'Embers of Memory'... 'Gwangju Chueok-ui Chungjang Festival' Heats Up

Spectacular Opening on the Main Stage at Geumnam-ro on the Night of the 2nd
Featuring Laser Shows and More, Kicking Off a Five-Day Schedule

The 21st Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival spectacularly opened on the night of the 2nd at the main stage in front of the May 18th Democratic Movement Memorial Hall, with many citizens participating.
[Photo by Kim Wanjung, Namdo Ilbo TV]

The 21st Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival, an honorary cultural tourism festival designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, began its five-day "Daedong (Great Unity) Festival" schedule on the night of the 2nd with a spectacular opening.

The theme of the opening ceremony was "The Spark of Memories," held from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM on the main stage in front of the May 18th Democratic Movement Memorial Hall, attracting a large crowd of citizens. Various senses remembered by the citizens, such as sight, hearing, and smell, were brought together through diverse performances, rekindling the spark of passion and signaling the start of the festival.

The opening performances featured Fusion MC and Harmonize, followed by stages from singers who stirred an era such as Bicycle Riding Scenery, DreamNote, SG Wannabe's Kim Jin-ho, and Turbo. Alongside these, fire shows performed by domestic and international fire performers were held to the cheers of the audience.

The laser show, which decorated the finale of the opening ceremony, adorned the entire Dong-gu district, the festival venue, with beautiful lights, captivating the audience's attention.

Im Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, said, "We will show the aspect of advancing into a global festival through various programs that all generations can enjoy together," adding, "I hope it becomes a grand festival where citizens can enjoy together and reminisce about memories."

Meanwhile, Dong-gu was recently designated as a "World Festival City" by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). The 21st Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival will be held from the 2nd to the 6th around Geumnam-ro, Chungjang-ro, and the May 18th Democratic Square area.