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Oscars 2020: Parasite changes Everything l Bong Joon Ho

South Korean film Parasite has been named best picture at this year’s Oscars, becoming the first non-English language film to take the top prize. – BBC

Only 11 non-English language films have ever been nominated in the category. The cast and creative team for “Parasite” took the stage on Sunday to accept the award for best picture, capping off what was a huge night for the film and a significant night for global cinema. – CNN

On Monday, the director Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite,” a genre-defying film about class warfare, won that award and three other Oscars, including best director. It was a historic moment for both the Oscars and South Koreans
– NY times

The Korean people were all really happy and excited. I can’t believe it!

Bong Joon Ho, Oscars Best Director

In his acceptance speech of Best Director, he said “Thank you. After winning best international feature, I thought I was done for the day and was ready to relax.

Thank you so much. When I was young and studying cinema, there was a saying that I carved deep into my heart, which is that ‘The most personal is the most creative.’

That quote is from our great Martin Scorsese. When I was in school, I studied Martin Scorsese’s films. Just to be nominated was a huge honor. I never thought I would win.

When people in the U.S. were not familiar with my films, Quentin [Tarantino] always put my films on his list. He’s here, thank you so much. Quentin, I love you.

And Todd [Phillips] and Sam [Mendes], great directors that I admire. If the Academy allows, I would like to get a Texas chainsaw, split the award into five and share it with all of you.

Thank you. I will drink until next morning, thank you.”

Producer Kwak Sin-ae also said: “I’m speechless. We never imagined this to happen. I feel like a very opportune moment in history is happening right now.

What’s the difference? Why did this happen?

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Oscars 2020: Parasite changes Everything l Bong Joon Ho Parasite movie Parasite Oscars 2020 NYtimes Martin Scorsese Kwak Sin-ae CNN Bong Joon-ho best director BBC
Source : Washington Post above Youtube / Highlights from the 2020 Oscars

I watched a parasite movie myself and even wrote reviews, but I couldn’t really feel the difference. I think, “Is this enough to attract global attention and awards?”

From my point of view, I saw nothing but the contrast between the life of the rich and the lower class, the detailed elements hidden in it and some interesting parts. I’m trying to figure out which part of parasite has won so many awards. I will post a more analytical posting next time.

Ah, and Congratulations. Director Bong Joon Ho!

Peace is up to you 🙂 Good luck!

1st IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment in South Sudan

What’s happening in South Sudan?

South Sudan gained independence from the Republic of the Sudan in 2011. (98.83% support) Its capital and largest city is Juba. But it has suffered ethnic violence and endured a civil war since 2013. Also, 6.9 million people are experiencing hunger. It is about two thirds of the population, 12 million. South Sudan has the third largest refugee (3.7 million) crisis, after Syria and Afghanistan. (if you want to know more stastistics)

There is good news, too. On September 2018, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir signed a peace deal with main rebel leader Riek Machar formally ending a five-year civil war. Although the conflict has been resolved to some extent, it is still uneasy because it has been violated and moves toward peace.

I would like to introduce young men who move for peace.

1st IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment Project

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE 1st IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment in South Sudan UN SDGs South Sudan refugee manheelee hwpl Junub Open Space Juba IPYG HWPL ethnic violence civil war 1st IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment

‘The 1st IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment Project’ was held on December 16th at office of Junub Open Space in Juba, South Sudan. It was hosted by International Peace Youth Group(IPYG) and Junub Open Space(JunubOS).

The IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment Project composed of 11 chapters provides an opportunity for students and young people to learn the values such as harmony and co-existence through agriculture where the law of nature is being explored and is closely related to the daily lives of African youths. They would be nurtured as ‘Messenger of peace’ who can lead in the forefront for world peace through various experimental and research activities.

Also IPYG Youth Peace Empowerment Project shares the same vision with the UN SDGs, especially Goal 4 ‘Quality Education’. The project was designed to teach basic agricultural and historical knowledge to students and young people who are excluded from formal educational institutions.

IPYG aims to conduct the project at five schools in South Sudan this year. Furthermore, it is in the process of making educational material to implement the project in all African country.

Reference:
http://www.hwpl.kr/en/news/view/200203461/0/SouthSudanIPYG

A Platform for Comparative Studies on Religious Scripture: WARP Office from 130 Countries

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE A Platform for Comparative Studies on Religious Scripture: WARP Office from 130 Countries WARP OFFICE Swami Veetamohananda manheelee peace biography Man Hee Lee biography Imam of Finland Islam Community Imam Anas Hajjar HWPL WARP Office HWPL Comparative Studies

Where does war come from? Unfortunately, 80 percent of the causes of the war are religion.

Scholars say that violent acts of extremism have the basis on the misinterpretation of religious scripture as means to mobilize the public and incite angers in the mass number of people.

Imam Anas Hajjar, Head Imam of Finland Islam Community, pays a closer attention to religious scripture and points out that “Because many people interpret the scripture with their own thoughts and ideologies without correctly knowing what is the will of God inside the scripture, and if laymen continue to interpret without true knowledge and study, the problems caused by extremists will continue to occur.”

So, what can we do?

The role of leaders in reflecting on religion through scripture to discourage religion as means of violent conflicts
A STEP TOWARDS PEACE A Platform for Comparative Studies on Religious Scripture: WARP Office from 130 Countries WARP OFFICE Swami Veetamohananda manheelee peace biography Man Hee Lee biography Imam of Finland Islam Community Imam Anas Hajjar HWPL WARP Office HWPL Comparative Studies

The role of religious leaders is so important. Regarding the role of religious leaders, Imam Anas Hajjar, Head Imam of Finland Islam Community emphasized, “Although political extremism and the hate-speech have been in the rise in Europe, NGOs have a critical role in resisting and opposing this type of breakdown in respect of the laws of religious freedom, peace and harmony in the country. The best way to combat all types of extremism is knowledge and this part of the job is given to scholars and religious leaders.”

“In order to find the truth all the humanity wants religious leaders need to put away the thoughts that only my religion is the best and do the comparative work based on Scriptures without dividing themselves and saying ‘your religion’, ‘my religion’,” said Swami Veetamohananda, Swami (religious leader in Hinduism) of Ramakrishna Veda center.

BIG Questions: “Is what I know always right? Is the other religion always wrong? Or is there something in that religion that mine doesn’t have?”

Let us find the best truth and achieve the ultimate value of peace. 🙂

Reference:
http://www.hwpl.kr/en/news/view/200130459/0/WARPofficeSpecialArticle

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

The 2nd IPYG “Peace and Me” Forum in Paris

On December 30, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) France Branch hosted the second IPYG “Peace and Me” Forum in Paris, France. Many youth in Paris learned about IPYG and IPYG’s determination for peace through the first forum, which was held in October. Many requested for a second forum, and this event successfully brought people from all walks of life together.

The forum began with “High Hopes”, a special dance performance by the IPYG members, and was proceeded by a live talk show, a discussion panel, and a dinner banquet for networking. The live talk show was on the topic of “Education is the Passport to the Future”.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE The 2nd IPYG “Peace and Me” Forum in Paris Plan des jeunes Peace education Paris manheelee peace biography man hee lee hwpl Man Hee Lee biography IPYG France HWPL GRAD Guinée fédération des travailleurs africains en France et en Europe Etienne Lemaire Association Jeunesse de Madihawaya et Moussala Association Jeunesse Bara 2nd IPYG Peace and Me Forum
Live Talk Show

The live talk show’s special guests were Etienne Lemaire, the France coordinator of Plan des jeunes, an international youth group, and two members of the group, Sabrina Touati and Raphaëlle Tanoh. The guests introduced their organizations and activities, and shared their plans for the next year. Plan des jeunes actively holds activities to raise awareness for gender equality in the educational field and it described what kind of education is necessary in current society and what France’s educational system needs to grow further.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE The 2nd IPYG “Peace and Me” Forum in Paris Plan des jeunes Peace education Paris manheelee peace biography man hee lee hwpl Man Hee Lee biography IPYG France HWPL GRAD Guinée fédération des travailleurs africains en France et en Europe Etienne Lemaire Association Jeunesse de Madihawaya et Moussala Association Jeunesse Bara 2nd IPYG Peace and Me Forum
https://www.plan-international.fr/info/action-humanitaire/approche/droits-des-enfants/plaidoyer/participation-des-jeunes

Non-governmental organizations, including GRAD Guinée, Association Jeunesse Bara, Association Jeunesse de Madihawaya et Moussala, and fédération des travailleurs africains en France et en Europe were also in attendance and agreed that peace should be fulfilled through education and that it is crucial that children and youth, who are our future leaders, learn about peace. It was also mentioned that peace education is very much needed within Africa as well.

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE The 2nd IPYG “Peace and Me” Forum in Paris Plan des jeunes Peace education Paris manheelee peace biography man hee lee hwpl Man Hee Lee biography IPYG France HWPL GRAD Guinée fédération des travailleurs africains en France et en Europe Etienne Lemaire Association Jeunesse de Madihawaya et Moussala Association Jeunesse Bara 2nd IPYG Peace and Me Forum

The “Peace and Me” Forum is a platform for youth organizations, big and small, within Paris to share their activities and to create networks among each other. The students showed their maturity throughout the event by taking responsibility for a peaceful future by expressing their thoughts on a peaceful world for the future generations. Many are hopeful that the students in France will continue their peace activities next year as well.

It’s a great pleasure for peace-loving friends to get together so voluntarily. Let’s all speak one voice! We are a small force but we can change the world.

Reference:
http://www.hwpl.kr/en/news/view/200123458/0/The2ndIPYGForum

Peace is up to you 🙂 Good luck!

HWPL Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch held the first Peace Loving New Year Conference

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE HWPL Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch held the first Peace Loving New Year Conference Wali Kabir hwpl peace organization hwpl man hee lee HWPL Busan DPCW 2020 hwpl

HWPL Busan-Gyeongnam Western Branch held the first Peace Loving New Year Conference on 18th of January. The event was organized as a time to share last year’s activity series and 2020 activity plan reports with 150 members and citizens attending.

“I sincerely thank you for being with HWPL at this time of the New Year,” said leader Kim Jung-soo, who attended the event and gave a welcoming speech. “This year, HWPL will continue to promote peace, international law, peace education, and harmony among religions for peace and war on the Korean Peninsula.

In particular, the event drew the attention of participants as a video of a celebration featuring voices on peace was shown at all levels of Afghanistan.

“Everyone in the world is partly responsible for stopping the war and bringing peace to everyone around the world,” said Wali Kabir, the head of news at Afghanistan’s state-run news agency. “It’s a great opportunity for a journalist to deliver a message of peace.

I look forward to hearing a lot of news of peace from now on.

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

My Australia Day 2020 at Sydney

According to “ABC Australia”, This year’s Australia Day Live at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt and Circular Quay is a night to acknowledge the Aussie spirit and celebrate our strength. Aussie music icons Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, The Original Seekers, Eurovision star Isaiah Firebrace, along with rockers Eskimo Joe and singing star Christine Anu. Artists are accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

It is on 26 January at 7:30pm AEDT. I have spent many years in Australia, but it is the first time I have seen a concert at an opera house. yeahhh 🙂

There were so many people and colorful performances and orchestra made my ears happy. Especially, “I am, you are, we are Australian.” was the most impressive. It was touching to see different people singing in one scene in different places.

Do you know what Australia Day celebrates?

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

An Australian friend told me that today is not just a happy day for someone. Actually, that’s what I thought. Unlike other countries, which celebrate independence or another special day as a national holiday, Australia Day was likely to have a particularly loud voice of concern, as it commemorates the start of colonization.

In fact, it’s been a long time, and I’ve heard that now it’s more of a summer festival than a solemn national holiday. Barbecue parties and various contests are held everywhere. But aboriginal groups call it “Day of Mourning,” “Invasion Day” and “Survival Day.” It would be a deep wound to them that took the land away. My hometown also knows the pain because it has lost the country.

What is the general idea of Australians? In a recent survey, 56 percent of the respondents said they don’t care at any time as long as there is a national holiday. 49 percent said “Australia Day should not be an offensive date for the natives.”

Australian of the Year 2020

And I was curious about something else. I heard that Australian of the Year 2020 awarded to eye surgeon James Muecke. What was impressive was that he didn’t talk about blindness in his acceptance speech. Instead he chose to focus on Australia’s “most recent catastrophe”.

“The uncompromising bushfires that have swept through our country have left widespread disruption and heartbreak in their wake, and few of us remain untouched,” Dr. Muecke said.

“Too many people have lost their lives, and the devastation of our landscape and iconic wildlife is beyond belief. And all of this on the back of the unprecedented droughts and floods that have tortured our beloved country and farming communities over the past few years — my thoughts are with all who’ve been affected.”

In his eyes, firefighters and emergency services personnel were the real heroes. “Whilst I’ve not been fighting fires, I humbly accept this award and, with it, my role to contribute to this great country,” he said.

Grand finale of Sydney Australia Day 2020

It was so spectacular. And it was really fun today.

Peace is up to you 🙂 Good luck!

US Iran Crisis: UN Secretary General said “World cannot afford Wars”

How will “US Iran Crisis” play out in 2020?

The assassination by the US of Iran’s most powerful general, Qasem Soleimani, has caused an escalation in tensions between the two countries.

In the wake of an Iranian ballistic missile attack on air bases which house US forces in Iraq, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his call for the United States and Iran to stop the conflict and pursue peace.

President Trump’s speech after Iran’s strike

As a reaction to Iran’s strike, Donald Trump said “Iran has been the leading sponsor of terrorism, and their pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens the civilized world. We will never let that happen.

Iran’s hostilities substantially increased after the foolish Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2013, and they were given $150 billion, not to mention $1.8 billion in cash. Instead of saying “thank you” to the United States, they chanted “death to America.”

Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism. The time has come for the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, and China to recognize this reality.

Today, I am going to ask NATO to become much more involved in the Middle East process.

Finally, to the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world.”

These are just a summary of what I think is important in his speech. If you want to read the full speech, just click on the video and the link below.

Reference: Remarks by President Trump on Iran

UN Secretary General said “The world cannot afford Wars”

In a brief media address, Guterres said “we are living in dangerous times” worldwide as “geopolitical tensions are at their highest level this century.”

Also in a statement released by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, on Monday António Guterres made a passionate appeal for peace.

His message to world leaders was simple:

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE US Iran Crisis: UN Secretary General said "World cannot afford Wars" US Iran Crisis Ursula von der Leyen United Nations UN secretary-general Stéphane Dujarric Qasem Soleimani NATO LPcampaign Legislate Peace Campaign Jens Stoltenberg Iranian ballistic missile attack DPCW Donald Trump António Guterres
UN Photo / Mark Garten / 06 January 2020

Stop escalation. Exercise maximum restraint. Re-start dialogue”, and “renew international cooperation.

This appeal remains as important today as it was on Monday.

For his part, the Secretary-General will continue his active engagement with relevant actors. “It is our common duty to make every effort to avoid a war in the Gulf that the world cannot afford.  We must not forget the terrible human suffering caused by war.  As always, ordinary people pay the highest price.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, said like this.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of not using weapon for dialogue. European countries such as Britain and France have also appealed for easing tensions.

I also think we can’t afford war. It’s really unclear whether our future will be a tragedy or a happy one. In fact, our daily lives begin again tomorrow. I don’t think we have many options. Forget it or fight it. I hope we risk our lives for peace.

Because peace is just as valuable, and war is too painful to be explained in words. The aftereffects are enormous. Who can be held accountable?

Reference: https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/01/1054961

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

2019 Person of the Year Award “IWPG”

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE 2019 Person of the Year Award "IWPG" Yongsan UN ECOSOC UN DGC Man Hee Lee biography Kim Gu IWPG Chairwoman IWPG DPCW 2019 Person of the Year

The Seoul and South Gyeonggi branch of International Women Peace Group (IWPG) won a thank-you medal at the 8th Annual Awards for 2019 Person of the Year. This award is given to those who shine on the Republic of Korea. It was held at the Convention Hall of Kim Gu Memorial in Yongsan on December 21.

The event was held successfully with winners from all walks of life and some 300 celebratory guests, as a meaningful occasion to look back on the year. It is to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea with those who contributed to national security and peace.

Park Young-sook, president of the Korean Women’s Press Association, said, “The winners and the VIPs are opinion leaders of this era and we hope that they will become leaders who will lead the nation and serve society by building strong friendship with each other through the ceremony.”

At the event marking its 8th anniversary this year, the Seoul and South Gyeonggi of IWPG received a plaque of appreciation from the organizers in recognition of their contributions to protecting women’s rights and rights. Lee Kyu-ae, branch leader, said, “Let’s all women from around the world become one and take the lead in achieving world peace and unification of the Korean Peninsula.”

If you look at one event, you can see it more directly.

The IWPG is a global female NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) and the U.N. Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), actively carrying out activities to support and urge for the international law on peace, education on women’s peace, network of peace and culture around the world.

Reference:
http://www.kyeonggi.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=2222237

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

Turkey IPYG supported the DPCW in Sultanahmet

Amazing Color of Turkey!!!

Turkey has a very diverse culture that is a blend of various elements of the Turkic, Anatolian, Ottoman and Western culture and traditions. Also, Turkey is not the only country in the world that is famous for its beautiful textiles, but only Turkey has Tulu, an amazing shop with a myriad of exceptionally colorful goods. Turkish culture is a product of efforts to be a “modern” Western state, while maintaining traditional religious and historical values.

The news of peace is also heard in Turkey, which is so beautiful.

Türk Gençler Sultanahmet’te Barış Etkinliği Düzenledi

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE Turkey IPYG supported the DPCW in Sultanahmet Turkey Peace manheelee peace leader manheelee peace biography manheelee hwpl Manheelee Man Hee Lee Quotes IPYG InternationalLaw HWPL DPCW

The event took place in cooperation with the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) and HWPL, under the leadership of the Chairman Man Hee Lee. In the event, historical beauties such as Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia were in the middle of the square. The participants painted the Turkish flag and showed their support for the peace campaign. Turkey was also performed simultaneously with similar events in many places in the world.

Stating the importance of DPCW, the Chairman Man Hee Lee said, “DPCW represents the will of global citizens. Societies want to be at peace and to live together in peace. This declaration advocates that everyone should build peace. The DPCW’s 10 articles and 38 clauses provide the basis for the peace of all world communities.”

About Declaration of
Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)

The DPCW dates back to South Korea, where 150,000 people called for and participated in the Peace Letter Campaign. The declaration focuses on resolving conflicts in many regions around the world through international cooperation. It is also stated that the implementation of international law is of critical importance for achieving world peace and spreading the culture of peace.

Reference:
https://www.findiktv.com/turk-gencler-sultanahmette-baris-etkinligi-duzenledi.html

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!

2020 Hope l HWPL will leap towards global peace

Man Hee Lee : 2020 Doubled LEAPS

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE 2020 Hope l HWPL will leap towards global peace manheelee peace leader Manheelee Man Hee Lee Quotes Man Hee Lee Peace Quotes Man Hee Lee Peace Biography hwpl man hee lee HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee global peace 2020 hope

The Chairman Man Hee Lee said “HWPL will do its utmost to make 2020 a year of great leaps toward peace.

The 10 articles and 38 clauses of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), a solution for peace, are awaiting submission to the UN General Assembly, to realise a peaceful world without war through international law, please become a messenger of peace, transcending nationality, ideology, and religion.

Please introduce the DPCW and urge support for it. With its family of peace, HWPL is creating an eternal legacy of peace and cessation of war for generations to come.The year 2020 will be a year that goes down in history.”

Reference:
http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/hwpl-chief-hopes-2020-will-leap-towards-global-peace/

Chairman Man Hee Lee
: What is his biography?

A STEP TOWARDS PEACE 2020 Hope l HWPL will leap towards global peace manheelee peace leader Manheelee Man Hee Lee Quotes Man Hee Lee Peace Quotes Man Hee Lee Peace Biography hwpl man hee lee HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee global peace 2020 hope

Do you know why people say ‘Mr.Man Hee Lee is a messenger of peace’? Because he has the definite answer to peace. He is a Korean War veteran, knows the horrors of war than a person ever knew. In his biography, “I struggled to survive. The sounds of guns, cannons, jets, and bombs did not stop for one second. The heavens, the earth, and my heart trembled, and the sky was filled with smoke.” So the Chairman Lee is running really hard for Peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Also, he is the chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL). HWPL is an international peace nonprofit organization registered with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Peace is up to you :0 Good luck!