Events Mark 1 Million Visitors to the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition

The “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition, hosted by the Church of God and organized by Melchizedek Publishing, has surpassed 1 million visitors. The milestone marks a meaningful achievement for the exhibition, which has highlighted a mother’s love and sacrifice and the value of family, drawing a warm response from the public over the past 13 years.

To commemorate the milestone, commemorative events were held on June 7 and 21 at the Church in Hoseong, Jeonju, and the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, respectively. About 3,000 people attended the June 21 event at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, including figures from political and government circles, academia, education, and the legal community, as well as visitors and Church members. Together, they looked back on the exhibition’s journey and reflected on the significance of reaching 1 million visitors.

In his commemorative address, General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol reflected on the significance of the milestone, saying, “One million is more than simply a visitor count. It is a number filled with people’s longing for their mothers and the tears they have shed while remembering the gratitude and love they were unable to express.” He added, “I hope the inspiration from the exhibition will extend into people’s lives, families, and communities, creating a virtuous cycle in which they share with those around them the love they received from their mothers.” Congratulatory messages from people in various fields followed.

The commemorative event also featured video presentations and celebratory performances. A video tracing the exhibition’s journey highlighted how the “Our Mother” exhibition has touched the hearts of visitors across generations and borders and inspired positive change. Heartfelt comments from visitors also resonated with the audience, including, “After seeing the exhibition, I immediately called my mother,” and “I realized that a mother is the very force that can bring a divided society together.” Video adaptations of writings featured in the exhibition, including “The Secret of the Warm Ondol Room” and “Mom and the Full Moon Bread,” brought the moving stories of the exhibition to life on screen.

The performances that followed featured an orchestra, a youth choir, and vocal ensembles. The program ranged from lyrical pieces such as “Cinema Paradiso” from the soundtrack to the film Cinema Paradiso and the Korean art song “Nostalgia,” to a medley of children’s songs evoking memories of childhood, mothers, and hometowns, as well as the Korean traditional fusion piece “Beautiful Country.” The diverse melodies left a lasting impression on the audience.

In an age when artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are rapidly transforming the world, people still need the warmth that brings comfort to the heart. Attendees agreed that this enduring need is one reason the exhibition has continued to resonate with the public over the years. Professor Lee Hyeong-ju of the College of Global Integrated Studies at Hallym University said, “No matter how advanced AI technology becomes, it cannot replace human emotion and love. The ‘Our Mother’ exhibition reminds us of fundamental human values and the warm connection between people—things technology cannot provide.” Jeong Gyeong-jo, Governor of South Pyongan Province under the Committee for the Five Northern Korean Provinces, said, “At a time when conflict and antagonism are deepening, I hope the ‘Our Mother’ exhibition will contribute to creating a peaceful and warm society through love.” L. Khash-Erdene, Counselor and Head of the Consular Section at the Embassy of Mongolia in Korea, said, “I hope the exhibition will continue to be a place that offers comfort and hope to those going through difficult times.”

First opened at the Church of God in Gangnam, Seoul, in 2013, the “Our Mother” exhibition has become a long-running exhibition, with requests for additional showings pouring in. It has since toured 77 locations across Korea, expanding from six metropolitan cities to smaller and midsized cities. Through writings, photographs, and mementos filled with cherished memories, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the mother they hold in their hearts, fotering empathy and harmony across generations. The exhibition has continued to receive favorable media coverage for its positive contributions, including the restoration of filial piety and the sharing of culture. In recognition of these efforts, the Church of God, which hosts the exhibition, has received around 30 awards and commendations from institutions in Korea and abroad. The exhibition has also expanded internationally to countries including the United States, Chile, and Peru.

Currently, the “Our Mother” exhibition continues to welcome visitors at its permanent exhibition hall in Jeju, as well as at exhibitions in Incheon, Daejeon, and Seongnam.

Commemorative Event at the Church of God in Hoseong, Jeonju, Draws Strong Interest

On June 7, a commemorative event marking 1 million visitors to the “Our Mother” Writing and Photo Exhibition was held at the Church of God in Hoseong, Jeonju, drawing interest and congratulations from the local community. In North Jeolla Province, the exhibition has been held five times in Jeonju, Iksan, and Gunsan, bringing a quiet but lasting sense of inspiration to local communities.

About 800 Church members and local residents attended the event. In addition to performances by an orchestra and a youth choir and screenings of videos about the exhibition’s planning and featured works, Na Yu-in, former Chief of the Iksan Police Station, gave a short lecture on the theme “A Mother’s Love and the Spirit of Filial Piety.”

Interviews With Attendees

“I am grateful to the Church of God for hosting such a meaningful exhibition that promotes love within families, and I congratulate the exhibition on reaching 1 million visitors. Personally, I believe the impact of the ‘Our Mother’ exhibition has already reached far beyond 1 million people. I hope it will continue to help guide our society in the right direction.” Park Jong-gil, Former Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism

“Helping people appreciate a mother’s love and devotion contributes to preserving and developing our traditional family culture. At a time when family breakdown is becoming increasingly common, I hope the ‘Our Mother’ exhibition will help Korea’s proud family culture flourish and spread throughout the world.” Yoo In-hak, Vice President of the Korean Constitutional Association

“I believe we need to remind society of a mother’s love and strengthen family bonds, including through educational institutions. There is growing concern that love is becoming increasingly scarce as times change. I hope this meaningful exhibition will continue to expand around the world.” Heo Gyeong-haeng, Chairman of Gwangju City Council, Gyeonggi Province

“The Church of God deserves praise for presenting such a heartwarming exhibition as the ‘Our Mother’ exhibition. It reminds people of the meaning and value of filial piety. I believe it can also help bridge the gap between generations, especially if more young people visit the exhibition.” Park Yong-geun, Member of the Jeonbuk State Council

“In this era of nuclear families, relationships between parents and children and among siblings are becoming increasingly distant. The warm love portrayed in the ‘Our Mother’ exhibition has the power to revive love within families. After all, everything begins with the family. I hope the exhibition will contribute not only to harmony within families but also to peace in local communities and throughout the nation.” Kang Sang-seop, Former Mayor of Uiwang

“Today, I witnessed a beautiful effort to share a mother’s love with the world. At a time when numerous conflicts are taking place around the globe, the Church of God is serving as a channel of love, playing an admirable role in bringing comfort to people’s hearts and minds. I am grateful to have been invited to this meaningful occasion.” Gabriel Mizerani, Lieutenant Colonel and Chaplain, U.S. Forces Korea

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