Asia Today, a South Korean media outlet, published a three-part series based on a recent interview with Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon in Seoul, Korea earlier this month.
Below are highlights taken from an unofficial translation of the interview for our English readers. The original article in Korean can be found here: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20250205010001875&ref=search
In remarks related to the current political situation in South Korea., Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon observed, “It’s a shame that such an important year is beginning in this way and while we may be worried about the current situation, we must not forget that this is the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.”
“The bright future of Korea will come with reunification,” he said, adding, “The aspiration of the independence fighters was to build a new modern nation centered on the ideals of Hongik Ingan. The Korean Dream was to create such a new country that would combine not only the best Korean traditions and values but also the best civilizational elements of the West.”
“The history of independence is important because it was a movement that stood at a pinnacle in the history of modernization and the modernization of Korea.” Yet, Dr. Moon noted that ”the wishes of the independence movement to modernize Korea and build a modern nation have not been fulfilled.”
“Therefore, a new country that combines the best of Korea and the best of the West, a new country that will be established based on the Korean Dream, will open up a bright future for Korea,” he said. “My hope is that this vision of the Korean Dream will be properly and accurately communicated to all Koreans, especially the youth.”
“I also hope that if young people realize what the Korean Dream is and what opportunities it offers, they will take the initiative to participate in this movement,” he said, adding, “I think this is the most crucial and important time to determine that future for young people.”
“If Korea continues in the same direction it has been going, it will become a country like Japan. The current generation of Japanese youth is much poorer and without hope as compared to their parents’ generation. If we don’t prepare, it will happen to us too and to avoid that fate, we’re going to have to engage young people in programs based on the Korean Dream. This will then bring opportunity and prosperity particularly to the youth.”