On the morning of 6 June, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) had the honour of hosting a roundtable meeting with representatives from Okedongmu Children in Korea (OKCK), a South Korean non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to peacebuilding and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula. The delegation included Prof Dong Jin Kim and Mr Jiwoo Kim from OKCK, alongside Associate Professor Helen Scanlon from the University of Cape Town.

The name “Okedongmu” translates to “children with their arms around each other’s shoulders,” a powerful symbol of friendship, unity, and the hope for reunification between North and South Korea. OKCK’s mission is rooted in supporting children affected by the division of the Korean peninsula, with a special focus on humanitarian aid for children from North Korea, and peace education initiatives for youth across the region.

The purpose of their visit was to learn more about the IJR, our work and impact, to exchange cross-border methodologies in justice and reconciliation, and to explore how the arts and youth engagement can contribute to long-term peacebuilding.

OKCK’s work is both humanitarian and creative. The organisation provides nutritional, medical, and educational support to North Korean children, ensuring they have the foundations to live healthy and dignified lives. Through peace education programmes, OKCK encourages children from both North and South Korea to reimagine a shared future built on empathy, respect, and cooperation.

One of the most poignant elements of OKCK’s work involves art. The organisation collects paintings and drawings created by children in Korea and beyond, using these artistic expressions to amplify their voices and raise awareness of the trauma caused by decades of division. These artworks serve as a platform for storytelling and healing, bringing visibility to the lived experiences of children affected by political separation.

As Prof Dong Jin Kim explained during the session, “[Our goal] is to bring awareness to young people’s suffering caused by the military line.” He further stated with in collaboration with OKCK’s partners, they have created a platform to draw hope, and that’s what led them to the IJR.

The roundtable meeting opened with Prof Kim sharing the historical context about Korea’s division and its long-term impacts on the youth. He described how OKCK was born from the urgent need to confront the invisible pain of separation and build a movement of hope through children’s voices.

Prof Tim Murithi, Head of Peacebuilding Interventions at the IJR, responded with insights into IJR’s continental work on transitional justice and the pursuit of sustainable peace. Felicity Harrison, Head of Sustained Dialogues, gave an overview of IJR’s youth engagement programmes, particularly highlighting the use of Memory, Arts, and Culture (MAC) to help young South Africans process trauma and build bridges across social divides.

Kate Lefko-Everett, Senior Consultant at the IJR, concluded the morning’s presentations with findings from the South African Reconciliation Barometer (SARB).

The session concluded on a reflective note, with Prof Dong Jin Kim inviting participants to consider a deeply personal question: “what keeps you motivated in the pursuit of justice, peace, and reconciliation?”

As the IJR marks 25 years of peacebuilding on the African continent, we continue to be inspired by global partnerships that reaffirm our collective vision of a just, inclusive, and peaceful world for future generations.