of this issue before Ramseyer’s paper gains wider international traction.

As part of this initiative, VANK plans to distribute digital posters worldwide to inform the international community about the controversy. Additionally, the organization has sent protest letters to the Dean of Harvard Law School and the President of Harvard University. Simultaneously, VANK has launched a petition on the world’s largest petition platform, Change.org, urging Harvard Law School’s leadership to condemn Ramseyer’s historical distortions.

Global Petition:
Harvard Law Professor Defends War Crimes of Sexual Slavery?
🔗 http://maywespeak.com/thesis

Through this petition, VANK raises a critical question: “Is John Mark Ramseyer truly a 21st-century professor at Harvard Law School, or does he more closely resemble a professor from the Imperial University of Japan a century ago?”

VANK also warns that Ramseyer’s paper echoes the rhetoric of Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi-era propaganda minister, in that it serves to justify Japan’s wartime aggression and functions as a mouthpiece for a government seeking to evade responsibility for its war crimes.

Furthermore, VANK expresses grave concerns over the potential damage to the reputation and credibility of Harvard Law School. The organization urges that Ramseyer’s paper should not be exploited by the Japanese government as a tool to deny its history of invasion and aggression. Instead, Harvard Law School must uphold its role as an institution dedicated to justice and historical integrity.

Through this petition, VANK calls on Ramseyer to reflect on his role as a scholar, recognize his complicity in denying Japan’s history of aggression, and voluntarily retract his paper. In particular, VANK is making a formal request to the academic journal International Review of Law and Economics to withdraw the publication of Ramseyer’s paper in light of its historical inaccuracies and ethical implications.