From September 18, 2024, the 10th Anniversary of the HWPL World Peace Summit is being celebrated in South Korea and various locations worldwide reaching 122 countries.

Under the theme ‘Creating World Peace Community Through Regional Collaboration’, this event commemorates, global leaders’ and citizens’ commitment to peace that lasted for a decade, with an eye towards future strategies to promote global harmony.

HWPL stated that the purpose of the anniversary is to review achievements since 2014 and discuss future plans.

Various sessions are being held in each country at different levels to gather regional talents and establish networks essential for tailored peace strategies, strengthening regional networks to tackle local peace threats and harnessing collective capacities.

Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international NGO affiliated with UN ECOSOC.

Through 10 years of international cooperation for peace, HWPL has 500,000 members in 170 countries and is carrying out peace projects through MOAs or MOUs with 1,014 organizations in 105 countries.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL pointed out that division of religion caused tremendous loss of life, emphasizing that religions must take the lead in dialogue and understanding.

“We must work together to create a world of peace and leave it as a legacy for future generations. This is to fulfill our mission as a light that brings life to the global village. Only through love and peace can the world become one,” he said.

In line with the event keyword of regional cooperation, HWPL formed a partnership with the intergovernmental organization Group of 7+(G7+) and high-level political forum organization The Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) to develop peace initiatives.

G7+ was established to unite conflict-affected countries by a vision of peace, stability, and development, with 20 member states, and PALATINO was founded to promote development and integration within a framework of full democracy, having 23 member states.

A peace project in the Timor-Leste presented by Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Dr. Jose Honorio da Costa Pereira Jeronimo.

He explained that the Ministry and eight higher education institutions partnered with HWPL to introduce peace education in the country. “I believe that peace education will play a crucial role, not just as a simple subject, but in helping students grow into future global citizens and in laying the foundation for peace and stability across society.“ he expressed.

Prof., Dr. Emil Constantinescu, the 3rd President of Romania and President of Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization reminded participants of the 2014 HWPL summit that advocated international cooperation for peacebuilding, “An incredible and impressive image proves that the faith in global peace is very much more than a mere initiative.

It was then that I first truly felt that we are all one and be irrespective of our perceived differences. We are all united in one breath in the service of the greater calling of global peace.”

This peace summit engages social representatives in peace projects in different countries. In South Korea, the ‘Together: Connecting Korea’ officially launched for a national campaign for social harmony.

Aligning with 230 civil society organizations, this campaign connects generations and diverse cultures, and carries out various environmental protection activities.

Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, during his nationwide tour, emphasized the significance of the revealed Word of God. His visit was met with a welcoming procession stretching over 4 kilometers, along with more than 100 pastors from traditional churches joining the service. In 2024 alone, Chairman Lee has visited over 40 churches, covering a distance equivalent to more than half the circumference of the Earth.

On the morning of September 8, 2024, the city of Cheongju in North Chungcheong Province was bustling with activity as over 80,000 people gathered for a Sunday service.

This crowd, equivalent to one-tenth of Cheongju’s population (850,000), gathered at the Cheongju Church of the Matthias Tribe, Shincheonji Church of Jesus to hear the sermon by Chairman Lee Man-hee. In addition to the local congregation, members from other regions, including the John Tribe from southern Gyeonggi and Seoul, as well as key figures from churches across the country, came together to attend this service.

The event also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Cheongju Church’s founding, making it particularly significant. Furthermore, over 100 pastors from various Protestant churches attended as well, eager to hear Chairman Lee’s sermon.

From early in the day, crowds of Shincheonji members lined up along a 4 km route from the Cheongju IC to the church to welcome Chairman Lee. They expressed deep appreciation because of his clear explanations of biblical prophecies, including the Book of Revelation, which many theologians find difficult to interpret.

The 100 pastors that visited Cheongju Church gathered on this day because they also acknowledged these teachings.

One member, who had arrived early, said “I am grateful for Chairman Lee’s clear explanations of the prophecies and their fulfillment because this is something I had never experienced in my life as a believer”. The member added “I came to express my gratitude to him for teaching Revelation”.

Just as what the congregations mentioned, Chairman Lee said “how thankful are we that God gave us the understanding of Book of Revelation that no one knew for 6,000 years” and added on that “this Word is life”. He emphasized the importance of a faith that aligns 100% with the Word and described that this is how we can become in unity with God.

He continued “the biggest difference that we have is that we are able give the physical fulfillment [of the prophecy of Revelation]. And in the past we were the same as the people who did not know. This is why we must become humble before all people and explain what is right and help them to understand.”

Lee has consistently emphasized the importance of scriptural teachings since the founding of Shincheonji Church. In 2024 alone, he visited over 40 churches domestically and internationally, sharing the teachings of the Bible and Revelation.

Many individuals who had previously felt spiritually unsatisfied have since turned to Shincheonji.

For example, one individual, who had spent over 30 years in a Presbyterian church, shared how they had never found spiritual understanding despite many sermons, morning lectures, and cell meeting from different churches until they attended one of Chairman Lee’s two-hour-long lectures on the Book of Revelation. They were shocked, when they heard Chairman Lee’s lecture, as he explained the all chapters of Revelation clearly.

When the individual set aside the stereotype and focused on the Word, they felt like the question marks of the Bible that used to frustrated them was being solved one by one. This became the reason for over 100,000 members graduating worldwide as they shared a similar experience.

Such testimonials are not unique, as data supports the growing trend of individuals seeking deeper spiritual guidance. A survey conducted on 1,000 churchgoers over the age of 18 in September 2023 by the Pastoral Data Research Institute showed that 65% of churchgoers in South Korea feel a spiritual thirst, and 55% expressed a desire for more structured biblical education from their pastors. This shows the current status of Biblical education of Korea.

The greatest concern in the Korean Christian churches is the consistent decrease in the number of youth who are in their 20s and 30s as they choose to leave religion. Shincheonji Church has seen increasing numbers of young adult members and, over 100,000 people completing an eight-month educational course every year. Shincheonji Church of Jesus explains the growth attributed from the “Word centered faith” and “Uniqueness of the revealed Word”

A staff member of Shincheonji Church of Jesus said, “the main takeaways from Chairman Lee’s revealed word is that the Book of Revelation that we thought as a fairytale is actually being fulfilled with its reality”. He explained, “in regards to this, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has a strong evidential proof and a structured curriculum, which becomes the reason why many people despite their background are accepting this”.

He added, “because this originates from the pastor who has seen and heard the physical fulfillment of the prophecies, we hope that believers would check and decide with a mature attitude.”

Indian dancers have made the nation proud at the prestigious R16 World Breaking Championship and K-POP World Finals, both held at the Suwon Convention Center, South Korea. The events, organized by the Korea Dance Organization and supported by Suwon City and Korea Tourism and Mooto, showcased the immense talent of over 2,000 breakers and 5,000 K-POP dancers from around the globe.

In a stellar performance, Bboy Tornado (Ramesh) and Bboy Antique (Ankit) clinched the bronze medal for India in the fiercely competitive Crew Vs Crew category at the R16 World Breaking Championship. The event saw participation from over 48 countries, with breakers from all over the world vying for the top spots. The journey to the World Finals was arduous, with over 2,000 breakers competing in national qualifiers across the globe for a chance to perform on the world stage.

In another remarkable achievement, Koushik Nikil became the first Indian to secure 4^th place at the K-POP World Finals. Competing against over 5,000 K-POP dancers from 16 countries, Koushik’s performance was a historic moment for India in the global K-POP arena.

Adding to India’s triumph, 7-year-old Myra Jain made history by winning the gold medal in the Street Dance category, showcasing exceptional talent at such a young age. “Myra’s victory is a testament to the growing influence and success of Indian dancers on the global stage” says Akash Raj, Choreographer of Myra.

In total, 18 dancers represented India across various categories, including street dance, K-POP, and breaking, marking a significant presence in these international competitions.

Mr. Pranav Padmachandran, President of Dance Arts India Council and Founder of “High on Dance” studio led the Indian contingent with dedication and passion, ensuring that Indian talent was represented on the world stage with excellence. India had 1 official judge; Mrs Shivapriya Pranav judged the folklore category.

Looking ahead, Dance Arts India Council is excited to announce the upcoming K-POP National Qualifier, set to take place on September 14, 2024, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This event will serve as the gateway to the World K-POP Championship in August 2025. Aspiring K-POP dancers from across India are invited to participate, with the opportunity to represent the nation on the global stage.

For further details and registration, please visit @kpopindiaproject on Instagram.