Concert in Seoul sheds light on North Korean human rights

Sohyang talks with audience — Singer Sohyang speaks at a concert at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024. AJP Im Yoon-seo

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - A concert to raise awareness of North Korea's human rights violations was held in central Seoul on Tuesday.

Hosted by the Embassy of Canada to South Korea, the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, the concert featured performances by singer Sohyang, pianist AEV, and several North Korean artists who defected to the South.

Canadian Ambassador to Seoul Tamara Mawhinney delivers a conglatulatory message at a concert in National Museum of Korea Yongsan Seoul on Nov 26 2024 AJP Im Yoon-seo — Canadian Ambassador to Seoul Tamara Mawhinney speaks at a concert at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024. AJP Im Yoon-seo

The main theme of the concert was focused on shedding lights on abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war (POWs) in North Korea, inspired by the Unification Ministry's campaign slogan, "Blossom the Hope" and its symbolic flower of forget-me-nots, also known as Myosotis, to represent a commitment never to forget them.

"They are missing but they are not forgotten," said Canadian Ambassador to Seoul Tamara Mawhinney. "Music is a powerful unifying force that knows no boundaries, no divisions and no demarcations. It is a universal language, like human rights," she added.

Kim Yung-ho minister of unification delivers a conglatulatory message at a concert in National Museum of Korea Yongsan Seoul on Nov 26 2024 AJP Im Yoon-seo — Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho speaks at a concert at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul on Nov. 26, 2024. AJP Im Yoon-seo

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho also stressed, "We continue to work with the international community and civil organizations to raise awareness of the horrific situations North Korean people have to endure."

"I hope the concert served to console the families of the victims who have endured pain and hardship," he said.

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com

Concert in Seoul sheds light on North Korean human rights

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