The Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity has established itself as an international platform for public discourse that seeks peace and shared prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and beyond at the global level. In particular, the symbolic designation of Jeju as the “Island of World Peace” carries profound significance, as it provides a meaningful foundation for discussing a future of peace, reconciliation, and cooperation beyond the memory of war.
At the forum, we intend to organize a special session themed on Reckless, with the aim of transforming the memory of war into the language of peace and creating a platform to reinterpret the historical significance of the Korea–U.S. alliance in a forward-looking manner.
This session is being organized to shed new light on the memory of war, the meaning of sacrifice, the solidarity and friendship between Korea and the United States, and the value of global peace, centering on Reckless, the legendary warhorse who served alongside the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Reckless is regarded as a symbolic figure who demonstrated dedication and courage on par with that of soldiers even amid intense battlefield conditions. Beyond a simple war hero narrative, her story is evaluated as a historical narrative that highlights the importance of international solidarity, trust, and peace. In this regard, we believe that this session will embody, in a more profound and symbolic manner, the vision of global peace and international cooperation pursued by the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity.
Reckless is a story that carries both deep emotional resonance and powerful symbolism for both Korea and the United States. Moving beyond discourse centered solely on politics and security, it offers valuable content from a diplomatic and public diplomacy perspective, as it can expand the emotional foundation of the Korea–U.S. alliance through human empathy and storytelling. This session, built around Reckless as a historical symbol, aims to reflect on the past and present of the Korea–U.S. alliance, as well as the future of peace. In this regard, your participation as Commander of the United States Marine Corps Force Korea would greatly enhance both the symbolic significance and the diplomatic value of the session.