'Journey for Forgiveness' Bicycle Mission Trip from Seoul to Tokyo, Releasing in December!

Is 'forgiveness' possible in the context of the historical issues between Korea and Japan? The film 〈Journey for Forgiveness〉 captures the journey of those who cycled approximately 2,300 km from Seoul to Tokyo over 34 days to find an answer to that question. It is not just a film about a simple bicycle trip, but a documentary that sincerely contemplates reconciliation while facing a painful history.

The emotional rift surrounding historical issues is deep. Unresolved records such as Dokdo, comfort women, forced labor, and textbook distortion still remain as wounds in Korean society. While it is easy to say, "forgive," it is difficult to follow through with the heart in the face of a history of victimization. As stated in Matthew 6:14-15, we know we should forgive, yet in reality, anger and cold feelings towards Japan do not easily subside.

What comes to mind is the image of Jesus, who forgave even the perpetrators while on the cross. With a small hope that "forgiveness may not be impossible," I question myself whether I am only seeing what I want to see, or if I am trapped in the past. And finally, I set out on the road. This journey retraces the wounds of the Japanese colonial period and physically confirms the possibility of true reconciliation. From Seoul to Tokyo, 2,300 km—this time, we go against the path that Japan once took towards Korea. On that road, I vow to lay down the 'unforgiving heart' on the cross. Not with my head, but with my heart, I am determined to face the change of feelings towards Japan.

The journey contains various voices. The testimony of a missionary who stayed at the site during the 2016 tsunami and nuclear accident, saying, "God told me to stay," the reality of Japan, where the evangelization rate remains at 0.4% amidst the worship of the Emperor and the culture of 80,000 shrines, and about 1,500 Korean missionaries who are sowing seeds of love and service in that land. All these stories are carried by 12 riders who cycle 2,300 km over 34 days. It is a courageous step taken to convey the light of the gospel to 130 million Japanese souls. This journey, which asks "What is forgiveness?" in the face of history and faith, is expected to leave a resonance in the deep questions of Korea-Japan relations and in our hearts. The documentary 〈Journey for Forgiveness〉 is set to meet the audience this December.