People around the world are taking to the streets to struggle for peace, but at this moment, the genocide in Palestine by Israel continues, and there is talk of ground troops being deployed in Ukraine. Furthermore, military tensions are escalating in the Northeast Asian region surrounding the Korean Peninsula. This is due to the strengthening of the military alliance between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, as well as the deteriorating relationship with North Korea. The list of crises seems endless, including not only the threat of war but also climate crisis, deepening inequality, and economic crises. In this situation, the ISC aims to make this year one of studying, discussing, and taking action together with more people to address current issues.
We plan to organize various events each month for the public to participate in and to produce and translate content analyzing current affairs both domestically and internationally to share with the public. We are planning for 2024 to be a year of building broader and deeper solidarity. Starting in March, we hope to meet and work together with more people, so please join us.
As a start, we look forward to meeting you at the Palestine Solidarity Rally on March 2nd at 3PM and at the 39th Korean Women's Rally commemorating International Women's Day on March 8th.
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Chained Disability Activists Strangled
by Police ‘Like that day 23 years ago’ |
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Translation: Rory Ainsworth, Lee-Hwang Yujin (ISC)
Park Kyung-seok, director of Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination(SADD), has a metal chain wrapped around his neck. He is also wearing a picket. Police and Seoul Metro employees grab the chains and ropes without regard. The director's face turns red as the lines around his neck are pulled in all directions. Park gags. Activists around him scream at the police to let go, but instead of backing down the police push harder. The metal chain binds Park with the body and wheelchair of Seo Myung-seok – a disability activist with brain lesions.
While police, Seoul Metro workers, activists, and reporters push and pull, the chain around Park's neck tightens. As the screams intensify, a large chain cutter nearly half the size of an adult male is raised. Seo Myung-seok's legs start to tremor. His trembling travels vividly amidst the chaos. All of this happened in under 10 minutes.
Even after forcefully removed, the chain left a clear red mark on Park's neck. Park rests his head in his hands as he catches his breath. When asked if he is okay he gestures vaguely, unable to speak for a while. He takes off the picket as if it is heavy. He stretches his t-shirt collar so nothing touches his neck. For a lingering moment he keeps his eyes closed, rubbing his throat over and over again. |
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Palestinian solidarity actions in February
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In February as well, International Strategy Center has been actively engaging in solidarity actions with Palestine. We participated in the 8th and 9th Urgent Action by Korean Civil Society in Solidarity with Palestine, and has been continuously holding one-person protests in front of the Israeli Embassy. The 10th Urgent Action by Korean Civil Society in Solidarity with Palestine will be held on March 2, 3PM, in front of the Seorin Building near Gwanghwamun. We hope to see many of you there.
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Let's join the 10th rally for solidarity with Palestine! |
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Screening of Palestinian short films |
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Another great movie showing together with @seoulwom @filmsforfreedom of four Palestinian shorts: Jerusalem, The Flower of All Cities (1969); Scenes of the Occupation of Gaza (1973); A Boy, A Donkey, and a Wall (2008); The Present (2020). The films showed us how fiction can resemble life and life resemble fiction and the importance of shaping one's representation and narrative to the world.
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The 39th Korean Women's Rally |
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The theme for International Women's Day in 2024 is said to be "Inspire Inclusion." To celebrate International Women's Day, the 39th Korean Women's Rally will be held on March 8th, Friday. Let's join the 39th Korean Women's Rally with the International Strategy Center!
Date: March 8th (Friday), 3:00 PM
Location: Seoul Cheonggye Plaza (Let's meet at Exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station at 3:00 PM!) |
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2F, 2 Dosin-ro 47-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul International Strategy Center
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