Beyond Hallyu (Korean Wave): Commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the Jeju April 3rd Incident and Exploring Its Collective Trauma
Updated: Apr 23
Date and Time: Saturday, April 27, 5:00 PM
Location: Boston Korean Church, 32 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02445
Admission: Free (open to everyone)
Free parking is available in the basement of the Brookline Town Hall next to the church. Town Hall address: 333 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445
Commemorative Ceremony (5 pm ~ 6 pm)
Complimentary Reception Korean food Buffet Dinner (Free Admission and RSVPs highly recommended starting from 6 pm)
Family-Friendly Art & Crafts Experience (Kid-friendly)
Camellia ink drawings by students at the Korean School of New England (Camellia is the symbolic flower of the Jeju April 3rd incident, symbolizing unjust deaths)
The Hallyu, the Korean Wave—a global phenomenon showcasing the worldwide appreciation for Korean culture, spans movies, K-pop, culinary arts, and traditional crafts. The Hallyu also provides a context for exploring the deeper layers of Korean history, including the Jeju April 3rd Incident.
What is the Jeju April 3rd incident, and why must we know?
The Jeju April 3rd Incident (1947-1954) happened during a complex and challenging period in Korean history, marked by social unrest and conflict that erupted in the aftermath of World War II and Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial occupation. It resulted in the deaths of more than 30,000 innocent people and left a lasting scar on Korean society. The Jeju April 3rd Incident is considered a prime example of collective trauma (a deep psychological wound shared by a group of people who have experienced a horrific event) in South Korea. The Jeju April 3rd Incident was the starting point of the Cold War in Northeast Asia and has sparked a significant surge in interest and research among scholars worldwide. The prevailing discourse is that if the Jeju April 3rd Incident had not occurred, the Korean War, in which about 36,000 American soldiers were killed, would not have happened.
Come hear the stories of the April 3rd Incident victims' families and descendants living in our community. Join us in commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Jeju April 3rd Incident. This solemn and educational event provides an opportunity to learn about the event's historical significance, honor those affected, and reflect on the importance of empathy, remembrance, and healing for our collective trauma. The event is family-friendly and provides engaging arts and crafts activities to help participants connect with the incident's history and emotional impact.
We also invite high school students to participate in an essay contest (entries due by May 30th) reflecting on their experiences at the event. All participants will receive a souvenir, and outstanding essays will be awarded scholarships.
Jeju April 3 Incident High School Essay Contest Announcement 2024 Memory and Justice:
Express your reflections: Share your thoughts about the event in our essay contest! Categories: We welcome submissions. High school students Students who wish to participate in the event will receive a link to upload their work via email later.
Deadline: May 30th
All participants get a special memento.Top three essays win scholarships.
Publishing Opportunity: The Walden Korea International Journal provides a platform to share your work with a global audience and contribute to the global discourse on the Korean Wave and Korean history.
Essay Guidelines:
Your essay should address the following areas:
Unique Reflection (Essential):
Join us at the Boston Korean Church in Brookline (32 Harvard Ave) on April 27th, at 5 p.m. This free event includes dinner and is family-friendly. It's more than a commemoration; it's a chance to blend collective memories with your insights on the Jeju April 3rd Incident.
Collective Trauma Impact:
Investigate the effects of collective trauma, using academic research to support your findings.
Future Implications:
Consider how the Jeju April 3rd Incident influences today’s society, attitudes, and reconciliation efforts.
Formatting
Word Count: Your essay should be a minimum of 1,000 words and not exceed 2,000 words, written in English.
Font: Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
Spacing: Text should be double-spaced.
For any questions, please contact: info@waldenkorea.org