PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGI PROVINCE — In the ongoing dispute over the South Korean government’s plans to take land from farmers for the expansion of an American military base, there have been some recent developments. In a surprise move, Seoul announced in early December that the expansion of the U.S. Army’s Camp Humphreys would be delayed five years, citing a delay in construction and differences over costs. Factoring into the construction delay have been the protests of residents of Daechuri village who have refused to be relocated.

Then on Dec. 27, Kim Ji-tae, one of the leaders of the protest, was released from prison, where he had been held since June 2006 on charges of obstructing civil affairs. His wife, aunt, parents and villagers — their eyes filled with tears — greeted Kim at the prison with open arms. When asked if he would still fight the U.S. base expansion, Kim responded, “Nothing has changed. My heart is with the villagers.”

But after more than a year of witnessing South Korean troops demolish homes and block access to their farmlands with barbed wire, the villagers have begun negotiations with the government, which has offered to relocate them individually. But the villagers have said that they are willing to discuss relocation only if the entire community is moved together. The villagers’ demand remains the same: to live in peace and to preserve the communal fabric that has sustained their health, spirit and livelihoods. In the meantime, candlelight vigils are still held nightly to fuel their spirit and determination.

The residents of Pyeongtaek are reminders that ordinary citizens can change the world. These elderly farmers have spread their seeds of hope and courage, fighting to preserve a way of life grounded in respect and love for the land and for one another. But their struggle is not over. Cut off from their farmlands since May, they have not been able to generate any income from their farms and have been incurring debt.

A support committee here in the United States, facilitated by New York-based nonprofit Nodutdol, has launched a campaign to raise funds that will provide heat and basic supplies for the villagers. If you would like to contribute, send checks to Nodutdol (53-22 Roosevelt Ave., 2nd Floor, Woodside, New York 11377), and be sure to include “Pyeongtaek Funds” in the memo.