Seoul, Korea—UPF-Korea’s Think Tank 2022 Forum convened the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) Session at the National Assembly Library of Korea in Seoul and online as a webinar on January 24, 2022, in partnership with its Youngnam chapter and UPF-Japan, Kyushu. The event, titled, “Improving Korea-Japan Relations and Presenting a Vision for Peace in Northeast Asia for a Heavenly Unified Korea,” was attended by 1,400 people (1,300 online, 99 in-person).
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Gi Yun Kang, a member of the Korean National Assembly, with remarks on behalf of both countries given by Mr. Eui-taek Seo, co-chair of the Korea-Japan Undersea Tunnel Research Society. Mr. Chisato Kajiyama, former president of Kyushu University, gave greetings.
The first lecture was presented by Hon. Dal Gon Lee, a member of the Korean National Assembly, who spoke on “Seeking Practical Plans for Lasting Peace in Northeast Asia and between Korea and Japan.” A discussion between Mr. Yoshiaki Harada, former Japanese minister of the environment, and Prof. Jong-man Han of Pai Chai University followed.
The second lecture was given by Mr. Byung-min Ahn, president of the Korea Institute for Economic Cooperation, and focused on the theme “East Asian Transportation Market Integration and the Korea-Japan Undersea Tunnel.” Mr. Eiji Oyano, a professor at Kurume University, commented on the lecture.
The speakers emphasized that a new peace vision based on symbiosis and co-prosperity is necessary to improve relations between Korea and Japan, and that the promotion of the Korea-Japan Undersea Tunnel is essential for realizing peace not only in both countries, but also in Northeast Asia.