In 2025, the Korean Peninsula will mark 80 years of division. During the Cold War era, interactions across the border were prohibited, and both sides dehumanized each other through propaganda. In ROK, for instance, children were encouraged to participate in anti-communism art contests until the 1980s. Narratives of fear and animosity shaped these children.

Recognizing the need to break this cycle, Okedongmu Children in Korea (OKCK) launched the 'Hello, My Friend' campaign in 1996. At a time when the DPRK appealed for international humanitarian aid, OKCK sought to prevent the perpetuation of hatred and war. ROK children drew self-portraits and friendship messages for their peers in the DPRK. These artworks were delivered to DPRK authorities, and the initiative eventually facilitated a historic visit of ROK children to Pyongyang—the first of its kind.

In 2000, the Friends of Northeast Asia Children's Art Exhibition Organizing Committee in Japan added momentum to these efforts. The committee organized annual exhibitions and workshops in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Pyongyang.

The Drawing Hope: Children’s Art for Peace exhibition debuted in Los Angeles in November 2023. As home to the largest Korean diaspora in the U.S., Los Angeles provided a poignant backdrop for reflecting on the legacy of the Korean conflict. In 2024 and 2025, the exhibition travelled to Belfast, Northern Ireland, and to Cape Town, South Africa, offering a valuable opportunity for mutual learning between societies affected by protracted conflict.

Since then, the participating organizations in the Drawing Hope network have been gathering children's drawings from their respective societies. As the collection continues to grow with contributions from more countries, Drawing Hope aims to amplify the imagination and message of hope, fostering both intergenerational solidarity and meaningful dialogue across generations.