Dr. Seung-Ho Lee, President of the DMZ Forum, shares his insights on the region's path to peace and reunification. Watch his 6-part lecture series to discover the hidden gems of the DMZ and learn about the steps towards a brighter future for Korea and the world.
-
Why do we need a Unified Korea for world peace, and how does its division negatively affect world peace? Dr. Lee starts by explaining how Korea has historically embraced the four teachings of Buddha, Confucius, Jesus Christ and Socrates unlike any other country. It created cultural richness based on the founding principles of “Revere Heaven and Love People” and “Benefit Humanity at a Large.” To achieve world peace, a Unified Korea as a Cultural Superpower is necessary.
-
Dr. Lee explains the history division of the Korean Peninsula at the 38th parallel, which occurred due to the rapid spread of “Communism virus” by the Soviet Union. Its aftermath was the international war on the peninsula, which ended with a ceasefire and Armistice Agreement, and another division at the Military Demarcation Line within the DMZ. He emphasizes that North and South Koreas are a linchpin, uniting leftist and rightist ideals.
-
Dr. Lee examines the U.S. government’s viewpoint of the DMZ during the Cold World War - a line to contain the “Communism virus,” and describes major events that took place during this time period. As a consequence of the Cold World War, South Korea has surpassed North Korea in establishing political legitimacy, developing a strong economy and fostering global relationships.
-
Dr. Lee describes the challenges to Pax Americana, a time of relative international peace from 1991 to 2020. The viruses of fascism and communism that were thought to have ended in WWII had become dormant, intermingled and mutated, and this era was characterized by religious extremism, and cultural backlash by Russia and China and their nationalist agenda. Dr. Lee concludes that in order to realize true world peace, soft powers and hard powers must be linked by a linchpin, where cultural and religious healing can happen.
-
How do we achieve real peace? Dr. Lee explains that rather than hard powers, we need soft power solutions to realize peace. This includes Cultural/Religious Healing and Educational Policies, to strengthen the power of those who wish for a peaceful world and to educate the importance of peace. Dr. Lee proposes the transformation of the Korean DMZ into a UN Peace Zone to build a new world of harmonious interdependence.
-
Dr. Lee shares his passion for the DMZ Forum's mission to turn the Korean DMZ into a UN Peace Zone. He recounts the organization's history and the inspiring individuals who have supported its efforts.
Episode List:
Dr. Seung-Ho Lee is the President of DMZ Forum, Inc., a non-profit organization aimed at preserving the cultural and biological resources of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. He is also President and Teacher at Critical Thinking Tutor Academy, Inc. He has taught graduate-level courses at NYU's Graduate School of Public Service and managed research and training programs for official delegations from foreign countries. He has also conducted research on intergovernmental relations, state and local politics, and fiscal issues. Dr. Lee received his Ph.D. in Political Science/Public Policy from State University of New York.
