Remembering the Cry of "Long Live Korean Independence"... Busan Regional Veterans Office Holds 99th Anniversary June 10th Independence Movement Ceremony

The Busan Regional Veterans Office of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Director Namil Lee) held a commemorative ceremony for the 99th anniversary of the June 10th Independence Movement on June 10 at the main auditorium of the Busan Veterans Hall, honoring the sacrifices and aspirations of the forebears who dedicated themselves to the restoration of national sovereignty.

The Busan Regional Veterans Office is holding a commemorative ceremony for the 99th anniversary of the June 10th Independence Movement. Photo by Busan Regional Veterans Office

Approximately 120 people attended the ceremony, including Namil Lee, Director of the Busan Regional Veterans Office, the Busan City Citizen Communication Advisor, heads and members of veterans’ organizations, and others.

The event proceeded in the following order: ▲national ceremony ▲reading of the declaration for the 10th anniversary of the June 10th Independence Movement (1936) ▲commemorative address ▲congratulatory remarks ▲commemorative performance ▲singing of the Song of the June 10th Independence Movement ▲three cheers for independence.

The June 10th Independence Movement was an anti-Japanese independence movement led by students in Seoul on June 10, 1926, coinciding with the funeral of Emperor Sunjong. The students prepared proclamations and Taegukgi flags in advance and shouted "Long live Korean independence" at various locations along the funeral procession. At that time, over 200 people were arrested, 11 ringleaders were sentenced to prison, and students from 55 schools across the country protested Japanese rule through a coordinated school strike.

Namil Lee, Director of the Busan Regional Veterans Office, who attended the ceremony, said, "I hope that today's ceremony will serve as an opportunity to once again remember the patriotic forebears' cries of 'Long live Korean independence' and to pledge our commitment to a hopeful future. I also hope that the spirit of 'Our Korea, Independence for All, United Cheers' will lead to national unity."

The June 10th Independence Movement, which will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026, holds great significance as a student-led anti-Japanese independence movement following the March 1st Movement. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs plans to continue promoting related commemorative projects and historical education with the interest and participation of the public.