Civic Group Launches Music Initiative to Connect Island Memories, Invites Creators to Preserve Heritage

The Kuan Yu-Min Foundation held a launch press conference today for its "Resonance of Memory, Island Memory Music Connection Action." Attendees included singer Ili-Kao Lu and music researcher Hsu Rui-Kai. The organizers are encouraging musicians and businesses with similar ideals to join, expanding the connection of historical memory and building a foundation for a cohesive society. Yang Zong-Li, CEO of the Kuan Yu-Min Foundation, stated that after the Kuomintang came to Taiwan, martial law was declared on May 19, 1949, initiating a long period of White Terror history. Yang Zong-Li explained that Taiwanese people have long lived with two parallel historical memories: one of loyalty to the party and nation, where dictators were continuously beautified and mythologized; the other side recounts events like the Lin family murder case, where human rights defender Lin Yi-Hsiung's family was tragically killed. Yang Zong-Li expressed hope that through this action, a common historical memory for Taiwanese people can be established first, paving the way for a shared future. Taiwan's representative to Finland and lead singer of the band Chthonic, Freddy Lim, sent a video message, stating that during his international tours, organizations like Amnesty International often collaborated, hoping that the stories, ideals, and inspirations behind songs would provide unique insights and feelings to the audience. Freddy Lim added that he is deeply moved by the Kuan Yu-Min Foundation's use of music to foster a deeper understanding of White Terror memories among society and young people, and to transform musical appreciation into action, hoping more musicians and bands will join.