Seoul(Korea) : On August 21st, local time, the "Echoes of Peace" people-to-people exchange program, co-hosted by China Central Radio and Television, the Chinese Cultural Center in Seoul, and the Memorial Hall of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, was held in Seoul. Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and Director of China Central Radio and Television, and Kim Jin-pyo, former Speaker of the National Assembly of South Korea, delivered video messages. 

Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing; Kim Yang, grandson of Kim Gu, leader of the Korean independence movement and founding father; Kwon Ki-sik, President of the Korea-China City Friendship Association; and Yang Kyu-hyun, President of the Asia Daily, attended the event and delivered speeches. Kim Hee-kun, Director of the Memorial Hall of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, recounted the glorious years when China and South Korea jointly resisted aggression and upheld justice. 

The event was attended by over 200 guests from South Korea's political, historical, media, and cultural circles, including Song Ki-chul, President of the Korea International Cultural Exchange Center; Min Young-baek, grandson of Korean independence activist Shin Kyu-sik and member of the National Provisional Government of Korea Memorial Hall Establishment Promotion Committee; and Cho In-rae, grandson of Korean independence activist Oh Hee-ok; Kim Heung-tae, son of Korean independence activist Oh Hee-ok; and other guests.

Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Director of China Media Group

Shen Haixiong stated that President Xi Jinping stated, "The memory and truth of history will never fade with the passage of time; the inspiration they bring us will always illuminate the present and foretell the future." This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, under the banner of the Anti-Japanese National United Front advocated and established by the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people fought unyieldingly and bravely, sharing a common hatred and mutual support with the forces of justice around the world. They defeated fascism and wrote a heroic epic that moved heaven and earth. Today, we are honored to invite our international friends to this event to reminisce about those glorious years of fighting side by side and experience a resonance of emotion that transcends time and space. Remembering the past is a lesson for the future; history is the best textbook. In today's turbulent world, we must draw wisdom and strength from this magnificent history, work together to meet common challenges, and remember history to firmly safeguard peace.

For this event, we have presented Chinese film and television works such as "Flying Tigers," "Secret Betrayal," and "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru." We believe that through these works, you will understand the preciousness of peace and unite your efforts to safeguard it. Only by remembering history can we safeguard fairness and justice. CGTN will provide comprehensive coverage of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression across all platforms and in multiple languages. We will present masterpieces such as "Victory," "Mountains and Rivers as Witness," "The Surrender," and "A Common Mission," using authentic images to promote a correct view of World War II history and let the light of fairness and justice illuminate people's hearts.

Dai Bing, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea

Dai Bing stated that today's world is turbulent, with hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism impacting and threatening global stability, development, prosperity, and cooperation. A small number of countries and forces, driven by geopolitical agendas, have deliberately falsified and distorted the history of World War II in an attempt to whitewash the war of aggression and atrocities. This is a desecration of the victimized countries and peoples, a challenge to the post-war international order, and a violation of international fairness and justice. China, South Korea, and all countries that love peace and pursue justice will never accept this.

China and South Korea are important neighbors and cooperative partners. Eighty years ago, we jointly resisted Japanese militarist aggression, sacrificing our blood and lives to defend national independence and dignity. Eighty years later, we are actively promoting exchanges and cooperation in various fields, achieving mutual success and common development, and bringing greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

A healthy, stable, and continuously deepening China-ROK relationship conforms to the trend of the times and serves the fundamental interests of both peoples. As President Xi Jinping stated in his phone call with President Lee Jae-myung, China stands ready to work with South Korea to uphold the original aspirations of establishing diplomatic ties, remain committed to good-neighborly friendship, and pursue the goal of mutual benefit and win-win results, so as to elevate the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level. China is willing to work with South Korea to this end.

Kim Jin-pyo, former Speaker of the National Assembly of South Korea

Kim Jin-pyo stated that in the first half of the 20th century, South Korea and China jointly faced the invasion of Japanese imperialism and fought hand in hand. Countless Korean independence activists fought against Japanese aggression across China, and the Chinese people offered their full support with deep friendship. Together, China and South Korea have written a history of unity forged with blood.

The films screened at this event are not only precious records of history but also, through art, express the people's desire for independence, their sacrifices for their country, and the mutual support between neighboring countries.

He sincerely hopes that this event will serve as an opportunity for the peoples of South Korea and China to deepen their friendship and work together towards a peaceful future.

Kim Young, grandson of Kim Gu, leader of the Korean independence movement and founding father

Kim Young, grandson of Kim Gu, a leader of the Korean independence movement and founding father, shared his grandfather's experiences fighting alongside the Chinese people against the Japanese invaders and his teachings for future generations. He stated that a nation that forgets its history has no future. We must rely on authentic historical documents and the testimonies of those who experienced it to learn from it and pass it down faithfully to future generations. This is not only a respect for history but also a way to prevent the recurrence of tragedy. The significance of this event lies in allowing people to re-examine a history that must be remembered through film and collective memory.

South Korea and China once shared a precarious existence, suffering deeply from imperialist aggression. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation, as well as the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. In such a significant year, South Korea and China have once again joined forces in the "Echoes of Peace" cultural exchange program to educate the next generation through the unique medium of film, commemorating this unforgettable history.

Although the perpetrators of historical abuses may attempt to distort the truth, history will ultimately judge, and the truth will prevail. History is on our side. At the same time, we all deeply understand that today's happy lives are hard-earned, purchased at the cost of the blood and lives of countless unsung heroes. We must remember history, pass on memories, and embrace a brighter future.

Kwon Ki-sik, President of the Korea-China City Friendship Association

Kwon Ki-sik stated that 80 years ago, China and South Korea were comrades fighting side by side on the anti-Japanese front, jointly winning a glorious victory. Over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and South Korea have worked together to achieve economic prosperity and peaceful development in Northeast Asia. The art works from both countries showcased at this event vividly depicted the difficult journey and joy of victory shared by the Chinese and South Korean peoples in the anti-Japanese war. We sincerely hope this will serve as an opportunity for the deep friendship between China and South Korea to grow further.

Yang Kyu-hyun, President of Asia Daily

Yang Kyu-hyun stated that this event is not only a commemoration of the sacrifices made by the Chinese and South Korean peoples and their shared struggle to uphold justice and peace, but also holds positive significance for both countries as they look toward a bright future. Today, China and South Korea jointly commemorate the noble sacrifices and spirit of solidarity of their peoples, and will carry forward these memories, working together to build a more just and peaceful future. We believe this event will further deepen the friendship and trust between the Chinese and South Korean peoples and serve as an important opportunity to promote peace and prosperity in East Asia.

Kim Hee-kun, Director of the Memorial Hall of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea

Kim Hee-kun, Director of the Memorial Hall of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, spoke passionately about history, recounting the glorious journey of China and South Korea fighting side by side against the Japanese. Kim Hee-kun stated that in the first half of the 20th century, countless Korean independence activists waged anti-Japanese struggles across China, supported by the Chinese people with deep friendship and sincere assistance. The establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai further strengthened the relationship between the revolutionaries of South Korea and China. The solidarity between the two countries is not only reflected in the political and military spheres, but also in artistic endeavors. Eighty years later, the anti-Japanese films featured in this event recreate the history and memory of this solidarity through artistic means.

Chinese and Korean artists sang anti-Japanese war songs

Chinese films and television series about the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, such as "Nanjing Photo Studio," "Dongji Island," and "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru," were showcased at the event. Artists from China and South Korea also performed anti-Japanese themed songs such as "On the Taihang Mountains." The resounding melodies spoke of the unwavering resolve of the Chinese and South Korean people to defend their homeland and resist aggression, while the graceful and melodious tunes conveyed a yearning for peace and blessings.

Watch highlights from "Nanjing Photo Studio"

At the event, guests from all walks of life also wrote messages for peace. Many guests expressed that watching the films and television programs presented by CCTV brought them back to the glorious days when China and South Korea fought side by side against the Japanese invaders. They felt even more deeply the value of peace and expressed their hope for future cooperation between China and South Korea to create a beautiful and peaceful future.

South Koreans write peace messages

That afternoon, the "Echoes of Peace" cultural exchange event also featured a China-South Korea film exhibition titled "Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Republic of Korea." These films featured anti-Japanese films from China and South Korea, including "Purple Sun," "The Whisper of the Wind," and "Assassination." Reports on the Korean special session of the "Echoes of Peace" cultural exchange event were reported, reprinted and forwarded by mainstream Korean media such as the Chosun Ilbo and the Asia Ilbo, as well as mainstream media in the Asia-Pacific region such as Japan's Document China News Network, the Philippine Business Daily, Pakistan Solidarity Daily, Pakistan Economic Network, and Nepal's Light News Network. CMG
 

Group photo of guests