THE KUKMIN DAILY

It was 3:00 in the afternoon on November 14, at Aegibong observation platform (165 meters above sea level) on the western frontlines in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do. The air echoed with the sounds of prayers by the more than 100 participants in the “prayer meeting for reconstruction of Aegibong Light Tower,” organized by the Christian Council of Korea (CCK). As CCK Moderator Rev. Lee Young-hoon (5th from right in 2nd row in photo) spoke, encouraging prayers for peace on the Korean Peninsula, the participants responded, “Amen!”

“Aegibong Light Tower has stood as a symbol of South-North peace ever since the end of the Korean War,” said Moderator Lee in his sermon. “It is not a symbol of conflict or antagonism. I wish that it could be rebuilt and remain as a peace symbol.” He continued, “There are worries that it could irritate North Korea and stir up South-North confrontation, but Aegibong Tower was originally a symbol of peace…As a symbol of South-North peace, Aegibong Tower should be set up as a place of hope and prayers for peace.” He encouraged, “Let us, the Korean church, be of one mind in rebuilding the tower of peace and working to realize real peace in this land.”

Hong Jae-cheol, who chairs the Committee to Reconstruct Aegibong Light Tower, said, “The removal of the light tower by the military, without even consulting church circles, should never have happened…We will hold a press conference for the reconstruction of Aegibong Light Tower on November 17 at the Korean Press Center.” CCK reported that Rev. Kim Guk-do of Immanuel Church has decided to donate 200 million won for the reconstruction of Aegibong Light Tower. In addition, CCK plans to hold demonstrations in front of the Defense Ministry and the Blue House until its demand for restoration of the tower is accepted.

The prayer meeting took place amidst tension, as members of the National Clergy Conference for Justice and Peace (CCJP), CCL Peace Church, Gimpo Farmers Association, Korea Solidarity and other groups blocked the entry way to Aegibong. Rev. Lee Jeok of CCL Peace Church read an appeal that declared, “Aegibong Light Tower is not a Christmas tree but a war tree,” and demanded, “Stop the fundraising and the prayers for the war tree.” Due to this situation, 200 some members of Yeoeuido Full Gospel Church had to turn back, unable to reach the observation platform.

Earlier, on the morning of this day, CCJP, Christian Solidarity for Social Mission and other organizations held a press conference in front of the Korea Christian Ecumenical Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where they asserted, “Aegibong Light Tower originally was an anti-North psychological warfare tool of the Defense Ministry, utilizing religion…Aegibong Light Tower is totally unrelated to peaceful Christmas, being an exceedingly dangerous, anti-Gospel, peace-destroying tower that could lead to the calamity of conflict and war with North Korea.”

Since the military authorities removed the 18-meter-high light tower from Aegibong observation platform on the 16th of last month, CCK has been promoting a fundraising campaign for its reconstruction.

Article and photo by Reporter Yeong Dae Yoo (ydyoo@kmib.co.kr) from Gimpo, with Marion Kim (marionkkim@icloud.com)


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