[Myanmar Civil Society Interview Series] ③

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc0voppfn4U

The <Strengthening Myanmar Civil Society> project planned a civil society interview series titled 'Myanmar Again,' which focuses on the stories of South Korean and Myanmar civil society activists who have supported Myanmar's civil disobedience movement over the past year. Jeon Eun-kyung, a senior campaigner at the People's Solidarity for Participatory Self-Government (PSPS), emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights cooperation as the background for supporting Myanmar's democratization, stating, 'Even without Gwangju yesterday, we would have paid attention to today's Myanmar.' Looking back at the past year, during which they held protest rallies against South Korean companies colluding with the Myanmar military even before the coup, and utilized online spaces as a platform for solidarity through pot-banging events and the three-finger salute campaign, she stressed the destiny of NGOs that 'must create something, however small.'

Interviewer Introduction

■ Jeon Eun-kyung_ Senior campaigner at the Policy Planning Department of PSPS. She is active as an executive committee member of the 'South Korean Civil Society Organizations Coalition for Supporting Myanmar's Democracy (106 organizations),' launched after the Myanmar military coup. She worked at the PSPS Social Welfare Committee and has been in charge of PSPS's international solidarity work since 2018.

■ Managed and Edited by: Jeon Ju-hyun_EAI Researcher

    Inquiries: 02 2277 1683 (ext. 204) | jhjun@eai.or.kr

Video Transcript

Hello, I am Jeon Eun-kyung, working at PSPS. PSPS was founded in 1994. It is a civic organization that operates independently with the power of citizens, not subordinate to the government or any specific political force. The four key principles of PSPS's activities can be called its 'four keys': monitoring and checks on power are PSPS's main tasks. For a nation where citizens are the true masters, our main task is to monitor the government's exercise of state power. We strive to present and institutionalize rational and feasible alternatives. As a result, many laws we have proposed have been enacted or amended. Also, because the world does not improve on its own, we seek to work with citizens who desire a better world. We have members, and we are operated through their support. We are assisted by many experts and resources.

and activists, and they also participate in the campaigns we propose. PSPS also strives to listen to the voices of the socially vulnerable and minorities. In particular, we are interested in democracy and human rights issues beyond national borders, as well as peace issues, and have continued solidarity activities related to the situation in Myanmar since the coup. Ten years after its founding, we had discussions about our future direction. Through that process, we decided to support human rights and democracy in Asia. We discussed how to engage in solidarity activities that transcend the boundaries of social movements while recognizing the differences between Asian countries. We have consistently paid attention to the human rights and democracy situations in Asian countries such as the Philippines, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Cambodia, and have consistently engaged in activities such as issuing statements, holding forums, or working in solidarity with local organizations.

Specifically regarding Myanmar, we were closely watching the situation in 2004 when the military government detained Aung San Suu Kyi, detained over a thousand political prisoners, and brutally oppressed ethnic minorities. We also responded to the human rights violations of the residents of Burma by South Korean companies participating in the gas field development project. Therefore, after the coup this time, we naturally determined that we must engage in solidarity, and we are indeed working with various organizations.

As you mentioned, the interest of South Korean civil society in Myanmar seems particularly special. President Yoon Suk-yeol also said, 'We see yesterday's Gwangju in today's Myanmar,' and added that just as Gwangju achieved the fruits of democratization, Myanmar's spring will surely come. I believe many citizens agree with these words. After the coup, the military's brutal actions have been ongoing, and citizens feel they must do something. Many people contact us asking what they can do for Myanmar and show great interest. Personally, I believe we should be interested in the situation in Myanmar, even if it were not related to Gwangju. It is difficult for citizens to be interested in international issues, and it is natural to feel distant. However, we should at least not pretend not to know about what is happening around us and try to do something, however small. Solidarity with suffering is possible, even without the shared experience of Gwangju. Before the coup, PSPS was quite interested in the Rohingya issue. As you know, the Rohingya are a Muslim minority group who have faced discrimination for a long time in Burma, a predominantly Buddhist country. The military has brutally oppressed the Rohingya, and committed massacres twice. As we began to pay attention to this issue, we naturally became more interested in the Myanmar issue. Several organizations, including ours, have formed a coalition called the 'South Korean Civil Society Coalition for Solidarity with the Rohingya' and are actively working. Our goals include seeking truth about the massacres, punishing those responsible, providing relief to victims, and preventing recurrence. We have held press conferences in front of the Myanmar Embassy and, as many people in Korea are not well aware of this issue, we have visited refugee camps and informed people about the situation through documentaries. We also engage in solidarity activities with Rohingya diaspora organizations abroad, such as holding international conferences.

It was around that time that a UN report was released, revealing that among the overseas companies colluding with the Myanmar military, South Korean companies constituted a significant portion. We thought, 'This is a serious problem,' and began our own research and campaigns. It was then that the coup occurred. This likely allowed us to become more interested in the issue and respond more quickly. Currently, about 106 organizations nationwide are participating in the 'South Korean Civil Society Coalition for Supporting Myanmar's Democracy.'

Immediately after the coup, we issued a statement condemning it and held a press conference. PSPS also quickly launched the three-finger salute campaign to inform people that we are supporting Myanmar. As mentioned earlier, we are particularly interested in the issue of South Korean companies colluding with the Myanmar military, and we believe it is crucial to cut off the flow of funds to the military. We have primarily focused on these activities. We have conducted signature campaigns urging POSCO and Korea Gas Corporation to sever ties with the military. We have also met with officials from Korea Gas Corporation and POSCO International, sent them letters inquiring about their plans, and held rallies in front of their offices. We also invited the Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights to discuss the situation of South Korean companies in relation to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We have also taken other actions related to businesses. On the other hand, we have also urged ASEAN and the UN to take active measures, emphasizing that the international community should not condone or cooperate with the military junta. We have been conducting this campaign since March 31st and it continues until November 30th. In between, we have also held events such as pot-banging demonstrations and walks with Myanmar citizens.

There is also a parliamentary group in the National Assembly dedicated to restoring peace and democracy in Myanmar. We hold regular meetings with this group to share our activities and discuss necessary legislative changes. We have strongly felt the need for legislation that can regulate companies involved in human rights abuses abroad, and we are currently preparing legislative amendments together.

Immediately after the coup, we wondered what we should do. Beyond our usual press conferences and statements, we considered what citizens could do together. This led us to conceive the three-finger salute campaign.

As you mentioned, the civil disobedience movement in Myanmar is currently led by the MZ generation, and we have confirmed that a significant amount of information is distributed, processed, and disseminated through social media. For example, our Myanmar friends we know are rapidly sharing the current situation through Facebook. We thought that by conducting campaigns through social media, even from a distant location like South Korea, and promptly sharing the results, we could provide strength to the Myanmar citizens. This is how the campaign was planned.

We initially did not expect such a high level of participation in the three-finger salute campaign. However, many people showed great interest, especially elementary school students, who drew pictures and wrote messages to participate. We compiled photos of the participants into a music video, which was then sent back to Myanmar. Through this process, we received feedback from Myanmar citizens expressing their gratitude and stating that these activities in South Korea provided great strength. It made us realize that the Myanmar citizens are watching our activities, supporting us, and hoping for more. When we post our activities on Twitter, tens of thousands of people like them and leave supportive comments. Such a movement is rare in South Korea.

We rarely receive such extensive feedback on our activities in South Korea. The sheer volume is on a different level. Through this process, I have realized that international solidarity movements in South Korea also need to change. As others have also mentioned, online spaces have been created, issues are amplified through social media, and the possibilities for solidarity have increased. It has been revealed through UN reports and other reports that South Korean companies are colluding with the Myanmar military and serving as their source of funding. After the coup, our increased attention to this issue stems from the fact that the military uses money to buy weapons and ammunition, which they then use to suppress citizens. Therefore, our primary thought was that we must block the flow of money to them. South Korean companies, such as POSCO International, are generating substantial profits from gas field development projects, and a significant portion of these profits are channeled through Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, a military-affiliated company, via joint ventures. This is why we raised this issue.

Furthermore, Korea Gas Corporation, which is jointly developing the gas field project, is a public enterprise, and thus bears a different kind of responsibility. We have continuously raised this issue, sent letters to the companies, requested meetings to understand their plans, and submitted petitions to the UN. However, there have been no tangible results. In contrast, foreign companies like Total and Chevron, which are involved in gas field projects, have issued statements condemning the coup and announced their intention to suspend dividend payments, which they have implemented. South Korean companies, however, have been very passive. When we meet with them, they say they want to do the same but have no response. POSCO, for instance, claims it contacted the military to offer to buy out their shares but received no reply. They are in a situation where they feel they can do nothing. It is a frustrating situation. There are actions that can be taken, especially by public enterprises like Korea Gas Corporation, which emphasize human rights due diligence but are not actually upholding it. The situation remains frustrating.

It is not often that so many people in Korea give feedback on our activities. I felt that the sheer numbers were on a different level. Through this process, I also realized that the international solidarity movement in Korea needs to change. As others have also mentioned, an online space has been created, and issues are expanding through social media, increasing the possibilities for solidarity. I feel this strongly now. However, Korean companies have already colluded with the military.

The Myanmar military has continuously committed crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, such as massacres. I believe this is possible because the international community has not held them accountable, and companies have prioritized their profits, enriching themselves through joint ventures. Therefore, I believe it is time to cut off the source of this tragedy. A Myanmar activist once said that it is ethically impossible to conduct business with a group that commits crimes against humanity. I found that statement very impactful. I believe South Korean companies must listen to the voices of the Myanmar people. Protests like 'POSCO Out' are occurring throughout Myanmar. However, we are not demanding that POSCO withdraw from its business. We are simply asking that they suspend dividend payments from joint ventures until a democratic government is established in Myanmar. We hope that POSCO International will take at least this step.

It has been almost a year since the Myanmar military coup. A report released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the last day of December indicated that Myanmar is facing a severe humanitarian crisis across political, economic, and human rights dimensions due to the military's takeover and the ongoing conflict. The report projected that 46% of the population could fall into poverty. We continue to hear news of clashes, and there seems to be no end in sight, which is a truly sorrowful and regrettable situation.

As a parent raising children, I am particularly heartbroken thinking about the children in Myanmar who cannot go to school because of the military's terrorism and the use of schools as military bases. They are losing their opportunity to learn. I believe the reason Myanmar citizens are risking their lives to continue their resistance is for their children. No parent would want their children to live under a military dictatorship. Therefore, I believe they continue their unwavering resistance. I recently watched a documentary about Myanmar after the coup. A Myanmar student studying in Korea provided the narration. Hearing the narration, I was suddenly overcome with tears. It must be heartbreaking for them to see the situation in their home country, while people here live their daily lives freely and without worry. The narrator mentioned how envious they were of Koreans who could walk hand-in-hand with their partners or have leisurely conversations about lunch at work. That word, 'leisurely,' struck me deeply. At the time, we were diligently engaged in various activities, but I wondered if our efforts were too 'leisurely.' It made me reflect and consider how to proceed with our activities. I shared these thoughts with other activists, but they have since moved on. While I always feel a sense of sorrow, I also have other roles to play in Korea, and I haven't been able to pay as much attention or contemplate these issues as much as I should have over the past year. Looking back, I have many regrets.

Preparing for this event today, I thought a lot about what we should discuss. I realized that we can no longer afford to be 'leisurely.' It is the role of civil society organizations, and our role, to create something, however small, that South Korean citizens can do. We must think more deeply. I want to convey a message to both the Myanmar citizens and the South Korean citizens: let's not forget, let's continue to consider what small actions we can take, offer suggestions if you have any, and always send a message to the Myanmar citizens that we are with them.

I believe it is time to cut off the source of this tragedy. A Myanmar activist once said that it is ethically impossible to conduct business with a group that commits crimes against humanity. I found that statement very impactful. I believe South Korean companies must listen to the voices of the Myanmar people. Protests like 'POSCO Out' are occurring throughout Myanmar. However, we are not demanding that POSCO withdraw from its business. We are simply asking that they suspend dividend payments from joint ventures until a democratic government is established in Myanmar. We hope that POSCO International will take at least this step.

It has been almost a year since the Myanmar military coup. A report released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the last day of December indicated that Myanmar is facing a severe humanitarian crisis across political, economic, and human rights dimensions due to the military's takeover and the ongoing conflict. The report projected that 46% of the population could fall into poverty. We continue to hear news of clashes, and there seems to be no end in sight, which is a truly sorrowful and regrettable situation.

As a parent raising children, I am particularly heartbroken thinking about the children in Myanmar who cannot go to school because of the military's terrorism and the use of schools as military bases. They are losing their opportunity to learn. I believe the reason Myanmar citizens are risking their lives to continue their resistance is for their children. No parent would want their children to live under a military dictatorship. Therefore, I believe they continue their unwavering resistance. I recently watched a documentary about Myanmar after the coup. A Myanmar student studying in Korea provided the narration. Hearing the narration, I was suddenly overcome with tears. It must be heartbreaking for them to see the situation in their home country, while people here live their daily lives freely and without worry. The narrator mentioned how envious they were of Koreans who could walk hand-in-hand with their partners or have leisurely conversations about lunch at work. That word, 'leisurely,' struck me deeply. At the time, we were diligently engaged in various activities, but I wondered if our efforts were too 'leisurely.' It made me reflect and consider how to proceed with our activities. I shared these thoughts with other activists, but they have since moved on. While I always feel a sense of sorrow, I also have other roles to play in Korea, and I haven't been able to pay as much attention or contemplate these issues as much as I should have over the past year. Looking back, I have many regrets.

Preparing for this event today, I thought a lot about what we should discuss. I realized that we can no longer afford to be 'leisurely.' It is the role of civil society organizations, and our role, to create something, however small, that South Korean citizens can do. We must think more deeply. I want to convey a message to both the Myanmar citizens and the South Korean citizens: let's not forget, let's continue to consider what small actions we can take, offer suggestions if you have any, and always send a message to the Myanmar citizens that we are with them.

I want to convey a message to both the Myanmar citizens and the South Korean citizens: let's not forget, let's continue to consider what small actions we can take, offer suggestions if you have any, and always send a message to the Myanmar citizens that we are with them. I hope that South Korean citizens will not forget and will continue to consider what small actions they can take, offer suggestions if they have any, and consistently convey the message to the Myanmar citizens that we are always with them.

I realized that we can no longer afford to be 'leisurely.' It is the role of civil society organizations, and our role, to create something, however small, that South Korean citizens can do. We must think more deeply. I want to convey a message to both the Myanmar citizens and the South Korean citizens: let's not forget, let's continue to consider what small actions we can take, offer suggestions if you have any, and always send a message to the Myanmar citizens that we are with them.