The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that the 81st Anniversary of Liberation Day ceremony will be held on August 15 at 10 a.m. at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
More than 3,000 people will attend the ceremony, including independence activists, their families, key national figures, representatives from political parties and religious groups, the diplomatic corps, and citizens and students.
This year's theme, "A Brighter Tomorrow, an Indispensable Republic of Korea," aims not only to honor the spirit of liberation achieved by past heroes but also to present a vision for the future of South Korea.
The ceremony will begin with an opening declaration, followed by a national ceremony, commemorative speeches, awards for independence activists, celebratory performances, a rendition of the Liberation Day song, and a collective shout of "Manse!" (Hooray!).
During the national ceremony, actor Ha Do-kwon, who portrayed Kim Gu in the documentary "Model Prison," will read the "Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag," and soprano Hwang Soo-mi will sing the national anthem.
A thematic video will highlight the aspirations of past heroes and the history of South Korea's achievements, showcasing the journey toward becoming a cultural powerhouse, a global nation, and a self-reliant defense state, as envisioned by independence activists like Kim Gu, Ahn Chang-ho, and Lee Hoi-young, who are commemorated this year on the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth, designated by UNESCO.
The celebratory performances will unfold in three acts. The first act, "Today, the Republic of Korea," will feature videos showcasing the nation's impressive status in K-culture, the semiconductor industry, and global diplomacy.
The second act, "Indispensable Republic of Korea," will feature VR artist Peony presenting a dynamic drawing performance that vividly illustrates the future envisioned by the three major mega-projects in semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
The final act, "One Team, One Dream," will see singer Choi Yoo-jung and a 40-member national choir perform "One Dream." The collective shout of "Manse!" will be led by Lee Jong-chan, the president of the Korean Liberation Association, descendants of independence activists, representatives of the three mega-projects, and Paralympic national team members, symbolizing unity across generations and fields.
Additionally, 283 individuals have been selected for government awards for their contributions to independence. Among them, five descendants of independence activists, including the late Choi Jun-rye, a teacher at Anshin Girls' School in Hwanghae Province who actively supported women's enlightenment activities and the provisional government, will receive honors during the ceremony.
Attendees will receive commemorative gifts featuring national symbols, such as keycap keychains, to encourage the display of the national flag and the rose of Sharon in daily life.
Furthermore, the city of Seoul will hold a "81st Liberation Day Bell-Ringing Ceremony" at Bosingak in Jongno starting at 11:30 a.m. on the same day. The bell will be rung 33 times in three groups of 11.
At the event, an AI photo booth will be available for attendees to capture moments against the backdrop of the liberation, and citizen participation programs will allow the public to explore the history of the independence movement through visits to historical sites.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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