Gumi-si Holds 105th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony and Commemorative Event for President Park Jeong-hui's Birth

President Yoon Seok-yeol's Congratulatory Message, United Strength and Hope for a New Republic of Korea

Saemaeul Members from Gwangju and Jeonbuk Participate, Opening the Path to East-West Harmony

Gumi City Hall.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] On the morning of the 14th at 10 a.m., Gumi City in Gyeongbuk held the ‘President Park Chung-hee’s 105th Birthday Memorial Ceremony and Commemorative Event’ at the birthplace of President Park Chung-hee to reflect on his leadership, patriotism, and achievements, and to wish for a new Republic of Korea united in strength amid national security and economic crises.

The event was attended by about 10,000 people, including Kim Kwan-yong, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, Lee Cheol-woo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, Kim Jang-ho, Mayor of Gumi, National Assembly members Kim Young-sik and Koo Ja-geun, An Joo-chan, Chairman of the Gumi City Council, heads of institutions and organizations within Gyeongbuk Province, as well as nationwide memorial organizations and local residents who cherish the president.

Before the commemorative ceremony, a memorial rite was held at the birthplace memorial hall. The ceremony featured a fusion gugak (traditional Korean music) performance by the Noreutso Band, a powerful daebuk (large drum) performance by the Handure Performance Group, followed by the screening of a video commemorating the 105th birthday, a commemorative speech by Mayor Kim Jang-ho, a reading of a congratulatory message from President Yoon Suk-yeol, congratulatory speeches, a greeting from the bereaved family representative former National Assembly member Park Jun-hong, the Gumi City Choir’s performance of “Song of Toast,” and a mass singing of “My Country” by 10,000 participants.

In his commemorative speech, Mayor Kim Jang-ho expressed gratitude to the many visitors from across the country who came to celebrate President Park Chung-hee’s 105th birthday. He stated that through the future designation of Gumi as a K-semiconductor specialized complex and the attraction of a defense industry innovation cluster, they will restore the livelihood economy with hope and innovation, support the current government, and unite all capabilities to become a central force in protecting the Republic of Korea. He also called for uniting the will of all citizens to continue President Park Chung-hee’s legacy through the establishment of a memorial hall.

Despite the cold weather, about 120 people including members of the Jaegyeong Hometown Association and Saemaul members from Jeonbuk Province and Gwangju opened the path for East-West harmony beyond political factions. A photo exhibition celebrating the 105th birthday was also held, where attendees felt the joys and sorrows of the people during President Park Chung-hee’s era, shedding tears and sometimes cheering in celebration.

Major organizations in the Gumi area such as the Korea Supporters Volunteer Group, Gumi Tea Association, Gumihoe, Jungsuhoe, Gumi Saemaul Association, and the Barugesalgi Movement Gumi City Council provided rice cakes, tea service, and distributed calendars. The Gumi Police Station, Fire Station, Bareunyu Hospital, Marine Corps Veterans Association, Saemaul Traffic Volunteer Corps, and Police Autonomous Crime Prevention Corps supported the event with safety, medical, and traffic assistance, enabling a meaningful ceremony.