At 2 PM, an event titled “Our Beginning! A New Leap!” will be held at BEXCO in Haeundae, commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Korean Freedom Federation and the 1st anniversary of the Junior Freedom Federation’s launch. Open Interview had the opportunity to meet Shin Han-chun, who led the Busan branch to become the nation’s best branch last year and is now writing a new chapter in the Federation’s history in Busan, to hear his thoughts.
When asked about his first encounter with the Korean Freedom Federation and his personal views on liberal democracy and unification as an entrepreneur, he replied, “After the Korean War, South Korea rose from ruins to become a globally recognized economic powerhouse in just half a century. This remarkable growth was founded on the indomitable will of the people, steadfast belief in liberal democracy, and a dynamic market economy system. My connection with the Federation began during my youth as a JC member through a friend, initially as a financial supporter for the Geumjeong District branch in Busan. The past chairmen of the Busan branch were eminent figures leading the business community, so naturally I maintained close ties and support for the Federation. When asked to become chairman, I hesitated but accepted this important role as an opportunity to realize my long-held beliefs in defending liberal democracy and achieving peaceful unification.”
He continued, “Founded in 1954 on legal grounds, the Federation has been a patriotic movement organization dedicated to upholding liberal democracy and pursuing peaceful unification for 71 years. Among its 1.5 million members nationwide, the Busan branch was established in 1964 and now has over 103,000 members active in 16 district branches and 205 local committees. It has been a time filled with great responsibility and pride, and last year’s recognition as the nation’s best branch was made possible by the committed support and cooperation of our members, leaders, and related institutions. I sincerely thank them all.”
Hosting the 71st national convention and the 1st anniversary of the Junior Freedom Federation in Busan for the first time since the branch’s founding is highly meaningful. He explained that this achievement was driven by the dedicated volunteer spirit of Busan’s 103,000 members, a can-do attitude, and the desire to showcase Busan’s status as a rising global hub city. The event is themed around “coexistence of past, present, and future,” honoring the dedication of the older generation who overcame the Korean War’s devastation, recognizing active members nationwide and abroad, and celebrating the participation of the younger MZ generation and Junior Federation members. It is especially significant as they mark the Junior Freedom Federation’s first year, focusing on nurturing young leaders grounded in freedom and democracy.
The convention also commemorates Busan’s historical role as a refuge city during the Korean War, sharing a vision of Busan’s future as a global hub with the nation and citizens united in liberty, security, integration, sharing, and care. Ahead of this, on June 25 at 9 AM, the 75th Korean War UN Memorial Ceremony will be held at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Nam-gu, Busan, honoring the UN soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Korea’s freedom and peace. This memorial will serve as a solemn prelude to the afternoon opening ceremony at BEXCO, an event they aim to elevate as a national project.
The Busan branch’s outstanding achievements include being named the best branch nationally in 2024 and Chairman Shin’s receipt of the World League for Freedom and Democracy (WLFD) Service Award. He attributes this success to the disciplined organizational management inherited from previous leaders, steady goal-oriented activities, and passionate member participation. Key ongoing initiatives include 28 years of weekly free meals and grooming services for the elderly, education programs promoting liberal democracy and security awareness through lectures and exhibitions, and transforming the aging Busan Freedom Hall into an educational hub for future unification generations by creating a unification park and experience center.
Shin also holds significant roles such as chairman of the Future City Innovation Foundation and vice chairman of the Busan Chamber of Commerce. Despite the challenges of managing multiple leadership roles, he finds motivation and fulfillment in the dedication of his colleagues and positive community recognition. His policy work through the foundation, which engages experts in discussing regional issues like the new airport and environmental concerns, complements the Federation’s goals and enriches its activities.
Regarding the Busan Freedom Hall’s renewal, he plans to turn it into a citizen-friendly space where different generations can connect and understand the importance of unification, integrating the city’s Korean War historical sites and enhancing peace education. He invites all citizens to join, noting membership is open to all Korean nationals through its various affiliated organizations.
Finally, Shin expresses hopeful determination for the upcoming national convention, tying the Federation’s 70-year history to a strong commitment for the future. He emphasizes the Federation’s role in defending freedom and security, fostering unity, sharing, and care, and actively contributing to national priorities like the new airport, industrial bank relocation, and legislative support to help Busan become a global hub city.
His leadership combines reflection on the past, passion for the present, and hope for the future—transforming the Korean Freedom Federation Busan branch from a security-focused group into a community-rooted organization dedicated to sharing and education. The June 25, 2025, convention in Busan will mark a historic milestone where the spirit of freedom and prosperity ignites a new leap forward, with Busan’s enthusiasm resonating across Korea and beyond.
Shin Han-chun currently serves as chairman of the Future City Innovation Foundation and vice chairman of the Busan Chamber of Commerce. The upcoming convention will live up to the slogan “Our Beginning! A New Leap!” reinforcing the Federation’s role as a patriotic civic organization committed to freedom, security, unity, and care, while actively supporting Busan’s development as a global hub city through key national projects.
