Pacifism on the Peninsula: Mennonites in Korea

The Korea File

Pacifist and conscientious objector Joe Smucker left for Korea by freighter in 1956 to help with the country’s post-war reconstruction. His three years on the peninsula participating in relief work efforts were life-changing. In part two of our conversation, Smucker reveals how the Mennonite Central Committee’s reconstruction efforts and work with orphans in the 1950's led to the founding of an Anabaptist church on the peninsula 40 years later. He also reflects on the post-colonial social and structural chaos he witnessed in the post-war wreckage of a divided Korea. Music on this episode is Lee Soo Mi 1950's release '??? ?? ? ?'. Refugee image from http://www.umcmission.org/learn-about-us/news-and-stories/2015/january/75thanniversary5060s