On a humid August afternoon in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, the air buzzed with anticipation as Lee Jae-myung, a prominent presidential candidate, took the stage. The occasion was the 21st Presidential National Appointment Ceremony, held on August 15, 2025, a date that marks 80 years since Korea’s liberation from colonial rule. But Lee’s message, delivered before a crowd of supporters and curious onlookers, was anything but routine.
"Eighty years of dictatorship, we will break through with the people's sovereignty," Lee declared, according to ajunews.com. His words, echoing across the plaza, struck a chord with many who have watched South Korea’s political evolution over the decades—from military rule to the hard-won democracy of today. Lee’s speech was both a call to action and a reflection on the nation’s journey, underscoring the ongoing struggle to ensure that power truly rests with the people.
While Lee’s remarks captured headlines in the capital, a different kind of gathering was unfolding hundreds of kilometers away on the picturesque island of Jeju. From August 14 to 16, the 9th annual academic conference of the Korean Psychological Counseling Welfare Association convened under the theme "Connection and Communication Skills for Empathy." According to NEWSIS, about 30 members—including academic committee chairman Park Sa (former Suwon Yeodae professor), Song Min-seok (vice chairman), and Jeju Special Committee chairman Ko Eun-sil—gathered to explore how society can better foster understanding and bridge divides.
The conference was more than an academic exercise. It was a response to the complexities of modern Korean society, where communication breakdowns and social polarization have become pressing concerns. Association president Lee Soon-bae set the tone in his opening remarks: "In our increasingly complex society, communication skills are more important than ever. Through this conference, let’s explore the topic from various perspectives—psychological counseling, communication, education, and coaching—to find ways to build a healthier society." He urged participants to channel their passion into expanding research projects and establishing lifelong education centers, step by step resolving the pressing issues facing the association.
The three-day event featured a wide range of presentations and discussions. Dr. Noh Young-gi presented a study analyzing the realities and solutions to inter-floor noise—a hot-button issue in urban Korea—using a multifaceted approach that considered social perceptions, institutional frameworks, and technological interventions. Dr. Ko Ye-yeon, director of the International Psychological Counseling Research Institute, delved into the emotional dynamics of family relationships, specifically examining emotional coercion and parental control through the lens of family constellation theory. And Dr. Yoon Kyung-soon offered insights into how infant teachers and attachment types influence child development, a topic with far-reaching implications for early childhood education.
After each session, spirited debates ensued, with Professor Park Hyung-koo moderating and professors Kim Kyung-hyun, Lee Won-yu, and Kim Mi-hyun serving as discussants. These exchanges, both rigorous and collegial, highlighted the value of academic dialogue in tackling real-world challenges. The conference also included a special lecture by humanities scholar Dr. Kwon Gun-il, who drew on poet Jeong Hyun-jong’s "Visitor" to illustrate how literature and the humanities can foster happier, more meaningful relationships.
At its core, the conference aimed to find practical strategies for public evaluation and social healing. As outlined by NEWSIS, the association—founded in 2021—has dedicated itself to promoting peace of mind and social harmony through regular research, street counseling, and free consultations. Its mission is ambitious: to help Korea overcome the divisions that have long shaped its social and political landscape.
This dual focus—on political empowerment and societal empathy—reflects a broader trend in Korea’s public discourse. As Lee Jae-myung’s remarks in Seoul made clear, the struggle for genuine democracy is ongoing. The notion of "people’s sovereignty" is not just a slogan but a call to ensure that citizens have a real say in how they are governed. Lee’s speech, delivered on a day heavy with historical symbolism, was a reminder that the journey from dictatorship to democracy is neither linear nor complete.
Meanwhile, the Jeju conference showcased the role of scholarship and dialogue in healing the wounds of division. The association’s work—spanning research, education, and direct community engagement—offers a model for how societies can address their own internal conflicts. As Dr. Lee Soon-bae put it, "Let’s find ways to build a healthy society by exploring the topic from various perspectives."
It’s no coincidence that both events took place in mid-August, a period that invites reflection on Korea’s past and future. The 80th anniversary of liberation is not just a commemoration of freedom from colonial rule but also a prompt to consider what kind of society Koreans want to build in the decades ahead. The challenges are formidable: political polarization, social isolation, and the ever-present threat of division—both within the country and in its relations with neighbors.
Yet, as the events in Seoul and Jeju demonstrate, there is no shortage of ideas or commitment. From the halls of academia to the public squares, Koreans are engaging in the hard work of democracy and reconciliation. They are asking tough questions: How can power be more genuinely shared? What does it mean to listen—to really listen—to those with different experiences or views? And how can the lessons of history inform the choices of tomorrow?
The answers, of course, are still unfolding. But the willingness to grapple with these questions—to bring together politicians, scholars, and everyday citizens in pursuit of a more inclusive and empathetic society—is itself a sign of progress. As the president of the Korean Psychological Counseling Welfare Association reminded attendees, "Let’s explore the topic from various perspectives—psychological counseling, communication, education, and coaching—to find ways to build a healthier society." It’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond the conference room or the political podium.
In the end, the events of August 2025 will be remembered not just for the speeches or the academic debates, but for the spirit of engagement they embodied. Whether in the shadow of Gwanghwamun’s monuments or amid Jeju’s tranquil landscapes, Koreans are continuing the work of building a society that values both sovereignty and empathy—one conversation at a time.
