Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Completes 9-Month ‘Wonderful Life’ Project Supporting 567 National Veterans

Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch concluded a 9-month ‘Wonderful Life’ portrait project, visiting 10 veterans’ organizations 23 times and engaging 567 members through community outreach.

Shincheonji Volunteer Group | ‘Wonderful Life’ Project in Gwangju

Shincheonji Volunteer Group providing makeup support during the Wonderful Life longevity portrait project for national veterans

There are individuals who stood at the center of national crisis and conflict, choosing sacrifice over comfort. Today, many of those national veterans are elderly. According to official statistics from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the average age of national veterans has reached 76, reflecting a steadily aging population.

While institutional support continues through allowances, cultural programs, and medical benefits, questions remain about how communities can express respect in everyday life beyond policy measures.

Over nine months, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch carried out the “Wonderful Life” project as a practical community-based response.

👉 https://handsoflight1012.blogspot.com/2025/11/shincheonji-volunteer-group-expands.html

Visiting Veterans’ Organizations Across Gwangju

The Wonderful Life project was conducted over approximately nine months. During this period, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited 10 veterans’ organizations a total of 23 times.

Through these visits, 567 members were engaged, and 199 individuals received direct benefits. Originally scheduled to conclude in November, the project was extended until January due to positive responses from participating veterans’ organizations.

Rather than functioning as a one-time event, the initiative developed into a continuous outreach effort.

A longevity portrait session led by Shincheonji Volunteer Group as part of the Wonderful Life project honoring national veterans.

Beyond Photography

Preserving Service Through Portraits

The project centered on longevity portraits. However, the portraits were not treated as simple photography sessions. They served as symbolic acknowledgments of decades of service and sacrifice.

Participants were provided with portrait sessions along with makeup services, hand massages, and diffusers. These additional elements were incorporated to emphasize dignity and consideration.

Through repeated visits and direct interaction, the program documented not only images but lived experiences.

Intergenerational Engagement

Another component of the project involved exchanges between youth and veterans. These conversations created opportunities for younger generations to better understand experiences shaped by war and national hardship.

Participants expressed that being remembered and listened to provided comfort. The initiative demonstrated that conversation itself can carry meaning.

Continuing Veterans Support Activities

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch described the project as an effort to meet living heroes not as distant symbols, but as neighbors. The initiative aimed to cultivate everyday remembrance of sacrifice and contribution.

The branch stated that it plans to continue activities that expand a culture of respect for veterans and their families throughout the year.

👉 https://handsoflight1012.blogspot.com/2025/10/one-flower-project-honoring-korean-war.html

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch completed a nine-month portrait project combining remembrance, dialogue, and community engagement with national veterans.