Ponder and Diary

For 72-year-old Song Jun-sik, a resident of Busan, getting behind the wheel used to bring a quiet flicker of anxiety. He could feel his reflexes slowing down with age, but the thought of surrendering his driver's license felt like giving up his daily freedom and independence. Mr. Song’s dilemma is far from unique. In Busan, South Korea's fastest-aging metropolitan city, nearly 17% of all drivers are aged 65 or older. With senior-involved traffic accidents rising, local authorities have encouraged elderly drivers to surrender their licenses. Yet, for thousands who rely on driving for their livelihoods or live in areas with limited transit options, giving up a license means choosing isolation over mobility. When society offered only a binary choice—keep driving at risk, or give up your independence— Shincheonji Busan Church saw a third path: protecting senior mobility while actively building a safer road environment. A Hands-On Solution Where Policies Fell Short Rather than taki...

On January 30, 2026, the Seoul Church of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Seoul James Tribe held its first blood donation campaign of the new year at the Korean Red Cross Seoul Eastern Blood Center , continuing its long-standing commitment to life-saving volunteer service. Despite freezing winter temperatures, a total of 144 people visited the site , and 126 successfully donated blood , contributing directly to efforts to stabilize the local blood supply. A New Year Campaign Focused on Saving Lives The campaign was organized as a voluntary initiative led primarily by young members of the Seoul Church, reflecting a continued emphasis on youth-driven community service. Participants gathered throughout the day with the shared goal of practicing life-sharing through blood donation at the start of the year. Twelve visitors were unable to donate due to health-related factors such as low iron levels or cold symptoms, but many remained on site to participate in other activities and expressed t...

1,200 Youth Blood Donors in Three Years Recognized for Lifesaving Impact The youth volunteer group We Are One (Busan–Gyeongnam East Regional Association, Changwon Branch) has been officially recognized by the Korean Red Cross Gyeongnam Blood Center for its outstanding contribution to humanitarian service and blood donation efforts. On September 24, the center presented a plaque of appreciation to Branch Leader Na Hyeong-won during a ceremony attended by local officials and Red Cross representatives. A Record of Steady Contribution Since its launch on July 30, 2022 , the Changwon Branch has carried out regular blood donation campaigns. Over the past three years, more than 1,200 members have donated blood, helping ensure a stable supply during critical shortages. Gyeongnam Blood Center Director Lee Jeong-woo expressed gratitude, saying, “Whenever blood supply was at risk, We Are One’s consistent participation helped us overcome the crisis. Their dedication has been invaluable.” He a...

The Korean Red Cross Gwangju-Jeonnam Blood Center announced the successful completion of its “50-Day Relay of Love Through Blood Donation,” which ran from July 28 to September 15, 2025. The campaign, launched under the slogan “The Coolest Act in the Hottest Summer is Donating Blood,” aimed to stabilize the summer blood supply. More Than 26,000 Donors Joined The original target was 26,100 participants. By the end of the relay, 26,326 people across 27 municipalities had rolled up their sleeves, achieving 100.9% of the goal . Personal donors : 20,178 people visited blood donation houses. Group donations : 6,148 participants came through 156 organizations. Top contributing groups included Mokpo High School (136), Mokpo Maritime University (136), the 31st Infantry Division Training Center (280), We Are One Youth Volunteer Group in Gwangju (144), the National Asia Culture Center (40), Lions Club District 355-B3 (225), and Naju City (142). Broad Community Support The effort was made ...

Korea’s largest youth-led blood donation campaign continues to grow, bringing life-saving impact to patients nationwide. A Milestone in Life-Sharing The youth volunteer group We Are One , affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has reached a remarkable milestone in its ongoing blood donation campaign. In just over one month since the launch of the 2025 We Are Red Second-Half Blood Donation Campaign on July 27, more than 7,500 youth successfully donated blood . By August 31, over 8,000 participants had taken part, with the majority completing their donations. The achievement is now being recognized as the largest youth blood donation movement in Korea , providing essential support to hospitals facing ongoing blood supply shortages. Why Blood Donation Matters Unlike many other forms of volunteer work, blood donation is irreplaceable . There is no artificial substitute for blood, and its limited shelf life means a steady supply is always needed. This reality has led countr...

On September 6, the youth volunteer group We Are One , affiliated with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, held a blood donation campaign at the Seoul Eastern Blood Center. Despite the rainy weather, 81 volunteers donated blood that day , bringing the total number of donations from the Seoul–Gyeonggi East Regional Association to 341 since July 27 . Overcoming Shortages with Youth Commitment According to the Seoul Eastern Blood Center, among 15 religious organizations in the region, the We Are Red campaign by We Are One recorded the second-highest number of donors, with 211 participants to date. Their consistent involvement has provided vital support during Korea’s ongoing blood supply crisis. Tribe Leader Yoo Young-bin of the Seoul James Tribe reflected on his own experience: “I first donated blood during my military service, and this campaign marks my 39th donation. Blood donation is not something to fear but a chance to share love and bring warmth to the world. Just as the blood of Je...

Even under the sweltering summer heat, young people across Busan, Gyeongnam, and Jeju are rolling up their sleeves to save lives. Members of We Are One , the Shincheonji-affiliated youth volunteer group, joined the nationwide 2025 We Are Red Second-Half Blood Donation Campaign , contributing a total of 644 successful donations to stabilize Korea’s strained blood supply. A Nationwide Effort for Life The campaign, which runs from July 27 to October 18 , aims to gather 10,000 donors nationwide . Its timing is crucial: summer vacations and the Chuseok holiday typically see a sharp decline in blood donations, worsening supply shortages. In this context, the youth volunteers’ commitment to donating blood carries an even greater significance, ensuring that hospitals and patients receive the life-saving support they urgently need. Emergency Response: Platelet Donation Saves a Life One of the most moving stories during this campaign came from Busan , where the family of a patient urgently...

On August 29, 2025, the Gunsan Branch of We Are One , a youth volunteer group affiliated with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, joined the nationwide “We Are Red” blood donation campaign, helping address Korea’s critical summer blood shortage. Over 200 Donations Completed Since July Since July 28, the Gunsan Branch has recorded 206 successful blood donations , including 35 on August 29 alone . The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Korean Red Cross Jeonbuk Blood Center, operating a mobile blood bus in front of Shincheonji Gunsan Church. In addition to donating, participants chose to contribute their blood donation certificates , raising funds worth approximately 1 million KRW to support patients in financial need. Voices from the Campaign One young donor, Kim Ji-eun (22), shared: “During my last attempt my blood levels were too low. This time I managed my health with supplements and exercise so I could donate successfully.” A citizen who witnessed the campaign remark...

Amid a nationwide blood supply crisis, young volunteers in Chungju are stepping forward to share the gift of life. Members of We Are One , a Shincheonji Church of Jesus–affiliated youth volunteer group under the Gangwon Regional Association, participated in the second-half “We Are Red” Blood Donation Campaign , bringing warmth and hope to their local community. Overcoming the Summer Blood Shortage Summer is one of the most challenging times for blood collection in Korea, with school vacations and holidays causing donation rates to plummet. In response, Chungju branch youth joined forces with nearby branches in Wonju and Chuncheon to take part in the campaign, braving the heat to roll up their sleeves. The campaign ran from August 18 to 26 , with a total of 212 donations recorded across seven participating branches. Special Effort in Jecheon On August 26, young volunteers from the Jecheon branch carried out a group donation at a mobile blood bus set up by the Korean Blood Service...

On August 27, 2025, the Seoul Central Blood Center announced that a total of 102 people participated in a blood donation relay campaign organized by the youth volunteer group We Are One , helping stabilize the blood supply during the peak summer shortage. Part of the Nationwide “We Are Red” Campaign The initiative was carried out as part of the ongoing 2025 We Are Red Second-Half Blood Donation Campaign , which began on July 27. Launched to address declining donor numbers during the rainy season, extreme heat, and summer holidays, the campaign focuses on securing a stable blood reserve across Korea. Over the course of about one month, in the Seoul western area and the cities of Goyang and Paju alone, a total of 868 volunteers donated blood , highlighting the strong community impact of the campaign. Ensuring Safe and Orderly Donation At the We Are One Volunteer Center in Goyang on August 24, the Seoul Central Blood Center supported the drive by deploying two mobile blood buses an...

The youth volunteer group We Are One (위아원) Incheon Regional Association has stepped up to address Korea’s seasonal blood shortage crisis by launching a Relay Blood Donation Bus Campaign . The campaign began on July 27 and will run until October 18, 2025 , with a goal of mobilizing 600 blood donors in Incheon and 10,000 nationwide . First Blood Drive at Bupyeong Park On August 14 , one day before Korea’s Independence Day (광복절), the Incheon branch kicked off its first group donation at Bupyeong Park . Members not only gave blood but also participated in a Taegukgi (Korean flag) handprint activity to honor the national holiday. Relay Blood Donation Across Incheon The relay campaign involves seven sub-branches including Incheon, Seo-Incheon, and Mansu, operating blood donation buses every Friday for four consecutive weeks . The initiative includes: On-site blood donations through the bus RedConnect app promotion to encourage digital participation Community awareness campaign...

In the middle of South Korea’s peak summer vacation season—when blood supply shortages often worsen—members of the We Are One Youth Volunteer Group’s Seoul–Gyeonggi East Regional Association have stepped forward to save lives. From July 27 to the second week of August , more than 170 people participated in the 2025 We Are Red blood donation campaign, helping to address seasonal shortages caused by heatwaves and holiday travel. The campaign ran simultaneously at nine centers, including Junggye, Nohae-ro, Suyu, Uijeongbu, Guri, and Hoegi. Donors Share Their Motivation Participants expressed strong commitment to ongoing blood donation: Lee Seong-ho (34, Dongdaemun-gu) : “After learning about the limit on whole blood donations, I started donating plasma and platelets as well.” Kim Guk-jong (35, Guri) : “Knowing I can help save lives made me act right away. I plan to keep participating regularly.” Addressing Korea’s Blood Supply Gap According to Im Seong-gu , Team Leader of Bl...

In the heat of summer and peak vacation season—when blood supply shortages become most severe—youth volunteers from We Are One , a Shincheonji Church of Jesus-affiliated volunteer group, are stepping forward across the nation to save lives through blood donation. Over 870 Donations in Daegu-Gyeongbuk From July 28 to August 10, members of the We Are One Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Association (covering Daegu, Pohang, Gumi, Gyeongju, and Andong) participated in the 2025 We Are Red Blood Donation Campaign , recording over 870 successful donations . One long-term participant from the Pohang branch, who had donated blood 15 times despite past health challenges, shared that he managed to join again this year through dedicated health management. Cheonan Branch: Overcoming the “Summer Blood Crisis” In the Cheonan Branch , youth joined the summer “We Are Red” campaign with a target of 131 donations over 84 days . Even in sweltering 30°C heat, young adults—university students, office workers, and...

While many people head to the beach during summer vacation, some youth volunteers are choosing to save lives instead. We Are One , a youth volunteer group affiliated with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has launched its fifth large-scale blood donation initiative—the 2025 “We Are Red” Blood Donation Campaign —to help stabilize the blood supply during the critical holiday season. Blood Donations During Vacation Season On July 29, 2025 , We Are One ’s Seoul-Gyeonggi Western Regional Union kicked off its campaign at Boramae Park Station , where a mobile blood donation bus was set up at Exit 1. The campaign will run until October 18 , targeting a period when blood donations typically drop due to summer vacations. On the first day alone, 52 volunteers donated whole blood , and the outreach didn’t stop there. Despite the scorching weather, volunteers handed out 100 hand fans and 90 bottles of ice water to passersby, helping to keep citizens safe and cool while raising awareness about the im...

As summer temperatures soar and recovery continues from devastating floods, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in Gwangju is stepping forward—replacing vacations with service, and discomfort with care. Custom Cooling Kits for Mobile Workers On July 31, members of the youth volunteer group We Are One (Gwangju–Jeonnam Region), affiliated with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, visited a local delivery agency in Yongbong-dong, Gwangju. Their mission: to deliver customized heat-relief kits to mobile workers who must endure extreme outdoor heat without proper shelter or rest breaks. Unlike one-size-fits-all donations, these kits were prepared after directly consulting with delivery riders and couriers. Each kit included: Cool arm sleeves UV-protective balaclavas Cooling sports towels These items were chosen for their ability to reduce heat stress and prevent heat-related illness—real risks for workers who spend hours on motorcycles and bikes in the scorching sun. A local rider, Mr. ...

Shincheonji Volunteers Serve Samgyetang to Celebrate Chobok with the Disabled Community in Daegu In Korea, summer isn't just about enduring the heat—it's about sharing warmth in another way. Every year, during Chobok (초복), the first of three Boknal days marking the hottest periods of the season, Koreans turn to a unique tradition: eating Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to replenish energy and strengthen the body. But in Daegu, that tradition was made even more meaningful. A Tradition of Love on a Day of Heat On July 17, 2025, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu Branch joined hands with the Daegu Association for the Disabled (Dalseo Branch) for their annual Chobok celebration. In a heartwarming gathering, volunteers served homemade Samgyetang to 27 disabled members and shared a day filled with smiles, creativity, and care. Now in its 5th year, this partnership continues to be more than just a summer event—it’s a living connection between generations, volunteers, a...

On May 31 2025, a vibrant wave of youth energy filled Yeouido Park in Seoul as over 1,000 volunteers and runners from the youth running crew ‘We Are Run’ (위아런) participated in the “2025 Earth Run: The Peace Road” marathon event. This marks the third consecutive year the crew has taken part as official volunteers, exemplifying their continued commitment to social impact through movement. The youth volunteers played vital roles in event logistics: offering guidance, supporting operations, assisting with sponsorships, maintaining cleanliness, and warmly interacting with attendees. Meanwhile, young runners participated in the race itself, physically embodying the message of peace and contributing to a growing culture of giving. Their orderliness, cheerful presence, and collaborative spirit won praise from both participants and organizers alike, significantly boosting the overall success and satisfaction of the event. ‘Earth Run,’ now in its third year, has become one of Korea’s leading ...