South Korea and Japan? Not exactly known for getting along. But this inspirational video gave us the feels in a big way.
South Korean student Suyeon Youn has had an interest in and a love for Japan and its culture for years. She’s no ordinary Japanophile, though; she’s currently studying Japanese language, history, and culture as an exchange student at Shizuoka University in Japan and wants eradicate the kind of prejudices that exist between the two nations.
Following in the footsteps of Koichi Kuwabara, a young Japanese male who first took to the streets of South Korea in 2011 armed with nothing but a sign reading “Free Hugs for Peace”, Youn also decided to do the same during her time in Japan. Donning a traditional chima jeogori and holding a sign that reads “Free Hugs” and “I’m Korean. Won’t you give me a hug?”, she headed to the shrines and shopping districts of Kyoto to spread the love.
See how she got on in her video:
Visibly nervous at first, it wasn’t long before there were hugs and smiles all around, from people who were as interested in Youn’s culture as she was in theirs…
▼ “We love Korea!”
From the littlest hugs…
▼ No, I didn’t just tear up. It’s my allergies, I swear…
…to the biggest running group hugs…
…Youn and her new-found friends have proven that many people are quite ready to move past all the political tension that has built up between their countries.
The video ends with a question and a powerful message: “Who is going to improve the relationship between Japan and South Korea? Not our countries or our governments, but each and every one of us individually.”
Yes, there will always be those individuals who perpetuate prejudiced notions and who have contempt for those from other nations no matter what, but judging from projects like Kuwabara’s and Youn’s hugs for peace, this generation is more than ready to move on.
You can help support Youn as she plans to travel across Japan this coming February to spread more hugs and peace around the country. Her support page is here (Japanese only, sorry, but perhaps you could help with that?).
Source: YouTube/ Koichi Kuwabara via grape
Top image: YouTube/ Koichi Kuwabara
Japanese man extends heart, covers eyes for blindfolded free hug experiment in China 【Video】
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Godiva melts minds by releasing a new corn chocolate drink in Japan
Shinto shrine’s night sky firefly sweets are Japan’s newest breathtaking, mouthwatering desserts.
Retro fashion magazines from Tokyo’s street market remind Mr. Sato of a special gift from his dad
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Body of missing American college student found in Kyoto mountains
Gun found in Japanese convenience store restroom, traced to forgetful on-duty cop
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events