President Moon Vows to Overcome National Crisis at Tapgol Park, Birthplace of March 1st Movement

Theme of the 102nd March 1st Movement Anniversary:
"Proclaim to All Nations of the World"
Ryu Hyunjin Recites the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag via Video

[Asia Economy, Reporter Ryu Jungmin] On the morning of March 1, President Moon Jae-in attended the 102nd anniversary ceremony of the March 1st Movement, held at Tapgol Park in Seoul, the birthplace of the movement, and pledged to overcome the national crisis.

The ceremony, attended by President Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook, took place at Tapgol Park, which is not only the birthplace of the March 1st Movement in 1919, but also a site deeply imbued with the spirit of national independence.

The Blue House explained, "The ceremony was held at the Palgakjeong Pavilion, where citizens and students cried out for independence and read the Declaration of Independence 102 years ago. By doing so, we hoped to continue the noble spirit of patriotism and love for the nation demonstrated by our forebears who yearned for peace and independence."

This year's theme is "Proclaim to All Nations of the World." According to the Blue House, the theme reflects the resolute determination of the March 1st Movement to proclaim to the world that our people, having broken free from Japanese colonial rule, are an independent nation and a sovereign people, and that independence is essential for world peace and the common prosperity of humanity.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Blue House added, "The ceremony also carries the meaning that, just as our ancestors achieved independence through unity and determination in the face of Japanese aggression, the Republic of Korea now declares to the world its leap forward and challenge as a leading global nation."

This year's ceremony was hosted by Lee Jaehwa, a member of Dongwon Industries' External Cooperation Team and a descendant of an independence activist, along with announcer Jang Yewon.

In consideration of social distancing measures due to COVID-19, the ceremony was held on a small scale, with about 50 attendees, including independence patriots, members of the Liberation Association, descendants of independence activists, and key government officials.

The pledge of allegiance to the national flag was recited via video by Ryu Hyunjin, a Major League Baseball (MLB) player. The national anthem was sung in a video by about 170 athletes, including Lee Kangin from soccer, Choi Kyungju and Ko Jin-young from golf, and Kim Hasung from baseball, all of whom are active overseas.

For the "Reading of the Declaration of Independence," a total of seven individuals participated, including descendants of independence activists from around the world during the Japanese colonial era, sign language interpreters who serve as communication channels for people with disabilities, and multicultural celebrity representatives. After the reading, world-renowned cellist Hong Jinho performed a tribute to commemorate the significance of the March 1st Movement.

Meanwhile, in celebration of the 102nd anniversary of the March 1st Movement, a total of 275 independence activists were honored with government awards. During the ceremony, President Moon awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation and the Presidential Commendation to seven independence activists.

The Order of Merit for National Foundation was newly awarded for the achievements of General Hong Beomdo's late wife, Lee of Danyang, and his late son, Hong Yangsun, for their activities as righteous army members. Woo Wonshik, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea and chairman of the Yeocheon Hong Beomdo Memorial Project Association, and Lieutenant Yeo Myunghun from the Navy Submarine Command's "Hong Beomdo" submarine received the awards on their behalf. The ceremony concluded with a three cheers for independence ("Manse Samchang") led by prospective medical professionals.