Opening Remarks at Seminar to Share Polish-German Reconciliation Experience

By H.E. Yun Byung-se
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister Schetyna,

Human Rights Defender Lipowicz,
Chairman Pawtas,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Just before coming here, I paid a visit to the Warsaw Ghetto Heroes Memorial. I was struck by the memory of German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s historic gesture of apology to Poland, the people of Poland and the Jewish community at that very site in 1970. That was already 45 years ago, but that moment is still deeply engraved in my memory. And it crossed my mind that the memorial has become not only hallowed ground for commemoration, but also for reconciliation as well.

That visit also reminded me of the many similarities and parallels between Korea and Poland. Geographically, both have strategic locations, in Central Europe and Northeast Asia respectively, surrounded by major powers. Historically, both have had a fair share of daunting challenges, with tragic spells and proud achievements.

Seventy years ago, both Korea and Poland were liberated from the scourge of war. For us Koreans, this was followed by the outbreak of the Korean War five years later. We take pride in what we have achieved since then, the “miracle on the Han river,” but for Korea, true liberation will not be complete without the peaceful reunification of the two Koreas. Therefore, it is our solemn duty to build up trust between the South and the North, and lay the groundwork for peaceful unification.

In this context, I was greatly inspired by the wise counsel of my Visegrad Four colleagues when they highlighted the importance of the smooth transition to a market economy and a vibrant democracy in the Korea-Visegrad Four Foreign Ministerial meeting two years ago. Last year, former Prime Minister Bielecki further elaborated on this point at a joint Korea-Visegrad Four seminar, focusing on the case of Poland. He pointed out the importance of the geopolitical landscape, the timing and technical support, elements which I believe will also be important in the process of Korea’s peaceful unification.

But today, we would like to learn from Poland another invaluable lesson from the post-War period. That is about reconciliation with its neighbors. My part of the world, Northeast Asia, is still charged with tensions and conflicts emanating from historical issues, whereas Europe’s integration and prosperity owe a lot to the post-War reconciliation between Poland and Germany. Like President Komorowski said, quote, “it was a miracle of reconciliation that Europe put its hatred behind it and that a younger generation of Poles and Germans were able to work and study together,” unquote.

However, we should remind ourselves that this reconciliation did not come out of the blue. It was the outcome of the patience, perseverance and courage of many people over the course of long years.

One month ago, I had an opportunity to visit the Berlin-Schoeneweide Forced Labor Information Center. There, I could witness Germany’s efforts to face its past and heal the wounds of the 12 million victims of forced labor from across Europe, including Poland. These kinds of information centers were all over Germany. My overarching impression was that Germany is truly a textbook case of remembering the past. Germany’s sincere apologies and its deeds to make up for the past, together with Poland’s magnanimity and forgiveness, were true acts of courage. They have become the cornerstone of Europe’s present peace and prosperity, and have helped realize human dignity. I believe Europe should be proud of this accomplishment, and genuinely hope Northeast Asia will echo this historic feat.

That’s because the example of Poland and Germany has a clear lesson for Northeast Asia. Avoiding reconciliation will only extend the hurt and erode the trust. Facing the past wrongdoings squarely and reaching out the hand of reconciliation is the only way to cast off the burdens of history, and to open up a new future of peace and prosperity.

In just a few hours time, the Eurasia Friendship Express will depart to the final destination, Berlin. I know that all passengers, including myself, will be taking away invaluable insights from Poland. My dream is to come back to Warsaw again, travelling through the Korean peninsula and across the Eurasian continent, and share with you our story - the story of Korea’s reunification and Northeast Asia’s reconciliation.

In closing, I would like to thank the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foundation for Polish-German Reconciliation, the Jewish Historical Museum and the Northeast Asian History Foundation for co-organizing this meaningful event.

Thank you very much.

K-Pop Festival Sounds Hope for One Eurasia, One Korea

Remarks at K-pop Festival
By H.E. Yun Byung-se
Minister of Foreign Affairs

What a great spirit. It’s great to feel the energy here in this great Palladium Theater. It really charges me up.

Good Afternoon everyone! Bardzo mi miło ! It’s great to see you here in Poland. This is a country rich in culture and music. The land for lovers of Chopin, the polonaise, the mazurka – and now of K-pop as well!

Like many of you, I'm a great fan of K-pop, such as Psy’s Gangnam Style. As you know, his Gangnam Style and horse dancing has disarmed more than 2 billion people – in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas – from President Obama’s daughters to your friends here in Warsaw. In fact, it was a nice surprise for me to discover that Peru boasts the largest number of K-pop fan clubs.

K-pop is now increasingly becoming a universal language. It binds people from all corners of the world together. It is a unifying force as you can see from tonight’s festival.

Today, we have one more reason to celebrate today’s event. We have with us the participants of the Eurasia Friendship Express. More than two weeks ago, they left Seoul to cross the Eurasian continent. Now, they’ve finally reached Warsaw, Poland. They have carried with them a message of friendship, peace, cooperation and hope, especially for you Polish friends.

Korea is at the eastern end of the Eurasian continent and is called the gateway to the Asia-Pacific. Poland has been called the Eastern Bridge of Europe, and indeed, it is the gateway into Europe. Without Poland, the Eurasian continent could not be connected as one. And I feel that Korea and Poland have many other things to share with each other, in terms of history, geopolitics, national traits like determination and perseverance, and no doubt, love for music.

One thing that we do not share is that unlike Poland, Korea is a divided nation. So, after attending today’s concert, I will be heading tomorrow to Berlin, the final stop of the Friendship Express. Because Korea remains divided even 70 years after the end of the Second World War, the Friendship Express could not cross from South to North Korea. But I have faith that in the not too distant future, another Friendship Express train from Busan will be able to run through North Korea to come directly to Warsaw – and from Warsaw directly to Korea.

So tonight, let us enjoy the very best of K-pop. Your performances will not only bind us closer together, but also serve as a chorus of hope for one Eurasia and one Korea. Now, without further ado, let’s enjoy!

Thank you. Dzienkuje Bardzo! /End/