March 26, 2010

March 26 is a day that can never be forgotten in modern Korean history. March 26, 1910, is the day Patriot Ahn Jung-geun (Sept 2, 1879 – March 26, 1910) was martyred in Lushun Prison, and exactly 100 years later, on March 26, 2010, 46 brave sailors made the ultimate sacrifice when the ROKS Cheonan was attacked off the coast of Baengnyeongdo Island.

When the sinking of the Cheonan occurred, Canada swiftly condemned North Korea and supported the South Korean government's position. Immediately after the incident, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper strongly condemned North Korea, taking the lead in the international community to stand by South Korea. The Korean community in Toronto also shared in the anger and sorrow. A memorial altar was set up at Mel Lastman Square in North York, and Canadian Korean War veterans, despite their frail health, stepped out to salute the "young men who passed away defending freedom." Canada was a friend who wisely intuited and resonated with the security crisis Korea faced, and the profound sorrow of that cold sea.

March 27, 2012

The 2nd Nuclear Security Summit was held in Seoul. As the host nation discussing global peace and nuclear security, South Korea welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This gathering of leaders from 53 countries and representatives of international organizations was deeply significant, as it symbolized the complete elevation of the Korea-Canada relationship from one of a 'recipient' to a true 'partner.' On this day, the two leaders did more than simply shake hands; they shared final understandings to pave the way for the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) two years later.

March 28, 2009

On this day, at the World Figure Skating Championships held in Los Angeles, Yuna Kim became the first female singles skater in history to surpass the 200-point mark and win the title. However, we focus on the countless hours of sweat she poured in Toronto to forge that glory. From 2006 until the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Kim made the 'Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club' her base camp. She was guided by Canadian figure skating legend Brian Orser. Coach Orser and choreographer David Wilson turned an unpolished gem from Korea into the world's most brilliant jewel. This triumph—where Korean talent met the Canadian system to conquer the top of the world—offers profound implications for the immigrant community. It brings the hope that "if we integrate, learn, and strive here, we can become the best in the world." That is exactly what Yuna Kim and Brian Orser proved on the ice in March.