Gangbuk-gu, Grand Finale of the April 19 National Cultural Festival

Official Event and Eve Ceremony on the 18th, 4·19 Revolution 62nd Anniversary Ceremony on the 19th... Large Crowds Gather Amid Complete Lifting of Social Distancing to Connect with Many Spectators at the Rock (Rak) Festival

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The representative event of Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo), the ‘4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival,’ concluded with the Rock Festival on the 18th and the 62nd Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of the 4·19 Revolution on the 19th.

The 4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival is a citizen cultural festival honoring the patriotic martyrs who sacrificed for the 4·19 Revolution. Gangbuk-gu has been organizing the event for 10 years from 2013 to this year in collaboration with the 4·19 Democratic Revolution Association, the 4·19 Revolution Victims’ Families Association, and the 4·19 Revolution Meritorious Persons Association.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the festival, the programs became more diverse, attracting many citizens to participate.

On the 9th, the newly planned ‘4·19 Democracy Road’ was held as a 1-night, 2-day program at the Uidong Family Camping Site, where families learned about the 4·19 Revolution together. The 72 participants enjoyed the festival by trekking the pilgrimage trail, experiencing mountain culture, attending music performances, and participating in recreational activities at the Uidong Family Camping Site, which opened last year.

Additionally, on the 15th, the ‘5th International Academic Conference’ was held to globalize the spirit of the 4·19 Revolution. Professor David Mitchell from the UK, Professor Monti Narayan Datta from the USA, and Yuyun Wayuning Groom, the Indonesian representative of the ASEAN Human Rights Commission, participated and presented on global democracy and the 4·19 Revolution. Afterwards, Professor Nam Young-ho from Shinhan University, Professor Ahn Byung-jin from Kyung Hee University, Professor Kim Aram from Hallym University, and Manager Kim Chan-ho from the Democracy Movement Commemoration Project held a discussion reflecting on the academic significance of the ‘4·19 Revolution.’

The ‘National University Student Debate Competition,’ held for nine years, also took place on the 17th. University students who reached the finals engaged in a heated debate on the theme ‘Youth Speak on Democracy’ regarding the spirit of the 4·19 Revolution. The final victory went to the ZooMin team, consisting of Lee Joon-sang from Yonsei University, Kang Seung-yoon from Seoul National University, and Lee Yoon-i.

On the 18th, with the full lifting of social distancing measures, a large crowd gathered at the 4·19 Revolution Commemoration Day Eve event venue, which was set up along approximately 600 meters from Gangbuk-gu Office Intersection to Gwangsan Intersection.

The eve event, which began at 1 p.m., featured 37 diverse programs including citizen participation and related organizations’ programs, and a 1960s-themed zone experience event.

First, the ‘4·19 Revolution Outdoor Cultural Performance’ on the small performance stage drew attention. The Gangbuk-gu arts group performed Samulnori (traditional Korean percussion), signaling the start of the eve event, followed by busking performances by local youth bands and university bands.

Also, citizen participation programs reflecting the meaning of the 4·19 Revolution were held at official event booths. A total of 31 booths operated, including the Bukhansan Station History Restoration Committee, Mia-dong Environmental Group, Tarot Story, Saemaeul Phrase Gangbuk Branch, and the Korea Connection Promotion Association.

At the ‘4·19 Theme Exhibition Hall,’ records related to the Daegu 2·28, Daejeon 3·8, Masan 3·15, the 4·19 Revolution, and the application for UNESCO Memory of the World registration of 4·19 Revolution records were displayed.

Citizens also participated in making 4·19 butterfly balloons, 4·19 emblem face painting, 4·19 emblem drawing experiences, and enjoyed nostalgic games and photo zones from the 1960s, continuing the festival until 6 p.m.

From 7 p.m., the ‘4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival Official Ceremony’ began, with announcer Choi Won-jung invited to host.

The event started with a shamanistic ritual performance honoring the souls of patriotic martyrs and a moment of silence for the war heroes. This was followed by a memorial poem reading by poet Choi Dae-nam, and performances of pansori (traditional Korean narrative singing) and choir to continue the memorial.

Afterwards, the event proceeded with a cultural festival progress report by Gangbuk-gu Mayor Park Kyum-soo, an opening declaration by Park Jong-gu, Chairman of the 4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival Committee, congratulatory remarks by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and encouragement speeches by members of the National Assembly and VIPs.

From 8 p.m., the Rock Music Festival continued with performances by singers Norazo, Kim Yeon-ja, Cherry Bullet, Baek Ji-young, and Dynamic Duo, with many citizens enjoying the cultural festival amid the heated atmosphere.

On the 19th, the 62nd Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of the 4·19 Revolution, hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, was held at the National 4·19 Democratic Cemetery, marking the conclusion of the 10th Anniversary 4·19 Revolution National Cultural Festival.

Gangbuk-gu Mayor Park Kyum-soo said in the cultural festival progress report, “For over two years, all citizens have suffered due to COVID-19,” and added, “Seeing many people gather to attend the 4·19 Cultural Festival as social distancing was lifted on the 18th, I feel that daily life is gradually recovering.” He also stated, “Through this festival, we will strive to pass on the spirit of the 4·19 Revolution to the younger generation and work to brighten the future of democracy in our country.”