Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, expressed on August 15 that "the courage and sacrifice of our forebears, who gave everything to reclaim our nation, have become the solid foundation of a free and prosperous Republic of Korea."
On that morning, Mayor Shin attended the '81st Liberation Day Ceremony' held at the city hall's Onnuri Room, reflecting on the historical significance of liberation and sharing the joy of freedom with independence activists, their families, and members of the Liberation Association.
The ceremony included an opening, a national tribute, a commemorative speech by Im Kyung-soo, head of the Seongnam chapter of the Liberation Association, Mayor Shin's congratulatory address, a performance by the Seongnam City Arts Group, singing of the Liberation Day song, and a cheer for independence.
In his address, Mayor Shin stated, "The steadfast will and spirit of sacrifice shown by our forebears laid the groundwork for our liberation. We will carry forward the emotions of that day and the spirit of independence to vigorously open the future of both the Republic of Korea and Seongnam."
Through the ceremony, Mayor Shin clearly conveyed his message that the values of liberation achieved through the sacrifices of our forebears will be translated into administrative efforts to improve citizens' lives and enhance Seongnam's future competitiveness.
Mayor Shin emphasized, "The 9th term of the elected government will create tangible changes under the vision of 'Seongnam, the Standard of Korea,' realizing a city where all citizens can feel pride," adding, "We will carry on the spirit of 'a country with a solid foundation' emphasized by Ahn Chang-ho and 'a country of high culture' envisioned by Kim Gu in Seongnam."
This aligns with the core direction of the 9th term, which is 'Rightly, Quickly, Completing Hopeful Seongnam.'
Mayor Shin plans to rapidly implement changes in the livelihood sector that directly affect citizens' lives based on transparent and trusted administration, while also pushing forward policies to enhance Seongnam's future competitiveness, including redevelopment in Bundang and the old city, advanced industries, future mobility, and transportation network expansion.
Above all, during the 9th term, he is committed to policies that enhance both citizens' lives and urban competitiveness, such as completing a diamond-shaped advanced industry belt, fostering future industries like artificial intelligence and data, addressing subway blind spots, promoting the Gyeonggi Southern Metropolitan Railway, and providing welfare throughout the life cycle, including 'end-of-life care at home.'
Citizens attending the ceremony reflected on the meaning of liberation while holding the national flag, observing the event in a calm yet meaningful atmosphere.
Independence activists, their families, and members of the Liberation Association took time to remember the sacrifices of their forebears, while citizens also reflected on the importance of safeguarding today's freedom and prosperity.
The event featured a congratulatory performance by the Seongnam City Arts Group, singing of the Liberation Day song, and cheers for independence, creating a moment to share the significance of liberation with the community.
Meanwhile, Mayor Shin has identified creating tangible results that citizens can feel in their daily lives as a key task of his administration in the 9th term, continuing responsible governance that strengthens livelihoods and safety.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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