(Clearwisdom.net) The International Truth-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition was held at a cultural center in Gimhae, South Korea from August 17 to 24, 2009.

Ribbon-cutting during the opening ceremony of the International Truth-Compassion-Forbearance Art Exhibition in Gimhae, Korea

Attendees carefully view the paintings

In the opening ceremony, Ms. Shin, a member of the Gyeongsangnam-do Province Assembly, said in her speech, "Truth-Com

passion-Forbearance is the universal value for human beings. I hope that people can have Truth-Compassion-Forbearance in their hearts and that peace and justice will be realized."

  Gyeongsangnam-do Province Assembly

She continued, "I feel strongly that it is my predestined relationship for me to stand here. Actually, I was scheduled to attend an assembly member seminar in Seoul, but the date was postponed. And another meeting of mine was completed earlier than scheduled. So I could come here directly after getting off the plane."

Mr. Kim and Mr. Choi, members of parliament from Gimhae, were unable to attend the ceremony due to parliament meetings, but they sent letters of congratulations.

Mr. Kim stated in his letter, "Gimhae citizens are fortunate to view the paintings of 12 world class artists including Professor Zhang Kunlun. These paintings are artistic exposure of the persecution of Falun Gong in China. Here, I express my appreciation to the Falun Dafa Association for sponsoring the exhibition."

He continued, "I hope every Gimhae resident can give the artists encouragement and support after viewing the paintings."

Congratulatory letter from Mr. Choi, member of Korean Parliament

Mr. Choi also sent congratulatory letter, "I appreciate the Falun Dafa Association and related personnel for their efforts to organize the art exhibition. The exhibition is a precious one for our citizens to enrich their cultural education. I wish the event great success."

Mr. Chang, Branch Director of Gimhae Branch of Korean Art Association

Assembly member Ms. Shin said, after viewing the paintings, "These paintings transcend religions and cultures. They spread the universal value of Truth-Compassion-Forbearance that human beings should pursue. It is great to practice Truth-Compassion-Forbearance. These paintings are very good."

Ms. Kim, the contact person in South Korea for the art exhibition has, "Since 2004, the exhibition has been touring in this country. This exhibition is the 89^th stop in the exhibition tour. Many people from all sectors of society have come to view the paintings."

Viewers gather to listen to the guide's explanation of a painting

An audience member, Ms. Park, who works for the city government and also does counseling for youth said, "These are unique paintings. I could feel the energy from them. I'll bring more people to view them." Later, she indeed brought some of her neighbors to see the paintings.

The next stop for the exhibition is Taegu, South Korea.